Former Oklahoma State Tight End J.R. Dillard Dies of COVID-19

I remember J.R Dillard well as I had come back to Oklahoma City and Channel Four after working in Wichita Falls and was on the Oklahoma State football beat for Dillard’s career from freshman to senior from 1983-87. The friendly and gregarious Dillard was the son of Oklahoma State fullback great Jim Dillard. An All-State player at Cleveland, Okla. he was recruited to OSU to play for Jimmy Johnson and ended up playing most of his career for Pat Jones during a successful time in Cowboy football. Dillard has died after a battle with COVID-19. His death was first reported by the Tulsa World and we believe former Oklahoma State beat writer and now columnist Jimmie Tramel.   

Jimmie Tramel

Dillard in OSU Media Guide.

After he red-shirted his first season at Oklahoma State, then Dillard caught 53 passes for 513 yards and four touchdowns in his career. He was part of back-to-back Gator Bowl seasons in 1984 and 1985. In 1985 Dillard had 22 catches for 197-yards and two touchdowns. His final season in 1987, Oklahoma State made it’s third bowl game with Dillard in the line-up as they beat West Virginia in the Sun Bowl. In that game Dillard caught a touchdown pass from now Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy.

The receiving stats were modest, but Dillard was an effective blocker for the Cowboys running attack with Thurman Thomas and Barry Sanders.

Dillard played briefly in the CFL as his father had. He stayed close to Cleveland and family following his brief stint in Canada.