Eric Wilkerson facts for kids

Eric LaShawn Wilkerson, born on December 19, 1966, is a former American football player. He was a talented running back who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the National Football League (NFL). Eric also played college football for the Kent State Golden Flashes. Later, he joined other teams like the Detroit Lions, the New York/New Jersey Knights, and the Cleveland Thunderbolts.

Eric Wilkerson's Early Life and High School Sports

Eric Wilkerson grew up in Cleveland, Ohio. He was a star athlete at Cleveland Central Catholic High School. He earned a "letter" in both football and track every year. This means he was a top player on both teams.

During his senior year, Eric was amazing in football. He ran for almost 1,300 yards. He also scored 17 touchdowns. In track, he was also very fast. He finished fourth in the state track meet in the 400-meter race. Eric received many awards for his skills. He was honored as All-Conference and All-Scholastic. Later, he was even added to his high school's Hall of Fame.

College Football Career at Kent State

Eric Wilkerson played college football for the Kent State Golden Flashes. He played there from 1985 to 1988. During his time at Kent State, he ran for a total of 3,830 yards. He also scored 36 touchdowns by running the ball.

Eric was not just a runner. He also scored two touchdowns from kick returns. He even threw two passing touchdowns. Plus, he caught 44 passes for 506 receiving yards. In 1987, he was named the MAC Player of the Year. He was also the Offensive Player of the Year. That year, he ran for 1,221 yards and scored ten touchdowns.

In 1988, Eric continued to shine. He led the MAC in rushing yards with 1,325. He also led the league with 14 rushing touchdowns. He was chosen for the First-team All-MAC three times. The AP also gave him Honorable Mention All-American honors. This happened in both 1987 and 1988. After his senior season, Eric was picked to play in the East-West Shrine Game. This is a special game for college football stars. In 1995, he was inducted into the Varsity "K" Hall of Fame. His jersey number, 40, was retired by Kent State on March 1, 1989. This means no other player at Kent State will wear that number.

Eric Wilkerson's Professional Football Journey

Eric Wilkerson began his professional career in 1989. He signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers on May 11, 1989. He started as a running back but later changed to a wide receiver. The Steelers released him on September 4, 1989. However, he was quickly signed to their practice squad. Eric played in one game for the Steelers during the 1989 season. He also played in their two playoff games that year. After the 1989 season, he became a free agent.

In 1990, Eric signed with the Detroit Lions. He was released by the Lions on September 3, 1990. But he was later re-signed by the team.

Eric was then drafted by the New York/New Jersey Knights. This team was part of the World League of American Football (WLAF). In 1991, he led the entire league in rushing. He ran for 717 yards that season. He also earned Second-team All-World League honors. Eric tied for the league lead with eleven total touchdowns. He scored seven rushing touchdowns and four receiving touchdowns. In 1992, he continued to play well. He had 404 rushing yards, three rushing touchdowns, and two receiving touchdowns.

In 1993, Eric played for the Cleveland Thunderbolts. This team was in the Arena Football League. While playing for them, he made five tackles. He also had one pass breakup and one interception.