Former Washington Redskins starting linebacker Brad Dusek has died.
Sadly, the former left outside linebacker had suffered several years from Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Dusek, born on Dec. 13, 1950, died peacefully on June 10, 2024.
Dusek was drafted 56 overall in the 1973 NFL draft by the New England Patriots. Just prior to the season, Dusek was traded to the Redskins. Playing all 14 games of the season on special teams in 1974, Dusek became a starter in the 1975 season. For the next five seasons, Dusek played in and started each and every game for Washington. He appeared in every game during the 1980 season, starting 14 of the 16 regular season games. Dusek started nine of his ten 1981 games, ending his NFL career. The former Texas A&M Aggie recovered three fumbles for Washington that he returned for touchdowns.
Dusek had a real nose for the ball, and his hustle allowed him to recover 16 NFL fumbles. In 1977, Dusek not only intercepted a pass and recovered a fumble, but he also registered 7.0 quarterback sacks (a career high).
One of the more memorable moments I recall of Dusek occurred in the 1978 season opener at New England. The Redskins were a 9.5 point underdog and trailed in the final quarter 14-9, when defensive tackle Dave Butz broke through, made a tackle, forcing a fumble when Dusek picked up the fumble and scored from 31 yards, as Washington won 16-14.
At Texas A&M, Dusek displayed well-rounded athleticism as he started games at safety, running back, fullback, and linebacker. He served as team captain his senior season and earned three letters (1970-72). He was inducted into the Texas A&M Hall of Fame in 2014.
A funeral service was held at 11:00 am Thursday, June 20, 2024, at First Baptist Church, 8015 W. Adams Ave., Temple, Texas 76502, and was officiated by the Rev. Gary Baxley.
Dusek was buried at Bellwood Memorial Park in Temple, Texas.