Kiwi NFL star a hit at home

By PHILIP ENGLISH

Just up the road from the Papakura Marae there is a commotion on the corner section where Bella Dixon lives.

Her son, big David Dixon, is back home on holiday from the United States, where the 1986 Pukekohe High School 1st XV captain plays gridiron for the Minnesota Vikings on a multimillion-dollar contract in the National Football League.

Family members stop by and yesterday a concrete-mixing truck drew up about lunchtime to take Dixon and his young children for a drive round the block.

"It's really awesome to have him back even for this little time," Bella Dixon said.

"People stop along here just to shake his hand.

"He does not always know them but they want to shake his hand."

David Dixon, aged 31, his American wife, Pamela, and children Tetori, Zealin and Tahi will return on Monday to Minneapolis, where the right guard offensive lineman is based.

Since arriving home on only his second visit since playing for the Vikings the sportsman of Tainui descent has been invited to the Turangawaewae Marae in Ngaruawahia where he met the Maori Queen, Dame Te Atairangikaahu.

"Everywhere I go I get so much of an awesome welcome."

The Minnesota Vikings reached the quarterfinals in the American Super Bowl championship last year.

The team are regarded as one of the NFL's strongest and Dixon is considered a vital asset.

"Without me the quarterback cannot throw the ball, the wide receivers cannot catch it and the running backs cannot run.

"I am a piece of the puzzle, I guess."

After being spotted by an American college football talent scout in an Auckland movie queue, Dixon left New Zealand in late 1986 for an American football scholarship before joining the Vikings.

He is now in his seventh year with the team, and two years ago he signed a four-year contract worth $US6 million.

When that expires he hopes to sign on for a further three years.

"Hopefully it will be for $US8 million. I am fortunate I have got through the system.

"I have improved and have played well."

Asked what he did with his money, he said most of his income went into investment for the future.

Said mum Bella: "He helps the family out but I am just happy to have the time with him."