Wisconsin senior safety D’Cota Dixon has been named one of three finalists for the Jason Witten Man of the Year Award, which recognizes exemplary leadership on and off the field.

Dixon has long been commended for his service in the Madison community and his excellence on the field. This season, he helped the Badgers to a 7-5 record, earning a spot in the Pinstripe Bowl against Miami (FL).

Off the field, Dixon has participated in more than 30 community service events. He’s been revered as one of the team’s most active members in community service.

The three finalists were chosen from a group of 20 semifinalists. Joining Dixon as finalists are Derrick Brown (Auburn) and Dalton Risner (Kansas State). All three have showcased leadership through courage, integrity and sportsmanship.

On Dixon:

A three-year starter, who was named first-team All-Big Ten last year. He began the 2018 season on the watch lists for the Bednarik Award, Nagurski Trophy and Wuerffel Trophy. A multiple-semester Dean’s List student, Dixon has been named Academic All-Big Ten each of the last two seasons and was a Big Ten Distinguished Scholar last year. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in rehabilitation psychology. The youngest of four children, Dixon is a product of the foster care system. He has volunteered his time at more than 30 events through the Badgers Give Back community service initiative and has long been one of the group’s most dedicated volunteers across all sports at UW.

In addition to all the off-the-field contributions, Dixon was a key member of the Wisconsin defense in 2018. He totaled 43 tackles, 2.5 loss, and three pass break-ups in nine games this fall.

During his career in Madison, Dixon registered 177 stops and five interceptions for the Badgers defense.

A winner for the Jason Witten Man of the Year Award will be selected at the awards ceremony on February 12, 2019 in Frisco, Texas.