He played linebacker/defensive end for the University of Iowa before being selected by the Baltimore Colts in the 1974 NFL draft.

Dickel attended Mid-Prairie High School in Wellman, Iowa.

After high school Dickel attended the University of Iowa.

Dickel spent five seasons in the NFL, four with the Baltimore Colts from 1974 to 1977, in which he played all 56 of the team's games, and one with the Detroit Lions in 1978.

He also served as an assistant coach at both Regina High School and Iowa City High School in Iowa City and West Liberty High School football team in West Liberty, Iowa.