Who is Dexter Manley?
Dexter Keith Manley is an acclaimed American former professional football player whose career was spent mostly as a defensive end for the Washington Redskins (now Commanders). His fierce, relentless style on the field earned him the iconic nickname, Secretary of Defense. Manley was instrumental in the Redskins winning two Super Bowl championships.
His life story, however, is far more complex and compelling than his impressive statistics. Manley’s post-football journey involved bravely overcoming functional illiteracy, battling drug addiction, and ultimately becoming a powerful advocate for change. He is a true testament to the power of resilience.
| Details | Information |
| Full Name | Dexter Keith Manley |
| Born | February 2, 1959 |
| Hometown | Houston, Texas, U.S. |
| Height | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) |
| Weight | 253 lb (115 kg) |
| College | Oklahoma State University |
| NFL Draft | 1981, Round 5, 119th overall pick |
| Primary Teams | Washington Redskins (1981–1989) |
| Wife | Lydia Manley (current) |
| Children | Dalis, Derrick, and Dexter II (Total of three) |
| Parents | About his parents information is not publicly available |
| Net Worth | His net worth is not publicly available |
| Nickname | Secretary of Defense |
The Secretary of Defense on the Field
The Redskins drafted Manley in 1981, and he quickly cemented his reputation as a formidable pass rusher. His unique blend of power and speed made him a terror for opposing quarterbacks. He became a core part of the defense that powered Washington to victory in Super Bowl XVII and Super Bowl XXII.
The 1986 season was his best, culminating in a Pro Bowl selection and First-team All-Pro honors. He set a then-Redskins single-season sack record with a phenomenal 18.5 sacks. This dominance earned him a place in the Washington Commanders Ring of Fame.
After his tenure with the Redskins, Manley played briefly for the Phoenix Cardinals and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, his professional playing days in the NFL were approaching a tumultuous end.
A Powerful Journey Off the Field: The Unvarnished Truth
Manley’s on-field success masked significant private struggles. Throughout his college and early pro career, he maintained a secret: he was functionally illiterate. The catastrophic 1985 leg injury to teammate Joe Theismann shook Manley, forcing him to confront a life without football.
This realization, alongside a burgeoning drug addiction, became a catalyst for change. Manley bravely sought help for both issues, starting reading classes while still an active player. Learning to read and write became, in his own words, his greatest personal accomplishment. He co-authored the book, Educating Dexter, with Tom Friend, detailing his fight against illiteracy.
Unfortunately, his battle with drug abuse continued, resulting in his permanent ban from the NFL in 1991 after failing multiple drug tests. This addiction led to arrests and a prison sentence in the mid-1990s. Manley later played in the CFL for the Ottawa Rough Riders and Shreveport Pirates. Today, he channels his experiences into inspiring others, using his incredible journey to advocate for literacy and sobriety.
Conclusion
Dexter Manley’s narrative is a potent mix of professional glory and profound personal struggle. His story as a dominant NFL champion is permanently linked with his courageous battle against addiction and illiteracy. Having stared down his demons, Manley emerged as a powerful voice, demonstrating that true resilience is defined by the fights we win off the field.
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