Eric Metcalf is a former American football player who played as a running back, wide receiver, and return specialist. He was born on January 23, 1968, in Seattle, Washington, and attended the University of Texas at Austin, where he played college football for the Texas Longhorns.
Metcalf was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the first round of the 1989 NFL Draft, and he played for the Browns for five seasons. During his time with the Browns, Metcalf established himself as one of the most versatile players in the league, earning Pro Bowl honors in 1993 and setting numerous team records for kickoff and punt returns.
In 1995, Metcalf was traded to the Atlanta Falcons, where he played for two seasons before being traded to the San Diego Chargers in 1997. He played for the Chargers for one season before being released and signing with the Arizona Cardinals in 1998.
Metcalf played for the Cardinals for three seasons, during which he continued to excel as a return specialist and also contributed as a receiver and running back. He was named to the Pro Bowl in 2001, and he set a career-high with 1,050 receiving yards that season.
After leaving the Cardinals, Metcalf played for the Carolina Panthers in 2001 and the Washington Redskins in 2002 before retiring from the NFL.
Throughout his career, Metcalf was known for his speed, agility, and versatility. He was a threat to score every time he touched the ball, whether as a runner, receiver, or returner. He finished his career with 541 receptions for 5,572 yards and 31 touchdowns, 2,392 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, and 10,142 return yards and 12 touchdowns.
Metcalf's contributions to the game of football were recognized in 2019 when he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. He remains one of the most versatile and dynamic players in NFL history, and his impact on the game is still felt today.
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