1976 Profile: Joe Dawkins

Running Back
No. 26
Wisconsin
"With only a 3.4 average, he was the top gainer for the Giants. A photography and billiard enthusiast, he grew up in Los Angeles and went to Wisconsin. He has played at Houston and Denver."

-John Devaney, Schenley Pro Football Guide 1976

"Dawkins came to the Giants from the Denver Broncos for a No. 3 draft choice prior to the 1974 season and proved to be a stellar acquisition, leading the club in both rushing (561 yards) and in pass receiving (46 for 332 yards) and scoring five touchdowns. A hard runner and good blocker, Joe came up with game-winning touchdown catches against Dallas (14 yards) and Kansas City (51 yards) and proved to be the most consistent starter in the backfield.
Originally a No. 10 draft choice of Houston in 1970, Dawkins was the Oilers' leading rusher as a rookie with 517 yards, then went to the Broncos in a 1971 trade for Dickie Post. He had his biggest year in 1973 with Denver, rushing for 706 yards and a 4.4 average and also caught 30 passes. Joe also has ability as a kickoff return man, showing a 24.8 career average. He returned four for the Giants in 1974 for a whopping 38.5 average, including a pair of 53-yard runbacks. Joe was again the leading [Giants] rusher in 1975 with 438 yards and a 3.4 average with two touchdowns, and added 24 pass receptions for another 245 yards. He has the ability to play halfback as well as fullback.
Joe began his career at Los Angeles City College, then moved on to Wisconsin where he earned two varsity letters and gained 816 yards on 188 carries for a 4.3 average.
Joseph Dawkins III was born in Los Angeles and played his high school sports at John C. Fremont High School in L.A. He still lives in Los Angeles, is related to former San Diego running back Don McCall, and lists photography and billiards as his favorite hobbies."

-1976 New York Giants Media Guide