Phillip Dorsett’s father is not Tony Dorsett; the Patriots wide receiver’s father is named Phillip Dorsett Sr. Dorsett has no relation to Tony Dorsett, despite their shared profession and identical last name. Tony Dorsett does have a son who played in the NFL, Anthony Dorsett Jr., who played as a safety in the NFL for several teams.
Phillip Dorsett Sr. is an assistant track coach at St. Thomas Aquinas, where his son was a student.
Here’s what you need to know about Dorsett’s father:
Dorsett Dedicated His First TD to His Father, Phillip Dorsett Sr
On Oct 12, 2015, Dorsett dedicated his first TD pass ever to his father, Phillip Sr., according to 247 Sports.
Dorsett’s parents both have family near where they live; he explained the situation in an interview with The Indy Star, an Indianapolis publication, during his time with the Colts. Dorsett said, “We would have a Christmas Eve party at my house with my mom’s family, and then on Christmas Day, we would get together with my dad’s side. It was always my favorite time of year.”
Dorsett Sr. is an assistant track coach at St. Thomas Aquinas, and coached his son in track while he was a student there. To The Sun Sentinel, Dorsett Sr. said,
“The thing was, Phillip was the type of athlete that I had to pull back. I’d say ‘We’re done for the day,’ and he always wanted to do more. I was tougher on him, yes, but he always wanted to do more. Coaching him was fun. Eventually, he was assisting me and he learned a lot, as my athlete, assisting other kids and his teammates.”
Dorsett has the same level of respect for his father, and his family in general. In the open letter that he penned to his future NFL team via The Player’s Tribune, Dorsett wrote,
Growing up, my dad had 10 brothers and sisters. We have a big family and we’re all very close. Applying this bond to football has been invaluable. In everything you do, you represent your family. I try to represent mine with the utmost respect. I have never been in trouble or done anything that would disgrace my family — and that isn’t going to change. I will bring that same sense of respect to your organization.
Dorsett has written Father’s Day posts for his father on several occasions, calling him a “king” and referencing himself as a “prince.”
In another instance Dorsett celebrated both of his parents, writing, “This is why I do it… To repay them with whatever they want”
For his father’s birthday, Dorsett wrote, “Happy Birthday to the man that molded me into the person I am today, with out this man I don’t know where I would be today,.. The big 5⃣0⃣.. Love you pops”
Neither Phillip nor Tony Dorsett has ever commented on the speculation that they may be related.
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Phillip Dorsett’s Father: Is the Patriots Player Related to Tony Dorsett?