Former Bethel Park, Duquesne offensive lineman eager to join Steelers on free-agent contract
After graduating from Bethel Park, Jake Dixon matriculated to Lewis (Ill.) University to play volleyball.
One semester later, he was back home, attending classes and playing football at Duquesne.
The move paid off Saturday when the 6-foot-5, 310-pound offensive tackle agreed to sign a free agent contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
“The place (Lewis) was great, the people were great. It was just I missed football,” he said. “I couldn’t believe that I gave it up, and I did everything I could to get back.”
Dixon, a former tight end, set a Duquesne record by appearing in 50 games from 2017-21. He was named first-team All-Northeast Conference in his final two seasons.
“It’s unbelievable. I couldn’t ask for a better scenario and a better fit,” he said of playing for the Steelers. “I’ve been a Steelers fan my whole life. I’ve probably been to 100 games in 24 years.”
Jerry DiPaola is a TribLive reporter covering Pitt athletics since 2011. A Pittsburgh native, he joined the Trib in 1993, first as a copy editor and page designer in the sports department and later as the Pittsburgh Steelers reporter from 1994-2004. He can be reached at jdipaola@triblive.com.
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