Distinguished Alumni Award
one of appalachian football's all-time best
William "Dexter" Coakley '97 is one of the most decorated players in Appalachian State University football history. Only the seventh student athlete to have his number retired, Coakley is Appalachian’s all-time career leader in total tackles, solo tackles, assisted tackles and forced fumbles. While at Appalachian, he twice won the Buck Buchanan Award given annually to the nation’s top Division I-AA defensive player. He was a critical part of the defense on the 1995 Mountaineer team that finished the season unbeaten and untied. He was also named All-American for three seasons, as well as Southern Conference Player of the Year for two seasons.
It should come as no surprise that he continued his quest for athletics excellence as a professional football player in the NFL. The Mt. Pleasant, S.C., native spent eight seasons as a linebacker with the Dallas Cowboys. At the end of his first season, Coakley was the NFL’s leader among all rookies in tackles with a Cowboys rookie record of 136 stops - a total that was third on the Cowboys defensive list. He was a three-time Pro Bowl choice and a 1999 All-Pro player.
While at Dallas, he won the Cowboys Unsung Hero Award, which honors a player whose determination and commitment transcends the playing field. He also served as a speaker for “Babe’s Best,” a program that recognizes outstanding high school athletes for their efforts on and off the field. Coakley was involved with many charitable programs during his professional career, including the Salvation Army, the Children’s Cancer Fund Fashion Show, Dallas Cowboys Courage House and Let Us Play Sports Camp for Girls. After leaving the Dallas Cowboys, he played with the St. Louis Rams where he served as team captain. In 138 games as a pro, he registered 725 tackles, 11 interceptions, 9.5 forced fumbles and missed only one game in nine seasons due to injury.
“Dexter was certainly one of the best players to ever play here, but I’m especially proud that he is one of the best men to ever be a part of our program,” said Coach Jerry Moore. “He was a terrific representative of Appalachian during his time here and has been an even greater representative since he left, both on the field and, more importantly, as a member of the community and a husband and father.”
Dexter currently resides in Texas with his wife, Nicole, and their children, Trinity and Zahn.
