 On December 28, 2008, Dixon completed his first official NFL pass to Hines Ward, of which the reception was Ward's 800th of his career.Dixon made his first career start on November 29, 2009 against the Baltimore Ravens after injuries suffered by Roethlisberger and Charlie Batch a week earlier moved him up the depth chart.In the game, the Steelers went on to lose 20-17 in overtime.