What Happened to Marcus Dupree? What is He Doing Now?
by A N Rahul
Updated Jun 02, 2023
What Happened to Marcus Dupree?
Marcus Dupree, a former college and professional football player, experienced a series of significant events that impacted his career. In 1983, Dupree made the decision to transfer to Southern Mississippi, but due to NCAA rules, he was required to sit out one full season, delaying his return to college football until 1985. Unfortunately, he never had the opportunity to play for the Golden Eagles.
Reflecting on his departure from the University of Oklahoma, Dupree expressed his wish for better treatment and improved communication from coach Barry Switzer. Despite his decision to leave, he maintained his love for Oklahoma and continued to enjoy watching the Sooners play.
Instead of pursuing college football, Dupree chose to turn professional by signing a five-year, $6 million contract with the New Orleans Breakers of the United States Football League (USFL) in 1984, when he was just 19 years old. However, his professional career took a devastating turn during the first game of the 1985 season when he suffered a severe knee injury that was deemed career-threatening by doctors. They informed him that he would never be able to play football again.
After a five-and-a-half-year hiatus, Dupree made an attempt to return to the NFL in 1990, joining the Los Angeles Rams. Unfortunately, the lingering effects of his knee injury hindered his performance, preventing him from making a significant impact. As a result, the Rams released him after the 1991 season.
Reflecting on his injuries, Dupree shared the heartbreaking moment when he regained consciousness after surgery with the Breakers. Looking at his knee and realizing the severity of the situation, he removed the cast himself, acknowledging that his football dreams had come to an end. These series of events had a profound impact on Marcus Dupree's football career, ultimately forcing him to retire prematurely.
Marcus Dupree NFL
Marcus Dupree's NFL journey was marked by ups and downs as he attempted a comeback after several years away from football. In 1990, Dupree was encouraged by Walter Payton to get back in shape and try out for the NFL again. Determined, Dupree embarked on a rigorous workout regimen, shedding an impressive 100 pounds in just over three months and reclaiming his speed with a 4.3-second 40-yard dash. In October 1990, he signed with the Los Angeles Rams, the team that had drafted him in 1986 as a contingency plan.
Dupree had been absent from the football field for over five years, but his dedication paid off. Prior to signing with the Rams, he approached his former USFL coach, Dick Coury, who was then the quarterbacks coach for the Rams and expressed his desire to work out for the team if he got into shape. Impressed by his progress, Coury and head coach John Robinson offered him a contract. However, Dupree was placed on injured reserve, requiring him to sit out for four weeks before he could play.
In week nine of the 1990 season, Dupree made his first appearance for the Rams, rushing for 22 yards on four carries while wearing number 34 as a tribute to Walter Payton. He earned his first start in week 16 and recorded 42 yards on 13 carries. Overall, he finished his debut NFL season with 72 yards on 19 carries across three games.
The following year, Dupree missed the initial seven games due to a toe injury sustained during practice. He returned in week eight and saw increased playing time, scoring his only touchdown of the season. By the end of the year, he had accumulated 179 yards on 49 carries, appearing in eight games.
In 1992, Dupree joined the San Francisco 49ers' training camp but transitioned to the unfamiliar position of fullback. However, despite leading the Rams in rushing during the preseason, he was one of the 14 players cut by coach Chuck Knox as the team finalized its regular-season roster. Subsequently, Dupree decided to retire from football.
Throughout his NFL career, Dupree accumulated a total of 251 yards on 68 carries during regular season play, averaging 3.7 yards per carry and scoring one touchdown. Despite the challenges he faced, his determination to make a comeback and his undeniable talent were evident in his brief stint in the NFL.
Marcus Dupree College Stats
1982
163 attempts, 1,393 yards, 8.5 avg, 86 long, 12 TD
1 reception, 23 yards, 23.0 avg, 23 long, 0 TD
1983
61 attempts, 396 yards, 6.5 avg, 48 long, 3 TD
1 reception, 7 yards, 7.0 avg, 7 long, 0 TD
Totals
224 attempts, 1,789 yards, 8.0 avg, 86 long, 15 TD
2 receptions, 30 yards, 15.0 avg, 23 long, 0 TD
Season
Rushing
Receiving
Marcus Dupree Wiki
Marcus L. Dupree, born on May 22, 1964, is a former American football player known for his exceptional talent and promising career. He grew up in Philadelphia, Mississippi, where his remarkable performances in high school garnered national attention. Dupree was highly sought-after as a college football recruit due to his outstanding skills on the field.
Dupree chose to play college football at the University of Oklahoma. In his freshman year, he made an immediate impact and received recognition for his impressive performance. He was named the Football News Freshman of the Year, achieved second-team All-American status, and was honored as the Big Eight Conference Newcomer of the Year.
However, Dupree's college career took an unexpected turn when he left the University of Oklahoma during his sophomore season. He briefly attended the University of Southern Mississippi, where he participated in spring football for the Golden Eagles. Eventually, he completed his college education at the university.
In 1984, Dupree joined the United States Football League (USFL) and signed with the New Orleans Breakers. He played for the team for two seasons before a knee injury cut his time short. Following his recovery, Dupree made a comeback in professional football, joining the Los Angeles Rams in 1990. He played in 15 games over two seasons before being waived prior to the 1992 season. Marcus Dupree's football journey showcases both his exceptional talent and the challenges he faced along the way. Despite leaving the college and professional football scene earlier than anticipated, he remains a notable figure in the sport.
Marcus Dupree Documentary
"The Best That Never Was" is a compelling documentary about Marcus Dupree, directed by Jonathan Hock and part of ESPN's 30 for 30 series. The film premiered on November 9, 2010, as part of ESPN's 30th-anniversary celebration. Rather than following a tragic arc, Hock presents Dupree's story in a captivating manner. Hock, a veteran of NFL Films and an eight-time Emmy Award-winning documentarian, opens and closes the film with Dupree driving a truck in Gulfport, Mississippi.
Dupree, a highly touted high school running back from Philadelphia, Mississippi, seemed destined for superstardom when he signed with the University of Oklahoma. His freshman season showcased his exceptional talent, but his sophomore year under coach Barry Switzer's management proved to be a disappointment. Afterward, Dupree joined the USFL's New Orleans Breakers in 1984, where his football journey took a downturn that many fans are familiar with.
Injuries plagued Dupree's career, leading him to be out of football the following year. However, the documentary offers redemption and a sense of grace, which provides a much-needed relief to the storyline. Without revealing the twist, viewers will find solace in the conclusion.
The film also delves into the history of Philadelphia, Mississippi, before Dupree's rise to fame, including the dark legacy of the 1964 lynchings of Civil Rights activists James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner, which occurred a month after Dupree's birth.
Hock was approached by ESPN to contribute to the "30 for 30" documentary series and pitched the idea of exploring Dupree's story. However, finding Dupree proved to be a challenge. It took six months of searching, involving a private investigator, a Tupelo casino, and a Florida church, before Hock finally made contact with Dupree.
Dupree expressed his willingness to participate in the documentary and embraced the opportunity to have his story told. His cooperation extended to the entire community of Philadelphia, Mississippi, where he was still highly regarded despite not achieving Pro Football Hall of Fame status.
The film showcases Dupree's high school performances through archival game films, highlighting his talent and the admiration he received from his hometown. Despite any disappointments along the way, Dupree's acceptance of his life's path and his pride in his accomplishments as a football player are genuinely moving.
Hock emphasizes the tragedy of the story, acknowledging that true greatness in a football player like Dupree emerges once in a generation. The documentary provides a glimpse into the unique talent and potential Dupree possessed, making him an unforgettable figure in football history. "The Best That Never Was" offers a thought-provoking exploration of Marcus Dupree's life, skill, and the impact he had on his community, leaving viewers with a deeper understanding of his journey from fame to redemption.
What happened to Marcus Dupree-FAQs
Marcus Dupree's career took a downturn due to a severe knee injury he suffered during the first game of the 1985 season while playing for the New Orleans Breakers in the USFL. Doctors deemed the injury career-threatening, and he was told he would never be able to play football again. Despite attempting a comeback in the NFL, the lingering effects of the injury hindered his performance, leading to his eventual retirement.
Yes, Marcus Dupree had a brief stint in the NFL. He signed with the Los Angeles Rams in 1990 after an extended hiatus from football. He made his first appearance in week nine of the 1990 season, played in three games, and finished the season with 72 yards on 19 carries. He continued to play for the Rams in the following season, appearing in eight games and accumulating 179 yards on 49 carries.
During his NFL career, Marcus Dupree amassed a total of 251 yards on 68 carries, scoring one touchdown. Although his career was relatively short-lived, his determination to make a comeback and his talent were evident in his performances on the field.
Marcus Dupree decided to retire from football after being cut by the Los Angeles Rams during the team's roster finalization in 1992. He joined the San Francisco 49ers' training camp that year but transitioned to the unfamiliar position of fullback. Despite leading the Rams in rushing during the preseason, he did not make the final roster and chose to retire from the sport.