G. Mike Dawson, first round, 1976, UA/Tucson HighΒ
The highest-drafted Tucsonan ever, Dawson, a defensive tackle, played 10 NFL seasons, mostly with St. Louis. On draft day 1976, he awoke at 6:30 a.m., but didnβt hear from St. Louis until almost noon. He was old school; his agent, ex-NFL lineman Ernie Wright, flew to Tucson and was taken by Dawson to interview with UA head coach Jim Young. Once approved by his coach, Dawson signed with Wright.
Life after football: He operated Tucsonβs first sports bar and ran a landscaping business. He died at 54 in 2008.Β
