Dierdorf began his career as a guard and left tackle before settling in as a starter at right tackle in
1974. In 1982 he moved to center and was the starter in that season and became a back-up in his final year, 1983.
Dierdorf was named to the
Pro Bowl 6 times from 1974-'78 & 1980. Dierdorf was named All-Pro for 4 consecutive seasons beginning in 1975 when the
Pro Football Writers Association voted him All-Pro. From 1976-78 Dan was a consensus All-Pro and in 1980 the
Newspaper Enterprise Association (NEA) named him All-Pro. In addition, Dan was a consensus 2nd team All-Pro in 1974.
He was named
NFLPA NFC Offensive Lineman of the year by his peers in 1976, 77, and 78. In
1996 he received the ultimate honor when he was enshrined in the
Pro Football Hall of Fame.
The 1975 Cardinals offensive line, consisting of Deirdorf,
Conrad Dobler, Bob Young, Tom Banks, and Roger Finnie, allowed a total of only 8 sacks, a then-NFL record. Dierdorf did not give up a sack for the entire 1976 and 1977 seasons. His streak ended in the first game of the 1978 season when
Chicago Bears left defensive end Tommy Hart nabbed 2 sacks against Dierdorf. Dan had not given up a sack since the 1975 NFC Divisional playoff game when
Jack Youngblood sacked
Jim Hart.