Nov. 27, 2009; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Las Vegas Locomotives running back (27) DeDe Dorsey runs for a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Florida Tuskers during the UFL championship game at Sam Boyd Stadium. The Locomotives defeated the Tuskers 20-17 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE

Dorsey, a 6’0 208 RB/DB, has spent time in the NFL with the Cincinnati Bengals, Indianapolis Colts (Super Bowl Champions 2006), and Detroit Lions. Most recently, Dorsey played in the United Football League under Jim Fassel and the Las Vegas Locomotives. Dorsey was the Championship game MVP in the league’s inaugural season of 2009 as the Locomotives were UFL Champions in back to back seasons.

DeDe Dorsey is a graduate of Lindenwood University, where as a senior, he was named first-team all-NAIA as a running back after rushing for 1,600 yards and 18 touchdowns. It was the first time in NAIA history that a player was named first-team NAIA on defense and offense in successive seasons. In less than three seasons as a defensive player, Dorsey had seven career interceptions, returning four for touchdowns, and blocked seven field goals and nine punts.

In 2010, Detroit signed Dorsey to a future contract on February 9; however, he was cut after the preseason on September 4. Dorsey had a very productive preseason that year, but he had to battle for snaps at his position against current starting running back Jahvid Best, former Lions Aaron Brown and Jerome Felton, and current free agent Maurice Morris.

As the Lions currently only have one of those running backs from the 2010 season left on their roster, and the fact that DeDe Dorsey had great success in the United Football League, perhaps the Lions should have given him a roster spot after all. He could have been a great role player for the Lions.

Tim Fuller-US PRESSWIRE

SideLion Report has great readers so it makes sense that you should have a say in helping us name the SideLion Report Detroit Lions player of the year. The players have been seeded and placed into a tournament bracket with each matchup determined by a reader vote.

To ensure that everyone has a chance to vote, polls will remain open until midnight on the west coast. At that time, a winner will be declared and the tournament will continue with another matchup the following day.

We’re finishing off the first round on the offensive side of the bracket today after completing the defensive side yestrday. Who will move on to round two?

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The Carolina Panthers were the worst team in football last season, and although their record isn’t evidence or a turnaround, they are a much improved team. Simply put, they are dangerous. They aren’t going to win their division, or earn a wildcard spot, or even come close to a winning record; but they can play with anyone on any given Sunday, and have proven that thus far this season. This is a team that can step up any given week and beat an elite NFL team.

The reason for this is Cam Newton. Amid the hoopla that accompanies any first overall draft choice, there were plenty of naysayers who screamed their doubts into the ears of the rookie quarterback, and all who would listen. Newton was immediately categorized as a Tim Tebow quarterback; one with zero transferable NFL skill, who was simply the product of a system in college. The difference here is that Newton has proven that he actually does possess the skill necessary to be a signal caller in this league.