Billy Joe DuPree

Billy Joe DuPree (born March 7, 1950) is a former professional American football tight end in the National Football League who played his entire career (1973–1983) for the Dallas Cowboys.

Early years
DuPree was born and reared in Monroe, Louisiana. He played high school football at Richardson High School in West Monroe, Louisiana, winning the school's division State Championship two of the 3 years he played while serving as a co-captain his senior year.

College career
DuPree played collegiately at Michigan State University. He is recognized as the greatest tight end in Michigan State history, even though he had few opportunities to prove his true worth in the Spartans run-oriented offense. DuPree led his team in receiving as a junior in 1971 (25 catches, 414 yards, three touchdowns) and as a senior was the team's co-captain in 1972 (23 catches for 406 yards). Nevertheless, that was enough to get him noticed for All-America honors.

DuPree was the last tight end to lead Michigan State University in receiving. He ended his collegiate career with 69 receptions.

Professional career
DuPree was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the first round (20th overall) of the 1973 NFL Draft.

Known as a superb blocker and pass receiver, DuPree was one of the top tight ends of his era.

He caught 267 passes for 3,565 yards and 42 touchdowns. He also rushed for 178 yards and a touchdown on 28 carries.

He was selected to three consecutive Pro Bowls,(1976–1978), NFC All Pro and assisted his team to a 27–10 victory over the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XII. DuPree was the top receiver of the game with four catches for 66 yards. He also played in Super Bowl X and scored a touchdown in Super Bowl XIII; in both games the Cowboys came up short against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Even though tight ends during his era were expected to block more than feature their receiving skills, Dupree to this day, still leads all Cowboys tight ends with 41 touchdown catches (tied with current Cowboy tight end Jason Witten). He scored at least one touchdown in each of his 11 seasons.

The durable DuPree never missed a game in his 11 seasons in the league and was part of the franchise's legacy of Pro Bowl tight ends that includes: Jim Doran, Dick Bielski, Lee Folkins, Mike Ditka, Jackie Smith, Doug Cosbie, Jay Novacek and Jason Witten. He was also a Cowboys co-captain and recognized as the team’s NFL Man of the Year.

Post-football life and awards
More recently, he has become involved in many charities, including the Shriner's, as well as other inner city youth groups. He is an active participant in most NFL Alumni Children's Charity events. He was elected to the Blue–Gray Football Classic Hall of Fame, the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and the Texas State African-American Sports Hall of Fame. Dupree is a member of Omega Psi Phi.

DuPree was mentioned in a joke on King of The Hill entitled "New Cowboy On The Block".