Southeastern Louisiana University Athletics

A Hammond native, Donald Dykes excelled both on the track and the football field at Southeastern. A four-year letterman on the gridiron, Dykes blocked 12 kicks and recorded six interceptions during his career that saw him become a third-round draft choice by the New York Jets in the 1979 NFL Draft. Dykes played four seasons in the NFL, including three seasons with the Jets and one with the San Diego Chargers (1982). In 1980, he was third on the Jets' team with five interceptions and added an interception in the 1981 NFL Playoffs against Buffalo.

Dykes was an eight-time All-American in track and was one of the top long jumpers in the world. He won three national championships at Southeastern, including twice in the long jump, and helped the Lions to the 1975 national championship.

In 1977, he set a school and the Louisiana state record with a long jump of 26 feet, 3 inches, which was the 17th best in the world at the time. He was also an NAIA outdoor champion in the event posting a mark of 25-11 at the 1977 meet. He also holds the school’s outdoor record in the triple jump (52 feet, 9 1/2 inches).