Dale Hellestrae

Biography

Position: Offensive Linemen

Dale Hellestrae was born in Phoenix, Arizona, where he attended Saguaro High School, where he was an All-state selection in football and basketball as a senior. After graduation, he spent one year at the Marine Military Academy. He accepted a football scholarship from Southern Methodist University, where he was a two-year starter at offensive tackle and earned All-Southwest Conference honors as a senior, while playing offensive tackle.

Hellestrae was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the fourth round (112th overall) of the 1985 NFL Draft. In 1988, he started at right guard in the final two regular season games and in two playoff games - he played with the Bills for four seasons. On February 23, 1989, he was signed by the Los Angeles Raiders. On August 20, 1990, he was traded to the Dallas Cowboys. The Dallas Cowboys acquired him with the intention of concentrating on playing long snapper in all of the special teams units and to back up the guard and center positions. During his time with the team he quickly became one of the best long snappers in the NFL and in team history. In his 11 seasons playing with the Cowboys, Hellestrae had to snap for eight different placekickers and seven punters, while helping the team win 3 Super Bowls. On January 3, 2002, he was signed by the Baltimore Ravens as a free agent to fill in for injured rookie Joe Maese. He played in one regular season game and in two playoff games.