Growing up in Canton, Ohio, in the shadow of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, it was easy for Dan Dierdorf to set a goal. After 20 years in the trenches as a lineman for Glenwood High School, the University of Michigan and the St. Louis Cardinals, he earned his place in his hometown shrine.

Along the way, he collected many other honors. He was a high school wrestler, and in his senior year was All-County as a two-way football tackle and set a shot put record of 60 feet, 8 inches. The 6-foot-3, 270-pounder--strong, fast, aggressive, agile and mobile--appeared to be an ideal defensive tackle, but because Michigan needed him in its offensive line, Dierdorf's future role was determined. He kept in shape offseason by wrestling with Michigan heavyweight Dave Porter, a two-time NCAA champion and three-time All-American who was also a three-time Michigan state high school champion.

Dierdorf made seven All-America teams, played in four post-season all-star games, and was 1970 Amateur Athlete of the Year in Michigan. He was drafted by the Cardinals of the National Football League in the second round, launching a 13-year career which would include five All Pro selections, six Pro Bowl appearances and recognition by the Players Association for three straight years as the best blocker in the NFL.

One writer observed, "What do you say about an offensive lineman? That he's large, strong, tough ... and anonymous." But he never was anonymous in St. Louis. Among his many civic contributions was his work with Easter Seals, the Cystic Fibrosis Society and United Way.

During his fourth year in the NFL, he joined KMOX Radio on a talk show and continuing as a sportscaster with a wide variety of assignments for more than two decades. Eventually, he made "All-Pro" again, as a member of the NFL Monday Night Football telecasts on ABC-TV, where he became an instant hit with his keen analysis and insightful comments.