Many people know Eric Decker for his time catching passes on the football field, but there's a lot more to his story than just touchdowns and yards. He spent eight seasons playing professional football, making a name for himself as a wide receiver for a few different teams. Beyond the game, he's a devoted husband and a father to four children, which is something he talks about a good bit, you know?
His path from a talented college player to a respected figure in the NFL is pretty interesting, and it shows a real dedication to his chosen sport. He made some big plays and worked with some very well-known players during his career, which is, in fact, something many fans still talk about. His journey also includes a look at life after stepping away from the professional game, where he's found new ways to contribute and stay busy.
This article is going to take a closer look at the different parts of Eric Decker's life, from his early days in football to his professional achievements, and then what he's been up to since hanging up his cleats. We will, in some respects, cover his personal life and other ventures, giving you a more complete picture of the man.
Table of Contents
- Biography: The Story of Eric Decker
- Personal Details and Bio Data of Eric Decker
- What Shaped Eric Decker's Early Career?
- How Did Eric Decker's NFL Journey Unfold?
- Eric Decker's Time with the Broncos and Peyton Manning
- Eric Decker's Path Through the Jets and Titans
- Why Did Eric Decker Step Away from the Game?
- Life Beyond the Field - What is Eric Decker Doing Now?
- Eric Decker's Other Ventures and Family Life
Biography: The Story of Eric Decker
Eric Decker, whose full name is Eric Thomas Decker, is a person who spent many years playing professional football as a wide receiver. He became quite well-known for his time on the field, and also for being part of a reality television show. Born and brought up in Cold Spring, Minnesota, in the United States, he comes from a white background. His parents are Tom Decker, his father, and Sue Meyer, his mother, who, you know, raised a talented son.
He was picked by the Denver Broncos in the 2010 NFL Draft, specifically as the 87th player chosen overall in the third round. This marked the start of his professional playing days. Over his career, he played for three different teams: the Broncos, the New York Jets, and the Tennessee Titans. His time in the league lasted for eight seasons, which is, in fact, a good run for any player. He made a number of impressive catches and scored quite a few touchdowns during those years.
Beyond his football achievements, Eric Decker is also a family man. He is still married to his wife, Jessie James Decker, and they have four children together. Since leaving the football world, he has put a lot of his attention on his family, as well as getting involved in real estate. He also supports his wife's growing business efforts, which, basically, shows a different side to his post-football life.
Personal Details and Bio Data of Eric Decker
| Full Name | Eric Thomas Decker |
| Date of Birth | March 15, 1987 |
| Birthplace | Cold Spring, Minnesota, USA |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Parents | Tom Decker (Father), Sue Meyer (Mother) |
| Spouse | Jessie James Decker |
| Children | 4 |
| Profession | Former NFL Wide Receiver, Reality TV Personality, Board Member @fundrecovery |
| NFL Draft | 2010, 3rd Round, 87th Overall (Denver Broncos) |
| NFL Seasons Played | 8 |
What Shaped Eric Decker's Early Career?
Before he became a professional football player, Eric Decker showed a lot of promise during his college days at the University of Minnesota. He played as a wide receiver for the Minnesota Golden Gophers, and he really stood out on the field. While he was there, he set some school records that still hold up. He gathered 227 catches and gained 3,119 receiving yards throughout his college career, which, in fact, put him high on the school's all-time lists for those categories.
His impressive performance in college really set him up for a chance to play in the professional league. These college achievements were a big part of why the Denver Broncos decided to select him in the NFL Draft. It's almost like his time with the Golden Gophers was a clear sign of what he could do at a higher level of play. So, his foundation in college football was quite strong, giving him a good start.
How Did Eric Decker's NFL Journey Unfold?
Eric Decker's professional football journey began when he was chosen by the Denver Broncos in the 2010 NFL Draft. This was a significant moment for him, marking his entry into the big leagues. Over the course of eight seasons, he played for a few different teams, each stop adding to his professional story. His time in the NFL saw him collect a good number of catches, gain many yards, and score a fair amount of touchdowns, which, you know, are the key measures for a receiver.
He played for the Denver Broncos first, then moved on to the New York Jets, and later spent some time with the Tennessee Titans. Each team presented new challenges and opportunities for him to show his skills. His career stats reflect a consistent player who could make plays when it mattered. He ended up with 439 catches for a total of 5,816 yards and managed to score 54 touchdowns during his time on the field, which, honestly, is a solid career for a wide receiver.
Eric Decker's Time with the Broncos and Peyton Manning
A significant part of Eric Decker's career was spent with the Denver Broncos, especially during the time he played alongside a very well-known quarterback, Peyton Manning. This period was quite productive for him. He and Manning seemed to have a good connection on the field, leading to many successful plays. In fact, Decker caught 22 touchdowns in just two seasons while playing with Manning, which, for example, really shows how effective they were together.
His time with the Broncos helped establish him as a reliable target for passes. He was a key part of that team's offense, and his performances during those years are often remembered by fans. The chemistry he developed with his teammates, particularly the quarterback, allowed him to put up some impressive numbers and contribute to the team's success. It was, arguably, a highlight of his playing days.
Eric Decker's Path Through the Jets and Titans
After his time with the Denver Broncos, Eric Decker moved on to play for the New York Jets. This was a new chapter in his career, where he continued to be a productive wide receiver. He spent a few seasons with the Jets, still making plays and contributing to their offense. His presence on the team was, in a way, a consistent factor for them.
Later in his career, Eric Decker also played for the Tennessee Titans. This showed his ability to adapt to different team environments and continue performing at a professional level. Even though his time with the Titans was shorter than his previous stops, it was still part of his journey in the league. His career, therefore, saw him contribute to different offenses across various teams. He even briefly joined the New England Patriots, though he retired before officially making their active roster, which, you know, is something that happens sometimes in professional sports.
Why Did Eric Decker Step Away from the Game?
Eric Decker made the decision to retire from the NFL after eight seasons. He announced this news on his Instagram page, explaining his reasons to his followers. He spoke about his childhood dream of playing football and the strong passion he had for the sport. This decision came after he tried to make the roster for the New England Patriots but did not succeed. It was, perhaps, a moment for him to reflect on his career and what he wanted next.
His message conveyed a sense of fulfillment regarding his time in the league. He had achieved a great deal and played at the highest level. Stepping away was, in short, a personal choice based on his feelings about the game and his future. He expressed gratitude for the chance to live out his dream, which, basically, showed a thoughtful approach to ending his playing career.
Life Beyond the Field - What is Eric Decker Doing Now?
Since retiring from professional football, Eric Decker has really turned his focus to new areas of his life. He's embraced this new phase by putting his family first, which, obviously, is a big change from the demands of an NFL schedule. He spends more time with his wife, Jessie James Decker, and their four children. This shift towards family life is a clear priority for him now.
Besides his family commitments, Eric Decker has also gotten involved in real estate projects. This is a different kind of challenge compared to football, but it shows his interest in business ventures. He's also a board member for Fund Recovery, which suggests he's giving back and supporting causes he cares about. So, he's found ways to stay active and engaged in the world outside of sports.
Eric Decker's Other Ventures and Family Life
Eric Decker's life outside of football is quite varied. As mentioned, he's very much focused on his family, playing the role of husband and dad to his four kids. He and his wife, Jessie James Decker, have been in the public eye through a reality television show on the E! channel, which, of course, gave people a glimpse into their lives. This exposure made him known to a wider audience beyond just football fans.
Interestingly, Eric Decker also stepped into the music world briefly. He teamed up with Jana Kramer and Jessie James Decker for a song called "Do It In Heels." They had been planning this for a while and eventually felt ready to release it, which, you know, is a different kind of collaboration for a former football player. He also actively supports Jessie's growing business endeavors, which really highlights his role as a supportive partner in their shared life. He's found a good way to stay connected to things he cares about.
