Eric Decker Biography

Eric Thomas Decker is an American former professional football player widely recognized for his career as a skilled wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL). He played eight seasons in the NFL, most notably with the Denver Broncos, New York Jets, and Tennessee Titans. Decker made a name for himself with dependable hands, impressive receiving yards, and notable touchdown catches, contributing significantly to his teams' offenses and reaching the Super Bowl with the Broncos in 2013. Beyond football, he gained visibility as a television personality, especially through his reality TV show with his wife.

Childhood

Eric Decker was born on March 15, 1987, in Cold Spring, Minnesota. He grew up in a supportive family with two brothers, Kyle and Jake, and was the son of Tom and Andrea Decker. During his formative years, he attended Rocori High School in Cold Spring, where he was an outstanding athlete in multiple sports including football, basketball, and baseball. Decker experienced a traumatic event during his high school years when a shooting occurred at his school; he and other students hid until police safely rescued them—a moment that left a strong impact on him.

Education

Eric Decker pursued higher education at the University of Minnesota, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Business and Marketing. He was a two-sport athlete at the university, playing both college football and college baseball for the Minnesota Golden Gophers. Academically accomplished, Decker was a three-time Academic All-Big Ten selection and earned ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District honors. His college career was marked not only by athletic excellence but also by academic dedication, including working towards a Master's Degree in Sports Management.

Career

Decker’s professional football career began when he was selected by the Denver Broncos in the third round (87th overall) of the 2010 NFL Draft. He quickly became a reliable wide receiver for the Broncos, eventually leading the AFC in touchdown catches in 2012. After four seasons with Denver, he signed with the New York Jets, where he played three productive seasons. Decker later played a season with the Tennessee Titans before retiring from professional football after eight seasons. His NFL career was highlighted by 222 receptions, 3,070 yards, and 33 touchdowns with the Broncos alone. Beyond football, he transitioned into reality television, starring with his wife in the show "Eric & Jessie: Game On."

Family Life

Eric Decker married country singer Jessie James Decker on June 22, 2013. The couple has become well-known not only for their individual careers but also for their family-oriented reality TV show. Together, they have four children: a daughter, Vivianne Rose, and three sons—Eric Thomas II, Forrest Bradley, and a youngest son born in 2024. The family maintains a public presence that highlights their lively and close-knit family life.

Achievements

Eric Decker’s football achievements are substantial. He holds university records at Minnesota for career receptions and receiving yards and was named twice to the First-team All-Big Ten. In the NFL, he was the AFC leader in receiving touchdowns in 2012 and contributed to the Broncos’ journey to the Super Bowl. Academically, Decker was honored as an NFF National Scholar-Athlete and earned multiple academic awards during college. His impact extends to community service, where he has been active in charitable work with organizations supporting children with serious illnesses.

Controversies

Throughout his career and public life, Eric Decker has maintained a relatively controversy-free reputation. There are no prominent public controversies or scandals associated with him, and he is generally regarded as a positive role model both on and off the field.

Eric Decker Summary

Eric Decker is a respected former NFL wide receiver known for his athletic prowess, academic achievements, and family-oriented public image. Born and raised in Minnesota, he excelled at sports from a young age, overcoming challenging experiences during his youth. After a successful college career, Decker made an impact in the NFL with notable achievements and a strong presence on the field. Married to country singer Jessie James Decker, he balances his post-football life as a devoted family man and media personality, contributing positively to his community and fans worldwide.