Born and raised in Rapid City, South Dakota, Dutton attended Cathedral High School, where the football team was undefeated in his junior year.

He received high school All-American recognition in both sports as a senior and was also an accomplished Discus thrower.

In 1973 under new head coach Tom Osborne, Dutton earned consensus All-American and All-Big 8 honors.

In the three consecutive seasons in which the Colts won the AFC East title from 1975 to 1977, he was a starting member of a defensive front four who collectively called themselves the "Looney Tunes" and was also known as the "Sack Pack.

He and the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) challenged the circuit's option clause by arguing that it was not perpetual.

Because of the retirement of Jethro Pugh and the desire of Ed "Too Tall" Jones to become a professional boxer, the Cowboys traded the first (#24-Derrick Hatchett) and second round pick (#51-Tim J. Foley) in the 1980 NFL draft.

When Jones returned in 1980, Dutton moved to left defensive tackle, playing behind Larry Cole.

In 1981, with the retirement of Cole, he started 16 games alongside Randy White, establishing a formidable defensive line that also included Jones and Harvey Martin.

He couldn't play in the NFC Championship Game against the San Francisco 49ers because of a bruised thigh and Larry Bethea started in his place.

In 1987, he was passed on the depth chart by Kevin Brooks and was released three games after the end of the player's strike on November 13.

He became involved in businesses and for a short time owned and operated Dutton's Den, an off-sale liquor store and restaurant.