What happened to Marcus Dupree? Discover Marcus Dupree’s inspiring story, from his early successes to his challenges.
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What happened to Marcus Dupree
Marcus Dupree is a former professional and college football player who experienced significant events which impacted his career. Dupree decided to transfer from Southern Mississippi in 1983. However, due to NCAA regulations, he had to sit out a full season. This delayed his return to college until 1985. Dupree never got the chance to play for the Golden Eagles.
Dupree, in reflecting on his departure from University of Oklahoma expressed his desire for better communication and treatment from Barry Switzer. Dupree, despite his decision to leave Oklahoma, continued to love the Sooners and enjoy watching them play.
Dupree, who was only 19 at the time, chose to become a professional football player instead of playing college football. He signed a six-million dollar contract for five years with the New Orleans Breakers in the United States Football League. In the first match of the 1985 season, Dupree suffered a severe injury to his knee that doctors deemed as career-threatening. He was told that he’d never be able play football again.
Dupree returned to the NFL after a five and a half year hiatus in 1990. He joined the Los Angeles Rams. The lingering effects from his knee injury hampered his performance and prevented him from having a significant impact. The Rams let him go after the 1991 season.
Dupree reflected on his injuries and shared the heartbreaking moment he experienced when he recovered consciousness following surgery with the Breakers. After he saw the seriousness of his injury, Dupree removed the cast on his own, accepting that his dreams as a footballer were over. Marcus Dupree was forced to prematurely retire from football after a series of unfortunate events.
Marcus Dupree NFL
Marcus Dupree’s NFL journey had its ups and downsides, as he tried to make a comeback from football after several years. Walter Payton encouraged Dupree to try out again for the NFL in 1990. Dupree was determined to lose weight and get back into shape. He embarked upon a rigorous exercise regimen. In just three months, Dupree lost 100 pounds. He signed with the Los Angeles Rams in October 1990 as a backup plan.
Dupree was away from football for more than five years. But his commitment paid off. Before signing with the Rams he spoke to Dick Coury who was the Rams quarterbacks coach at the time. He expressed his desire to train for the team, provided he could get in shape. Coury, the head coach of the Rams and John Robinson were impressed by his progress. They offered him a deal. Dupree, however, was placed on the injured reserve and required to sit out four weeks in order to play.
Dupree’s first game for the Rams was in week nine of 1990. He wore number 34 to pay tribute to Walter Payton and rushed for 22 yards over four carries. In week 16, he made his debut and rushed for 42 yards on thirteen carries. In total, he had 72 yards on just 19 carries in his first NFL season.
Dupree missed his first seven games the following season due to an injury toe sustained in practice. In week eight, he returned to the field and was given more playing time. He scored his one touchdown of the year. He had appeared in eight games and accumulated 179 yard on 49 carries by the end of the season.
Dupree was a fullback in 1992 when he joined the San Francisco 49ers training camp. This was a new position for him. Coach Chuck Knox cut him from the regular-season team despite his leading role in the Rams’ preseason rushing. Dupree retired from football.
Dupree’s NFL career saw him accumulate 251 yards in regular season play on 68 carries, with an average of 3.7 yards per run and one touchdown. In his short stint in the NFL, Dupree’s talent and determination to comeback were apparent despite the challenges he had faced.
Marcus Dupree College Statistics
| Season | Rushing | Receiving |
| 1982 | 163 attempts, 1,393 yards, 8.5 avg, 86 long, 12 TD | 1 reception, 23 yards, 23.0 avg, 23 long, 0 TD |
| 1983 | 61 attempts, 396 yards, 6.5 avg, 48 long, 3 TD | 1 reception, 7 yards, 7.0 avg, 7 long, 0 TD |
| Totals | 224 attempts, 1,789 yards, 8.0 avg, 86 long, 15 TD | 2 receptions for 30 yards. 15.0 average, 23 long. 0 touchdown |
Marcus Dupree Wiki
Marcus L. Dupree was born in 1964 on May 22nd. He is an American former football player who has a promising career and exceptional talent. His remarkable high school performances brought him national attention. Dupree’s outstanding football skills made him a highly sought-after college football recruit.
Dupree decided to play college football for the University of Oklahoma. He made an impact in his first year and was recognized for his outstanding performance. He was named Football News Freshman, was a second-team All American, and the Big Eight Conference’s Newcomer.
Dupree’s career in college took an unexpected turn after he left University of Oklahoma at the end of his sophomore year. Dupree briefly attended the University of Southern Mississippi where he played spring football for the Golden Eagles. He eventually completed his education at the University.
Dupree signed with the New Orleans Breakers in 1984. A knee injury ended his two-year stint with the team. After his recovery, Dupree returned to professional football in 1990, joining the Los Angeles Rams. He played 15 games in two seasons, before he was released prior to the 1992 football season. Marcus Dupree’s football career highlights both his extraordinary talent and the difficulties he encountered along the way. He is still a prominent figure in football despite leaving the college and pro scene sooner than expected.
Marcus Dupree Documentary
The documentary “The Best That Was Never” about Marcus Dupree is directed by Jonathan Hock. It’s part of ESPN 30 for 30. The film was premiered in November 2010 as part of ESPN’s 30th anniversary celebration. Hock tells Dupree’s story in an engaging way, rather than following a tragic trajectory. Hock, an Emmy Award-winning documentary filmmaker and veteran of NFL Films, opens and ends the film with Dupree in Gulfport.
Dupree was a highly regarded high school runningback from Philadelphia, Mississippi. He seemed to be destined for stardom when he joined the University of Oklahoma. Dupree’s freshman season showed off his talent. However, his sophomore year with coach Barry Switzer was a disappointment. Dupree then joined the USFL New Orleans Breakers, and his football career took a turn that is well known to many.
Dupree was forced to retire from football in the year following his career due to injuries. The documentary provides redemption and grace to the storyline, which is much needed. The twist is not revealed, but viewers will still find comfort in the ending.
The film explores the history of Philadelphia before Dupree rose to fame. It also reveals the dark legacy left by the 1964 lynchings that took place a month after Dupree was born.
ESPN approached Hock to contribute to their “30 for 30 documentary series” and Hock pitched the idea to explore Dupree’s story. Finding Dupree was a difficult task. After six months of searching involving a Tupelo Casino, a Florida Church, and a private investigator it took Hock to finally contact Dupree.
Dupree was eager to be a part of the documentary, and to tell his story. He extended his cooperation to the entire Philadelphia, Mississippi community, where he still held a high regard despite not being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
The film highlights Dupree’s talent and the respect he received in his hometown through archived game films. Dupree accepts his life’s journey and is proud of his football achievements, despite any disappointments he may have experienced along the way.
Hock highlights the tragedy in the story and acknowledges that greatness is only found in football players like Dupree once every generation. The documentary gives a glimpse of the talent and potential Dupree had, which made him an iconic figure in football’s history. The documentary “The Best That Never Was”, which explores Marcus Dupree’s life, his skills, and his impact on his community in a thoughtful way, will leave viewers with a better understanding of the journey he took from fame to redemption.