Dennis Gentry
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| Dennis Gentry | |
|---|---|
| Date of birth | February 10, 1959 |
| Place of birth | Lubbock, Texas |
| Position(s) | WR, RB |
| College | Baylor |
| NFL Draft | 1982 / Round 4 |
| Pro Bowls | None |
| Statistics | |
| Team(s) | |
| 1982-1992 | Chicago Bears |
Dennis Louis Gentry (born February 10, 1959 in Lubbock, Texas) a former professional football player with a career that spanned eleven seasons between 1982 and 1992 with the NFL's Chicago Bears. Drafted from his success at Baylor University which includes being inducted into Baylor's Hall of Fame, Dennis went on to win an NFL Championship in 1985 (Super Bowl XX)and establish club records. His NFL career continues today as a scout for the Detroit Lions.
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[edit] College career
His career at Baylor University witnessed the school's success of the late 70's turned 80's. A South West Conference Championship in 1980 culminating in a #14 national ranking at season's end.
The 1980 season at Baylor also produced some of Dennis's most memorable moments. A career high 130 yards on 22 carries against Texas University and career best 883 rushing yards for the season. His effort awarded him a spot on the all SWC team.
His collegiate career ended in 1981, leaving his mark on the Baylor football program with a 5th all time ranking for rushing (2,231 yards) and 6th all time in total yards with 2,896.
Remembered for his accomplishments and wearing the number three, Dennis was inducted as a member of the Baylor All-Decade Team (1980-1989) in 1995? and to the Baylor Athletics Hall of Fame in 2002. He was unable to attend his hall of fame ceremony due to his scouting commitments for the Detroit Lions.
[edit] NFL career
The 1985 Season
The last regular season game against the Detroit Lions Dennis returned the second half kickoff 94 yards, sparking the Bears to a 37-17 victory. His return for a touchdown was the first one the Lions allowed in five years.
Defeated the New England Patriots 46-10 in Super Bowl XX. Caught 2 passes for 41 yards in the game, in which a 27-yard reception to the Patriots 1-yard line set up a rushing touchdown.
The 1986 season
An opening day kickoff return against the Cleveland Browns which helped him lead the NFL in yards per kickoff return average that year with a 28.8 average.
The 1987 Season
Week 13, caught an NFC Central Division clinching 38 yard touchdown pass from Mike Tomczak with 40 seconds remaining to defeat the Minnesota Vikings 30-24.
The 1988 Season was his most productive as a Receiver setting career highs in yards (483) Touchdowns (3).
The 1990 season he scored on a 80 yard touchdown pass from Jim Harbaugh week 4 against the Los Angeles Raiders. It was the only touchdown of the game for the Bears.
Dennis finished playing 159 games in 11 NFL seasons with 171 receptions for 2,076 yards, along with 764 rushing yards. His 192 kickoffs totaling 4,353 yards are team records, gained 136 yards on 17 punt returns, and scored 15 touchdowns(5 rushing, 7 receiving, 3 kickoff returns).
[edit] Facts
-Five touchdowns came on plays of 79 yards or more.
-Scored touchdowns on kickoff returns in consecutive regular season games (Week 16 1985 and Week 1 1986).
-The last touchdown he ever scored against the Atlanta Falcons in 1990 had him taunting the defenders, gesturing to catch him as he ran 80 yards.
