E. J. Junior facts for kids

Ester James Junior III (born December 8, 1959) is a former American football player and coach. He was a talented linebacker in the National Football League (NFL) for 13 seasons. E. J. Junior played for several teams, including the St. Louis / Phoenix Cardinals, Miami Dolphins, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Seattle Seahawks.

Before joining the NFL, he played college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide. He was so good that he was chosen as an All-American player in 1980. The Cardinals picked him early in the 1981 NFL Draft. After his playing career, Junior became a football coach, even serving as the head coach at Central State University from 2009 to 2013. In 2020, he was honored by being inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

Early Life and Family

E. J. Junior was born in Salisbury, Maryland. He grew up in Nashville, Tennessee. He is married to Yolanda, and they have eight children: Shandon Hood, Torren Hood, Ashley James, Adam J. Junior, Aja J Junior, E.J. Junior IV, Kyle E. Junior, and Cameron M. Junior.

Playing Career Highlights

College Football Success

Junior attended the University of Alabama and played for the famous coach Bear Bryant. He was part of the Alabama Crimson Tide football team from 1977 to 1980. During his time there, he helped his team win two national championships in 1978 and 1979.

As a senior in 1980, he was recognized as a top player, earning the title of first-team All-American. He was also a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity at Alabama.

Professional NFL Journey

In 1981, the St. Louis Cardinals picked E. J. Junior as the fifth overall player in the NFL Draft. He played for the Cardinals from 1981 to 1988. During this time, he was selected twice for the Pro Bowl, which is an honor for the best players in the league, in 1984 and 1985.

After his time with the Cardinals, he continued his NFL career. He played for the Miami Dolphins, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the Seattle Seahawks before retiring in 1993.

Coaching and Leadership Roles

After his playing days, E. J. Junior stayed involved in football and youth programs. He worked as an executive director for youth programs in Miami with NBA star Alonzo Mourning.

He also returned to the NFL as a coach. In 1994, he was the linebackers coach for the Seattle Seahawks. From 1996 to 1998, he worked for the Miami Dolphins, helping players develop their skills. Junior also served as an intern coach for the Minnesota Vikings in 2003 and the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2005. He even coached in NFL Europe for the Rhein Fire in Germany.

On the college level, he coached linebackers at Southwest Baptist University from 2006 to 2009. In 2009, he became the head football coach at Central State University in Ohio, where he coached until 2013. Later, from 2015 to 2017, he coached the defensive line at Delaware State University.

Awards and Recognition

E. J. Junior has received many honors for his outstanding career. In 2007, he was inducted into the Senior Bowl Hall of Fame. He was also inducted into the Tennessee Hall of Fame in 2010.

In May 2012, he joined the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame. One of his biggest achievements came on March 11, 2020, when he was officially inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. This honor recognizes him as one of the greatest college football players of all time.