Hall of Fame
Prior to his graduation from DeVilbiss High School, Robert Dixon already had a jump start on his college life, participating in spring practice while still in high school. Most of his teammates were military veterans returning from World War II-some had played for Toledo before the war and some had played military ball. Dixon's squads compiled a record of 26-14-2 during his career, including a 9-2 mark in 1947, at the same time a school-record number of wins. Dixon played both offense and defense, and in his junior and senior seasons played nearly 60 minutes per game. His unique, tough style of play made an impact on one of his teammates, Ed Burrus, who originated his nickname "Mad Dog." Dixon was the team leader in sacks and fumble recoveries during his junior and senior years, effort not unnoticed by his opposition. "Mad Dog" was selected to All-Opponent teams three times throughout his career, including an All Ohio-Conference nomination his senior year. While at Toledo, he played in all four Glass Bowl postseason games, which pitted the Rockets against a national-caliber opponent. An honor student and twice class president, Dixon went onto the legal field as an attorney in Toledo.
