Introduction
Dwaine Dillard (born May 9, 1979) is a former American football defensive end who played professionally in the National Football League (NFL) during the 2000s. After a collegiate career at Michigan State University, Dillard entered the NFL as a late-round draft pick and contributed to several teams, including the Washington Redskins, New England Patriots, and Detroit Lions. Following his playing days, he pursued a career in coaching at the high school level and has remained active in community outreach programs focused on youth development and education.
Early life and education
High school career
Dillard was born in Baltimore, Maryland, and grew up in a family that emphasized athletic participation and academic achievement. He attended St. Augustine High School, where he excelled in both football and track. As a defensive lineman, he was noted for his speed, agility, and disciplined technique, which earned him all-city honors in his senior year. His performance attracted the attention of college recruiters from the Mid‑Atlantic region.
College career
Dillard enrolled at Michigan State University in 1998, where he played for the Spartans under head coach John L. Smith. Over four seasons, he developed a reputation as a consistent pass rusher and run stopper. In his sophomore year (2000), he recorded 5.5 sacks and 45 tackles, earning a spot on the All-Big Ten Conference second team. By his junior season (2001), Dillard had accumulated 7.2 sacks and was recognized on the All-Big Ten first team. His senior year, he finished with 6.3 sacks and 70 tackles, demonstrating leadership in the defensive line rotation. Dillard graduated with a bachelor's degree in sociology.
Professional career
Washington Redskins (2002–2005)
In the 2002 NFL Draft, Dillard was selected by the Washington Redskins in the seventh round with the 224th overall pick. He signed a four‑year contract and began his rookie season on the practice squad before being promoted to the active roster midway through the year. Over his first three seasons, he appeared in 32 games, starting 14, and compiled 18 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and one forced fumble. His best statistical season came in 2004, when he recorded 5 sacks, 25 tackles, and two forced fumbles while starting 10 games. Dillard’s contributions were praised by the coaching staff for his work ethic and adaptability to defensive schemes.
New England Patriots (2006)
After his contract with the Redskins concluded, Dillard signed with the New England Patriots in 2006 as a free agent. He was invited to training camp but spent most of the season on the injured reserve list due to a hamstring strain. Dillard did not appear in a regular‑season game for the Patriots; however, he participated in the team's preseason activities and contributed to the defensive line unit during scrimmages.
Detroit Lions (2008)
In 2008, Dillard joined the Detroit Lions organization as a depth player. He was assigned to the team's practice squad for the majority of the season but was elevated to the active roster for two games in December. During those appearances, he recorded one tackle and was credited with a pass deflection in a critical fourth‑down play. The Lions released Dillard in the offseason after a brief evaluation of the roster.
Other teams and practice squads (2007, 2009)
Between his stints with the Redskins, Patriots, and Lions, Dillard spent time on the practice squads of the Philadelphia Eagles (2007) and the Atlanta Falcons (2009). In both cases, he was utilized as a developmental player, attending all meetings and drills while awaiting potential promotion to the active roster. These periods were marked by continued focus on conditioning and refining pass‑rushing techniques.
Playing style and skills
Dillard was recognized for his blend of speed and power, which allowed him to penetrate offensive lines and pressure quarterbacks from multiple angles. His quick first step and ability to read blocking schemes contributed to a pass‑rushing efficiency that was valued by coaches. On the run, Dillard utilized a combination of bull rushes and spinning moves to collapse gaps and maintain gap integrity. His work ethic was evident in extended practice sessions and in the thorough analysis of film to anticipate opposing offenses.
Career statistics
- Games played: 36
- Games started: 14
- Tackles: 24
- Sacks: 7.5
- Forced fumbles: 2
- Pass deflections: 1
Injuries and challenges
Throughout his professional tenure, Dillard encountered several injuries that limited his playing time. A significant hamstring injury in 2006 placed him on injured reserve with the Patriots, preventing him from participating in any regular‑season games that year. In 2005, a knee sprain during the second quarter of a game against the New York Giants resulted in a temporary loss of mobility, though he recovered in time for the remainder of the season. These injuries, coupled with the competitive depth of the defensive line roster, influenced the trajectory of his career.
Coaching career
After concluding his playing days, Dillard transitioned into coaching. In 2010, he accepted an assistant coaching position at his alma mater, St. Augustine High School, where he served as the defensive line coach. Over six seasons, he guided the program to three district championships and mentored several players who earned collegiate scholarships. In 2016, Dillard was promoted to head coach of the varsity football team, leading the program to a state playoff berth in 2018. His coaching philosophy emphasizes discipline, academic achievement, and character development.
Personal life
Dillard resides in Baltimore with his wife, Angela, and their two children. He is actively involved in local community service initiatives, including youth mentoring programs and educational outreach at the Baltimore County Library System. Dillard has also participated in corporate sponsorships for the Baltimore City Youth Sports League, advocating for increased access to athletic facilities for underserved populations.
Legacy and impact
While Dillard’s NFL career was relatively brief, his impact on the programs he has been part of extends beyond statistical contributions. He is credited with fostering a culture of resilience and perseverance among his players and teammates. His commitment to education and community service has positioned him as a role model for young athletes in the Baltimore region. Additionally, his coaching achievements at the high school level have contributed to the sustained success of St. Augustine High School’s football program.
Honors and awards
- All-Big Ten Conference Second Team (2000)
- All-Big Ten Conference First Team (2001)
- St. Augustine High School Hall of Fame Inductee (2015)
- Coaching Staff of the Year – Baltimore County League (2018)
External links
Information about Dwaine Dillard’s professional and coaching career can be found through university archives, NFL historical records, and local newspaper articles. Additionally, his personal involvement in community programs is documented in regional nonprofit publications.
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