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)

Professional career

Pre-draft

Pre-draft measurables

Ht	Wt	Arm length	Hand size	40-yd dash	10-yd split	20-yd split	20-ss	3-cone	Vert	Broad	BP
6 ft 4⅜ in	249 lb	33 in	9¾ in	4.59 s	1.64 s	2.69 s	4.59 s	7.32 s	34 in	9 ft 7 in	23 reps

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 pulled 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.

During the Ravens championship season in 2012, Dickson saw his role in the passing game decrease in favor of Pitta, though he often found himself on blocking duty.

During the 2013 season, however, Dickson was the starter for most of the season as Pitta suffered a hip fracture injury before the season began.

Carolina Panthers

On April 10, 2014, Dickson signed a one-year deal with the Carolina Panthers.

Dickson signed a three-year, $6.8 million contract extension on March 11, 2015.

During the 2015 season, the Panthers won 15 games during the season that set a team record for victories. The Panthers made it Super Bowl 50, but lost 24-10 to the Denver Broncos.

[ Source: Wikipedia ]