Ahmad Dixon

Ahmad D'shaad Dixon (born September 5, 1991) is an American football safety who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the seventh round of the 2014 NFL Draft. He played college football at Baylor.

Early years

Dixon attended Midway High School in Waco, Texas, where he registered more than 300 tackles in his prep career. As senior in 2010, he was named first-team All-District 16-4A and 1st Team All-State honors safety, for the third consecutive season after leading Midway High to a 9-3 record. He totalled 114 tackles, 10 tackles for losses, batted down 9 passes, picked off 4 others, and returned a kickoff back for 87 yds that season. He also averaged 40 yds on his kickoff returns. He played in the 2010 U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio, Texas.

He was also a standout track & field athlete, and was part of a Midway 4x400 meter relay squad that advanced to state track meet in 2008 as a sophomore. He helped Midway to the 4A state championship in track with a 21.9 time in the 200-meter dash and a 47.5 in the 400-meter dash.

Considered a four-star recruit by Rivals.com, he was rated as the 18th best safety prospect in the nation. He accepted a scholarship from Baylor over offers from Oklahoma State, Tennessee and Texas.

College career

Dixon as a true freshman played in 11 games (missed two with injuries) as a backup safety and on special teams. The next year he became a starter and switched from safety to the hybrid nickelback position, recording 89 tackles (fourth on team), 3 passes defensed and one interception.

In 2012, he started 13 games, while registering 102 tackles (third on the team), 3 passes defensed, 2 interceptions and one sack. As a senior, he started 12 games (missed one because of a targeting penalty) playing mostly as a safety (one game at nickelback), finishing with 81 tackles (second on the team), 6 passes defensed and one interception. He received first-team All-Big 12 and second-team All-American honors at the end of the season.

Professional career

Dallas Cowboys

Dixon was selected in the seventh round (248th overall) of the 2014 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys. After earning praise from head coach Jason Garrett for his play in the preseason game against the San Diego Chargers where he registered 12 tackles, he was late for the walk-through practice before playing the Baltimore Ravens, which led to the team suspending him for that game.

Even though he made the initial regular season roster, after being late for a team meeting on September first, he was waived the same day to make room for C. J. Spillman.

Minnesota Vikings (first stint)

The Minnesota Vikings signed him to their practice squad on September 3, 2014.

Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears signed him from the Vikings practice squad on September 8, 2014. He was released on November 18, to make room for Marc Mariani, after registering four special teams tackles and a fumble recovery in five games.

Miami Dolphins

On November 25, 2014, he was signed by the Miami Dolphins to their practice squad. He was cut on December second, to make room for linebacker Jake Knott.

Minnesota Vikings (second stint)

On December 6, 2014, he was signed to the Minnesota Vikings practice squad. On December 17th, he was promoted to the active roster, filling the spot vacated after offensive tackle J'Marcus Webb was waived. He was released on May 7, 2015.

Personal life

On September 26, 2013, he was arrested for a misdemeanor assault, but was subsequently cleared by a grand jury.