Doug Betters

Who is Doug Betters?

Doug Betters is an American football player who played defensive end for the Miami Dolphins from 1978 to 1987.

After graduating from Arlington Heights High School in Illinois, Betters played college Division I football for the University of Montana Grizzlies from 1974 to 1976, then transferred to the University of Nevada, Reno in 1977. The next year he was a 6th round draft pick for the Dolphins.

Betters was a part of Miami's "Killer B's" defense, and went to Super Bowl XVII and XIX. In 1983, Betters recorded 16 sacks in 16 games and won the NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award, and was named to the AFC Pro Bowl team. In '83 and '84, Betters was named the Miami Dolphins "Outstanding Defensive Lineman." Betters played 146 NFL games and made 64½ career sacks. He was named by the fans to the Dolphins' Silver Anniversary Team in 1991. Betters was an assistant coach for the University of Montana Grizzlies in 1995 and 1996.

In 1998, Betters suffered a spinal cord injury while skiing at Big Mountain in Whitefish, Montana.

Betters founded the Doug Betters Winter Classic Organization in 1985, which provides money for children in need of medical care. Betters is involved with numerous other charitable organizations, including the Special Olympics and United Way. In 2002 he received the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Montana Award. As of 2014 he resides in Whitefish.