Eric Wright was a professional football player who played as a cornerback in the National Football League (NFL) for nine seasons. He was born on May 17, 1961, in Zanesville, Ohio, and attended the University of Missouri, where he played college football.
Wright was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the second round of the 1981 NFL Draft. He quickly established himself as a key player on the team's defense, helping the 49ers win Super Bowl XVI in his rookie season. Wright was known for his speed, agility, and physicality, which made him a formidable opponent for opposing wide receivers.
Over the course of his career, Wright played in 121 regular-season games for the 49ers, starting in 107 of them. He recorded 17 interceptions, 11 fumble recoveries, and 5.5 sacks, and was named to the Pro Bowl twice (1984 and 1985). Wright was also a member of the 49ers teams that won Super Bowl XIX and Super Bowl XXIII.
Despite his success on the field, Wright faced personal challenges off the field. He struggled with drug addiction and was suspended by the NFL for the entire 1989 season for violating the league's substance abuse policy. Wright later credited his wife, Deneen, with helping him overcome his addiction and turn his life around.
Wright retired from the NFL after the 1990 season, having played his entire career with the 49ers. He finished his career with 731 tackles, 17 interceptions, and 11 fumble recoveries. Wright was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 2002 and the San Francisco 49ers Hall of Fame in 2008.
After retiring from football, Wright worked as a motivational speaker and founded the Eric Wright Group, a consulting firm that helps businesses and organizations improve their performance. He also worked as a football analyst for various media outlets, including ESPN and NBC Sports.
Wright passed away on June 27, 2021, at the age of 60. His legacy as a talented football player and a role model for overcoming personal challenges will continue to inspire future generations of athletes and fans.
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