Doug’s Story
DOUG BETTERS
Who is Doug?
Our founder and president, Doug Betters, is a former NFL player and longtime Montana resident. His historic career began at the University of Montana and culminated in 10 years of playing for the Miami Dolphins. As a member of the famous Killer B’s defense, Doug appeared in two Super Bowls and one Pro Bowl. In 1983, he was the NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Other accolades include induction into the Miami Dolphin Ring of Honor, the Montana Football Hall of Fame, the Montana Grizzlies Hall of Fame, and Nevada-Reno Hall of Fame.
“Doug Betters is a great Montana Grizzly and a great NFL player. Fierce, tenacious and aggressive — that’s how he has approached his life. For all his accomplishments in football, they pale in comparison to what he has done for other people, specifically children in Montana.”
College Years
Our founder and president, Doug Betters, is a former NFL player and longtime Montana resident. Doug grew up in the Midwest and finished high school in the Chicago area where he lettered in baseball, basketball, and football.
It was his performance in football that gained him national attention. Doug was recruited by several prominent colleges out of high school.
On a recruiting trip to Montana, the moment he stepped off the plane he knew he was home. In 1974, Doug accepted a scholarship to the University of Montana. Within a week, his coach quickly assessed his talent and moved him from offense line to the defensive line. It would be a move of a lifetime. His impact on the field was immediate. During his sophomore year, Doug received All Big Sky Conference honors. He transferred to the University of Nevada Reno his senior year where he continued to excel as a defensive end. While with the Wolfpack, Doug was voted second team All American.
“My admiration for Doug runs deep. One of the best teammates I’ve ever had. He is tough, country-strong, and always dependable. His courage should be an inspiration to anyone that has known the big redhead. A friend for life.”
NFL Years
In 1978, Doug was a 6th-round draft pick for the Miami Dolphins. As an NFL player, he spent his entire 10-year career as a Miami Dolphin under Coach Don Shula. Doug quickly broke into the starting ranks and became the cornerstone of the legendary “Killer B’s” defense which included such greats as Bob Baumhower, Kim Bokamper, and Bob Brudzinski. Doug and his fellow Killer B teammates played a key role in the Miami Dolphins making the NFL playoffs 8 of his 10 years, along with winning two AFC championships. Doug’s NFL achievements also include two Super Bowl appearances, one Pro Bowl, and a 1983 Defensive Player of the Year Award.
After retiring from the NFL, Doug returned to his alma mater. He became an assistant coach for the University of Montana Grizzlies from 1995 to 1996. In those two years, the Grizzlies won the Division 1-AA National Championship in 1995 and runner up in 1996. Continuing his historic career, he was inducted into the Griz Hall of Fame, Wolfpack Hall of Fame, Montana Hall of Fame, and the Miami Dolphin Ring of Honor in 2008.
Football Career Highlights
- 1978 – Drafted in 6th round by Miami Dolphins
- 1983 – NFL Pro Bowl Selection
- 1983 – Super Bowl XVII
- 1983 – NFL Defensive Player of the Year
- 1985 – Super Bowl XIX
- 1989 – Inducted into University of Nevada-Reno Hall of Fame
- 1995 – Montana Grizzlies asst. coach, NCAA Division I-AA National Champions
- 2003 – Inducted into the University of Montana Griz Hall of Fame
- 2008 – Inducted as 19th member to the Miami Dolphins Ring of Honor
- 2015 – Voted Top 50 Players in Miami Dolphin History
- 2016 – Voted to the Miami Dolphins Golden Anniversary Team
“Nobody has a heart as big as Doug’s.”
Where is Doug Now?
In 1998, Doug was paralyzed on Whitefish Mountain as a result of a ski accident in culmination with a previous football injury. Despite his quadriplegia, he continues his mission to help others. He still enjoys the Montana outdoors whether on the road or on the river. Doug now shares time between Montana and Florida with his wife, Jennifer, and his adventure dog, Mazi.