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Chris Dixon (American football)

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Chris Dixon
Cactus Shadows Falcons
Position:Head coach
Personal information
Born: (1981-11-15) November 15, 1981 (age 43)
Oakland, California, U.S.
Height:6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Weight:200 lb (91 kg)
Career information
High school:Richmond (CA)
College:Contra Costa (2000–2001)
Humboldt State (2002–2003)
Undrafted:2003
Career history
As a player:
As a coach:
Career highlights and awards
As a player
As a coach
  • Montana Class B – Eastern champion (2020)
Career Arena League statistics
Comp-Att:111–182
Passing Yards:1,517
TD-INT:30–8
Rushing Yards:230
Rushing TDs:10
Stats at ArenaFan.com

Christopher Dixon II (born November 15, 1981) is a former professional indoor football quarterback who currently serves as the head coach for Cactus Shadows High School in Scottsdale, Arizona. He ended his long playing career with a stint for the Tampa Bay Storm of the Arena Football League (AFL) before returning to the Sioux Falls Storm near the end of their 2019 season. Dixon attended Contra Costa College for two years before attending Humboldt State University, where he was an all-conference player.

After failing to be drafted, Dixon played semi-professional outdoor football before becoming an indoor football player. In 2005, he made his professional debut with the Black Hills Red Dogs, playing both quarterback and wide receiver. Upon his release, Dixon signed with the Billings Mavericks, where he would play for 5 seasons, winning 3 championships and throwing 369 touchdowns. Upon the folding of the Billings franchise, Dixon signed with the Sioux Falls Storm, where he won two championships in as many seasons. In 2012, Dixon signed with the Orlando Predators, it was the first time in Dixon's career that he played arena football instead of indoor football.

Dixon is considered the greatest indoor football quarterback of all time, winning six championships, as well as the first indoor football player to throw for 500 career touchdowns.[1] He was inducted into the Indoor Football League Hall of Fame in 2015.

College career

Dixon attended Contra Costa College for two years before attending Humboldt State University for his final two years of school.[2]

Professional career

Oakland Vipers

Dixon played for the Oakland Vipers of the Golden State Amateur Football League (GSAFL) for a single season in 2003, and he held the record for the most passing yards in a single game (471) as of 2005.[3]

Eastside Hawks

Dixon began playing indoor football when he signed with the Eastside Hawks, who at the time was playing semi-professional in the Northwest Football League (NWFL).[3] He led the Hawks to an NWFL Championship, allowing them to enter the North American Football League (NAFL) national playoffs where they won the NAFL National Championship.[4][5] Dixon won Championship Game MVP and NWFL Rookie of the Year honors.[3]

Black Hills Red Dogs

In 2005, Dixon signed with the Black Hills Red Dogs of United Indoor Football. While with the Red Dogs, Dixon played quarterback, receiver, and defensive back, completing 59 of 114 passes for 493 yards with five touchdowns, while also having 12 receptions for 202 yards and three touchdowns. After starting the season 0–7, however, Dixon asked to be released from the team due to family affairs.[6]

Billings Mavericks / Outlaws

Dixon quickly signed with the Billings Mavericks of the National Indoor Football League (NIFL), where he would split time with Bob Bees at quarterback during the remainder of the 2005 season.[2] Dixon led the Outlaws to three championships (2006, 2009 & 2010) throughout his five seasons with the team.[7]

Sioux Falls Storm

In 2012, Dixon threw his 500th career touchdown pass, when he hit James Terry with a 42-yard pass during a May 19 game against the Green Bay Blizzard.[7] With his 500th touchdown, Dixon became the 10th player to throw for a 500th touchdown at any professional level.

Orlando Predators

Dixon has signed with the Orlando Predators of the Arena Football League for the 2013 season.[8] Dixon was named the backup quarterback to Kyle Rowley to start the season. In the Predators first game, Dixon appeared in one play, a zone read play near the goalline, where Dixon was tackled for a 1-yard loss. Dixon didn't play again until the Predators' Week 3 game against the Philadelphia Soul. Dixon came in to replace the struggling Rowley, and completed 9 of 13 passes for 120-yards. Dixon also had 2 touchdown passes and one interception against the Soul.[9] Dixon was released in late May.

New Orleans VooDoo

On May 30, 2013, Dixon was assigned to the New Orleans VooDoo.[10] In Dixon's first game action with the VooDoo, he replaced starter Kurt Rocco, who was struggling against the San Antonio Talons' pass-rush. Dixon could evade defenders, running for 66 yards, and did not get sacked once. Dixon took over trailing 21–6 and led the VooDoo to a 56–53 loss after he was tripped up as he was attempting to make a pass on the final play of the game.[11] Dixon's playing style caught the attention of many in the league. Dixon is one of the few players to ever play arena football out of the shotgun.[12] Dixon's play helped the VooDoo fight to get back into the playoff picture for 2013.[13]

Sioux Falls Storm (second stint)

On January 6, 2014, it was announced that Dixon would be returning to the Storm, citing his desire to graduate from Augustana College and be close to his family as his reasons for return.[14] After the 2014 season, Dixon announced his retirement as a player.[1][15]

Tampa Bay Storm

Texas Revolution

Sioux Falls Storm (third stint)

After making it to their 17th straight playoff appearance, the Storm signed Dixon for the 2019 IFL playoffs.[16] The Storm would go on to win the 2019 United Bowl, making it Dixon's ninth championship of his career.

Arizona Rattlers

On March 30, 2023, following quarterback Drew Powell being placed on short-term injured reserve, it was announced that Dixon was signed to the Arizona Rattlers.[17]

Coaching career

Billings Senior HS

In 2006 and 2007, Dixon coached at Billings Senior High School under head coach Mark Sulser.[18]

Billings Wolves

In late July 2014, the Billings Wolves of the Indoor Football League announced they had signed Dixon as head coach for their upcoming inaugural season.[1][15]

Shepherd HS

Before the 2019 season, Dixon was hired as the head coach of the Shepherd High School in Shepherd, Montana.[18]

Arizona Rattlers

Cactus Shadows HS

In July 2022, Cactus Shadows High School in Scottsdale, Arizona announced they had selected Dixon to lead their football program.[19] His first two seasons with the Falcons ended with a 4–6 record.

Head coaching record

Professional

League Team Year Regular season Postseason
Won Lost Win % Finish Won Lost Win % Result
IFL BIL 2015 5 9 .357 4th in Intense 0 0 –
IFL BIL 2016 8 8 .500 2nd in Intense 0 1 .000 Lost to Nebraska Danger in Intense Conference Wild Card Game
BIL totals 13 17 .433 0 1 .000
IFL totals 13 17 .433 0 1 .000
Career totals 13 17 .433 0 1 .000

High school

Year Team Overall Conference Standing Bowl/playoffs
Shepherd Mustangs (Montana High School Association) (2019–2020)
2019 Shepherd 4–5 4–2 3rd (B - Eastern Region) L MHSA Class B First Round
2020 Shepherd 4–4 4–1 1st (B - Eastern Region) L MHSA Class B First Round
Shepherd: 8–9 8–3
Cactus Shadows Falcons (Arizona Interscholastic Association) (2022–present)
2022 Cactus Shadows 4–6 1–4 4th (5A Northeast Valley Region)
2023 Cactus Shadows 4–6 0–5 6th (5A Northeast Valley Region)
2024 Cactus Shadows 6–4 1–4 6th (5A Northeast Valley Region)
Cactus Shadows: 14–16 2–13
Total: 22–25
      National championship         Conference title         Conference division title or championship game berth

Personal life

Dixon's oldest son Chishon played basketball at Montana State Billings before transferring to Montana Tech. His son Donivan plays for Cactus Shadows High School as the starting quarterback.

References

  1. ^ a b c Welsch, Jeff (July 31, 2014). "Dixon ready to take IFL by storm as coach". Billings Gazette. Billings, MT. Retrieved August 2, 2014.
  2. ^ a b Joe Kusek (May 20, 2005). "Mavericks turn to new QB for spark". Billings Gazette. Retrieved November 2, 2012.
  3. ^ a b c "Red Dogs sign pair of QBs; season starts Saturday". Rapid City Journal. March 15, 2005. Retrieved November 2, 2012.
  4. ^ Fisher, Darrell. "Hawks win back to back NWFL Championships". community.digitalsports.com. Retrieved December 31, 2023.
  5. ^ "2004 NAFL National Champions....EASTSIDE HAWKS". www.community.digitalsports.com. Digital Sports. November 18, 2004. Retrieved November 2, 2012.
  6. ^ "Red Dogs say Goodbye to QB/WR Chris Dixon". www.oursportscentral.com. OurSports Central. May 19, 2005. Retrieved November 2, 2012.
  7. ^ a b Ryan Minch (May 30, 2012). "Dixon etches name in record books with 500th career TD pass". Billings Gazette. Retrieved November 2, 2012.
  8. ^ Brendan Sonnone (November 19, 2012). "Chance of Chris Leak returning to Preds appears unlikely". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved November 20, 2012.
  9. ^ J.C. Carnahan (April 6, 2013). "Host Predators walloped by Philadelphia 61–33". Orlando Sentinel. Archived from the original on June 30, 2013. Retrieved April 15, 2013.
  10. ^ Rachel Whittaker (May 31, 2013). "New Orleans VooDoo acquires QB Chris Dixon and continues homestand Saturday against Cleveland". www.nola.com. NOLA Media Group. Retrieved July 2, 2013.
  11. ^ Gary Estwick (June 30, 2013). "VooDoo's Pat O'Hara noncommittal on naming starting QB". www.theadvocate.com. Capital City Press LLC. Retrieved July 2, 2013.
  12. ^ Nick Krueger (July 9, 2013). "VooDoo QB Chris Dixon stands tall, defies the odds". www.sportsnola.com. LeSEA Broadcasting. Archived from the original on August 20, 2013. Retrieved July 12, 2013.
  13. ^ Richard Obert (July 11, 2013). "Rattlers will have to be ready for VooDoo dual-threat QB Chris Dixon out of the shotgun". www.azcentral.com. Gannett. Retrieved July 12, 2013.
  14. ^ "Quarterback Chris Dixon returning to Storm". Argus Leader. Gannett. January 6, 2014. Archived from the original on January 7, 2014. Retrieved January 6, 2014.
  15. ^ a b "Billings Wolves name Chris Dixon head coach". Billings Gazette. Billings, MT. July 31, 2014. Retrieved August 3, 2014.
  16. ^ "Dixon Returns to the Storm for the IFL Playoffs". dakotanewsnow.com. Retrieved December 27, 2023.
  17. ^ "RATTLERS PLACE POWELL ON IR, SIGN QB CHRIS DIXON". Arizona Rattlers. Retrieved April 1, 2023.
  18. ^ a b Bofinger, Alec. "Indoor Football legend Chris Dixon taking the reins at Shepherd". montanasports.com. Retrieved December 27, 2023.
  19. ^ "CACTUS SHADOWS HIGH SCHOOL ANNOUNCED NEW HEAD FOOTBALL COACH". AZ Ed News. Cave Creek, AZ. June 7, 2022. Retrieved August 20, 2022.
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