Billy Joe DuPree
“He was as much a reason the Cowboys won Super Bowl XII against the Broncos, as the football itself.” – Dallas Observer
Billy Joe Dupree enjoyed a celebrated career as a Dallas Cowboy from the time he was picked in the first round of the NFL draft in 1973, starting that season and being nominated as Rookie of the Year – to the day he retired eleven season’s later as the Cowboys’ fourth all time receiver. Billy Joe’s accolades and accomplishments in the NFL are many. He was selected to three Pro Bowls as a starter, was an NFC ALL-PRO Tight End, played in three Super Bowls, and given much of the credit for the Cowboy’s victory in Super Bowl XII against the Broncos.
Billy Joe began his football career as an All-American, Co-Captain (’72) at Michigan State University where he was also selected as a member of the first group inducted into the Blue Gray College All Star Classic Hall of Fame.
Billy Joe’s celebrity and storied awards include being selected to Sports Illustrated All-Time Cowboy Super Bowl Team as well as being selected as Tight End to the Dallas Cowboys’ All Time Team. He is a member of the Texas State African-American Sports Hall of Fame and Louisiana State Sports Hall of Fame.
A community activist and constant participant in charity events and fund raising activities – Billy Joe Dupree is widely known as someone who gives back to his community. From supporting housing projects to multi-million dollar initiatives, Billy Joe and his wife Marsha have remained dedicated to honoring their good fortune by supporting worthwhile causes all across the nation.
Billy Joe enjoyed a successful business career that began in the last two years of his professional football career and continued for another eight years. Billy Joe’s commitment to the service of others in his community has included supporting local business initiatives, which was highlighted by his appointment to the White House Conference on Small Business by President Ronald Regan.
Billy Joe has an Executive MBA from Tulane University.
As Co-author of the book “The Unbroken Line” with his long-time friend Spencer Kopf, Billy Joe tells the story of the historic stand-off between National Football League and the NFL Player’s Union where he, Judge Kopf and a handful of other players quietly forced the settlement of the 1982 strike while simultaneously launching a fight for justice that continues in the NFL today.