Ed Dickson

Edward James Dickson (born July 25, 1987) is an American football tight end for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League (NFL). He attended Bellflower High School.

Early years
Dickson played football at Bellflower High School and played on both offense and defense, playing tight end and defensive end. Dickson led his team in receiving yards and quarterback sacks during his senior season, and by his performance he was named Southeast-South Coast Lineman of the-Year by the L.A. Times. Dickson's high school awards include Best in the West Honorable Mention tight end/linebacker by the Long Beach Press-Telegram, First-team All-Suburban League and First-Team All-league pick (offense and defense).

College career
Dickson enrolled to University of Oregon and was redshirted. Dickson spent time with the defensive ends, but Dickson ended as the tight end in the team's depth chart behind Dante Rosario. He played 13 games as a defensive lineman in 2006.

In 2009, Dickson was selected to the preseason watch list for the Mackey Award, given out to the nation's best tight end.

On September 27, 2009, Dickson was named the national player of the week by the Walter Camp Football Foundation. He earned the honors after catching 11 passes for 148 yards and 3 touchdowns in an upset of the 6th ranked California Golden Bears.

He earned his degree in Family and Human Services.

Awards and honors

 * Pac-10 offensive player of the week for the week of September 26, 2009
 * 2008 Second Team All-Pac-10
 * 2008 3rd-Team Pacific-10 All-Conference (Phil Steele)

Pre-draft
Dickson was regarded as one of the best tight ends available in the 2010 NFL Draft.

Baltimore Ravens
Dickson was drafted in the third round (70th overall) by the Baltimore Ravens. The pick was one of three that the Ravens acquired in a trade with the Denver Broncos on the first night of the draft on April 22. The Broncos received a first-round pick which was used to select Tim Tebow. Dickson signed a three-year contract on July 2, 2010.

As backup to veteran Todd Heap, Dickson hulled in 11 receptions, 153 yards, and one touchdown. However, the following year marked big changes for Dickson. Heap was released, and Dickson found himself in a battle with Dennis Pitta for the starting job. Also, Dickson switched from #83 to #84 after Lee Evans became a Raven. Dickson was the main starter in 2011, and caught five touchdowns.