Eric Dickerson, a Hall of Fame running back, was once involved in a trade to the Green Bay Packers, an event that might surprise some fans. The information came to light through a comment on the /r/Oldschool_NFL subreddit. In 1993, during the offseason, Dickerson was traded from the Los Angeles Raiders to the Atlanta Falcons for a sixth-round pick. However, his time with Atlanta was brief, lasting only four games before he was traded again.
The Falcons sent Dickerson and cornerback Bruce Pickens to Green Bay in exchange for running back John Stephens. Pickens had been a starter for Atlanta and was selected third overall in the 1991 draft. Stephens had joined Green Bay from the New England Patriots earlier that offseason.
However, complications arose when Dickerson failed to pass the Packers’ physical examination. This led him to reconsider his career and eventually retire. Meanwhile, Pickens played just two games for Green Bay before moving on to join the Kansas City Chiefs by the end of 1993. Similarly, Stephens never played for Atlanta but also ended up with the Chiefs later that year.
Stephens’ post-Packers career saw him accumulate only 18 rushing yards due in part to legal issues; he pleaded guilty to rape charges in Kansas City. At this time, Brett Favre had already become Green Bay’s starting quarterback after being traded from Atlanta and earned a Pro Bowl selection in his first year with the team.
Reflecting on this trade attempt, it is evident there were no winners in this deal despite general manager Ron Wolf’s efforts.
Eric Dickerson’s illustrious career included amassing 13,259 yards over 11 seasons and earning six Pro Bowl selections. He won offensive rookie of the year honors in 1983 with 1,808 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns.
Information from this article can be found here.
