The sports world lost a notable figure earlier this week, as Char-ron Dorsey, former offensive tackle for the Dallas Cowboys and the Houston Texans, passed away on Monday, March 4, 2024 at the age of 46.
The cause of his death was complications from a stroke, a sudden and impactful end to the life of a man remembered not just for his time on the football field but also for his substantial contributions away from the field.
Born in 1977, Dorsey’s football journey began at The Bolles School in Jacksonville, Florida, where he quickly made a name for himself, earning all-state honors. His prowess on the field led him to play for the Florida State Seminoles college football team, where he was a pivotal part of the team’s national championship win in 1999, earning All-ACC honors in the process.
Dorsey’s professional career began when the Dallas Cowboys selected him in the seventh round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played 12 games in the NFL, split between the Cowboys and the Texans before a career-ending knee injury in 2003 forced him to retire from professional football.
In his post-NFL life, Dorsey made his most enduring mark, turning to coaching youth football programs in his hometown of Jacksonville. He coached at both middle school and high school levels, leaving a lasting impact on young athletes through his mentorship and advocacy.
Dorsey was mainly celebrated for his role in leading Matthew Gilbert Middle School to an 87-5 record and three championships over ten seasons, a testament to his dedication and skill as a coach.
“He was very much about the kids and not just about football. He was teaching them about life,” shared one colleague in tribute to Dorsey’s approach to coaching and mentorship. This sentiment was echoed by many who knew him, highlighting Dorsey’s commitment to using football to teach broader life lessons and ensure his players’ well-being and success both on and off the field.
Dorsey’s legacy is also remembered through the personal stories of those he coached. One former player recalled, “He pushed us to be our best, not just as athletes but as young men. He cared about what we were doing in school and our lives at home. He was more than a coach; he was a mentor, a friend.”
Dorsey is survived by his son, C.J. Dorsey, now a defensive back at Ferris State University, who played for his father and continues his father’s legacy in the football world.
Visitation and funeral services for Dorsey were held in Jacksonville, Florida, bringing together family, friends, former teammates, and those he coached in a celebration of his life and legacy.
His impact, particularly in youth and high school football coaching, leaves a void in the Jacksonville community and the broader world of football.
