Eric Andolsek facts for kids
| No. 65 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Position: | Offensive guard | ||||||
| Personal information | |||||||
| Born: | August 22, 1966 Thibodaux, Louisiana, U.S. |
||||||
| Died: | June 23, 1992 (aged 25) Thibodaux, Louisiana, U.S. |
||||||
| Career information | |||||||
| High school: | Thibodaux | ||||||
| College: | LSU | ||||||
| NFL Draft: | 1988 / Round: 5 / Pick: 111 | ||||||
| Career history | |||||||
|
|||||||
| Career highlights and awards | |||||||
|
|||||||
| Career NFL statistics | |||||||
|
|||||||
Eric Thomas Andolsek (August 22, 1966 – June 23, 1992) was an American football player. He played as an offensive lineman for the Detroit Lions in the National Football League (NFL). Before joining the NFL, he played college football at Louisiana State University (LSU).
Eric's College Football Journey
Eric grew up in Thibodaux, Louisiana. He was a talented player at Thibodaux High School from 1981 to 1983. He played both offense and defense.
After high school, Eric went to LSU. He played as an offensive lineman for the LSU Tigers from 1984 to 1987. In 1984, he was named a Freshman All-American by Football News.
Eric was also part of the All-SEC team in both 1986 and 1987. In 1986, Football News also named him a third-team All-American. LSU chose Eric as a team captain for the 1986 and 1987 seasons. Later, he was honored by being named to the Athlon Sports All-Time LSU team.
Playing in the NFL
The Detroit Lions picked Eric Andolsek in the fifth round of the 1988 NFL Draft. He played some games in his first year. In his second season, he became a regular starter. He played as the left guard.
For the next three years, Eric was a key starter for the Lions. He helped protect Pro Football Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders.
In Eric's last season, the Lions had a great record of 12 wins and 4 losses. They made it all the way to the NFC Championship Game. This championship game was Eric's final football game.
Remembering Eric Andolsek
Eric Andolsek passed away on June 23, 1992. He was working in his yard in Thibodaux, Louisiana. A large truck went off the road and hit him. An investigation showed the driver had not been paying attention.
Eric is remembered in many ways. His old high school, Thibodaux High School, retired his jersey number. LSU gives out the Eric Andolsek Award to an outstanding senior player each spring. There is also a recreation center in Thibodaux named after him. The Detroit Lions even named their award for the best offensive lineman after Eric. His family also started a charity in his honor.
See also
- List of American football players who died during their career
