Legendary Rams Defensive End Fred Dryer Dominated 1970s NFL Defenses with Relentless Sacks and Tenacity Despite Lack of Official Recognition
Fred Dryer was a force of nature on the gridiron, an unrelenting defensive end who embodied the toughness and dominance of the Los Angeles Rams’ defensive units of the 1970s. While many casual fans remember him for his post-football acting career, those who watched him play remember a fierce competitor with unmatched stamina, speed, and a knack for getting to the quarterback. In an era before sacks were officially counted as a statistic by the NFL, Dryer wreaked havoc in opposing backfields, disrupting offenses and anchoring a Rams defense that was among the most formidable of its generation.
The 1978 season saw Dryer in the thick of his prime, patrolling the defensive line with an intensity that matched the Rams’ championship aspirations. He was more than just a pass rusher—he was a complete defensive end, adept at shutting down the run, chasing plays from the backside, and forcing opponents into mistakes. His relentless pursuit of the quarterback was his calling card, though, and when the dust settled on his career, he had amassed 104 sacks—numbers that rivaled and surpassed many Hall of Fame peers. The bittersweet reality was that the NFL didn’t officially start tracking sacks until 1982, three years after Dryer played his final snap. As a result, his statistical legacy was never properly recognized in his playing days, leaving him without the kind of widespread numerical validation that fuels Hall of Fame arguments.
Still, anyone who watched the Rams’ defenses of that era knew their greatness. Throughout the 1970s, Los Angeles boasted a unit that was the envy of the league. They allowed fewer points, fewer total yards, and fewer rushing yards than any other team during that decade. They also sacked more quarterbacks than anyone else, thanks in large part to the talent and relentlessness of players like Dryer. Standing 6-foot-6 with a lanky but powerful frame, Dryer possessed rare athleticism for his size. His long arms and quick first step allowed him to blow past offensive tackles, and his intelligence made him adept at reading blocking schemes and anticipating plays.
The 1978 campaign was a showcase of Dryer’s consistency. It wasn’t just about highlight-reel plays—though he had plenty—it was about wearing down opponents over four quarters. Facing the Rams’ defense in those years was an exhausting task for any offense. They had to account for Dryer on every snap, and even double-teams were no guarantee of keeping him at bay. His ability to collapse the pocket made life miserable for quarterbacks, and his presence forced hurried throws that often resulted in interceptions for a talented Rams secondary.
Dryer’s career began with the New York Giants in 1969, but it was his trade to the Rams in 1972 that elevated him to stardom. In Los Angeles, he became part of a defense loaded with talent—guys like Jack Youngblood, Merlin Olsen, and Larry Brooks formed a fearsome front that could dominate in the trenches week after week. Dryer fit seamlessly into this mix, bringing a blend of speed, savvy, and showmanship. He was a player who could not only deliver crushing hits but also understand the psychological warfare of the game, getting into the heads of offensive linemen and quarterbacks alike.
One of Dryer’s most enduring legacies is his unique place in NFL history: he remains the only player ever to record two safeties in a single game. On October 21, 1973, against the Green Bay Packers, Dryer twice tackled the quarterback in the end zone, an achievement that cemented his reputation as a game-changer. Plays like that were emblematic of his career—moments where his anticipation, technique, and motor all came together to produce history.
The 1970s Rams were often in the hunt for a Super Bowl, though the elusive championship always seemed just out of reach. Despite falling short of the ultimate prize, their defenses left an indelible mark on the league. They were disciplined, aggressive, and could adapt to any opponent. Dryer’s role was vital—his edge presence freed up opportunities for the rest of the defensive line, and his durability meant the Rams could count on him game after game. He rarely missed time, a testament to his conditioning and toughness in an era when the game was even more physically punishing than it is today.
By the time he retired after the 1981 season, Dryer’s sack total—painstakingly reconstructed by historians—stood at 104. To put that into perspective, it would have placed him among the top pass rushers of all time at that moment. Yet because the stat wasn’t official, Dryer’s name was absent from the record books, and younger fans often overlook just how dominant he was. The lack of statistical recognition is a quirk of NFL history, one that has deprived many players of their rightful numerical place in the sport’s hierarchy.
However, Dryer himself never seemed bitter about it. Those who knew him recall that he took pride in the respect of his peers and in the accomplishments of his team. He understood that the Rams’ success in limiting points, yards, and rushing totals throughout the decade was a shared triumph, the product of a complete defensive effort. The sack, after all, was just one measure of dominance. Dryer’s real value was in his ability to control the edge, force plays inside, and disrupt an offense’s rhythm.
The 1978 season also marked a transitional time for the Rams, who were contending with changes in personnel and the evolving strategies of the league. Offenses were starting to open up more, and the passing game was becoming a bigger threat. Yet even as teams adjusted, Dryer and his fellow defenders found ways to stay ahead of the curve. They relied on their fundamentals—getting off blocks quickly, maintaining gap integrity, and punishing ball carriers—and their mental preparation, which was second to none.
Dryer’s legacy extends beyond the field. After retiring, he became an actor, most famously starring in the television series Hunter. His charisma and presence translated seamlessly to the screen, but those who knew him from his football days never forgot the warrior who had spent over a decade battling in the trenches. His dual career in sports and entertainment made him one of the more unique figures in NFL history, but his football achievements remain the foundation of his legacy.
Even today, Rams fans who remember the 1970s speak of Dryer with reverence. They recall his towering frame lining up on the edge, his jersey often smeared with mud and grass by the second quarter, his helmet slightly tilted as he stared down the opposing quarterback. They remember the way he could blow up a play before it even started, and how he seemed to thrive in the biggest moments. For them, the numbers—official or not—are secondary to the memories of a player who gave everything on every snap.
In the annals of Rams history, Fred Dryer occupies a special place. His 1978 season stands as a snapshot of a career defined by excellence, consistency, and an unyielding competitive spirit. In a different statistical era, he might be more widely recognized among the greats, his sack totals celebrated alongside the likes of Deacon Jones, Reggie White, and Bruce Smith. But the respect he earned from teammates, opponents, and fans alike speaks louder than any official ledger.
The NFL of the 1970s was a brutal, unforgiving landscape, and thriving in that environment required more than just talent—it demanded resilience, adaptability, and a certain stubborn refusal to be beaten. Fred Dryer had all of that in abundance. Whether the league officially recorded his sacks or not, his impact was undeniable. He was a cornerstone of one of the most dominant defensive decades in football history, a player whose contributions helped define an era and whose legacy endures long after the final whistle.
In the end, Fred Dryer’s story is one of greatness that transcends numbers. The 1978 season, like so many others in his career, was a testament to his skill, preparation, and will to win. He may not have the official records to show for it, but for those who saw him play, he will always be remembered as one of the most fearsome and effective defensive ends the game has ever known.
