Eric Bird Wiki, Bio, Networth, GF, Wife, Family & More

Brief Introduction of Eric Bird

Eric Bird is a distinguished American former professional soccer player, known for his tenacity and leadership as a central midfielder. Throughout his nine-year professional career, he competed in both Major League Soccer (MLS) and the USL Championship, leaving a significant mark on every team he played for. Bird’s journey in professional soccer began after a highly successful collegiate career at the University of Virginia, where he was a two-time All-American and captained his team to an NCAA National Championship in 2014. Drafted by the Philadelphia Union in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft, he went on to play for several clubs, including the Houston Dynamo, with whom he won the 2018 U.S. Open Cup. Beyond his on-field accomplishments, Bird demonstrated remarkable leadership off the field, serving as the inaugural president of the United Soccer League Players Association (USLPA). Following his retirement from professional soccer, he transitioned into a new career as a financial advisor, leveraging the discipline and strategic thinking honed during his athletic career to assist others in achieving their financial goals.

Eric Bird Overview

Early Life and Education of Eric Bird

Eric Bird was born and raised in the coastal city of Virginia Beach, Virginia, where his passion for soccer was ignited at a young age. His parents, Tony and Melanie Bird, supported his athletic endeavors from the beginning. He attended Frank W. Cox High School, where he established himself as a formidable force on the soccer field. Bird’s high school career was nothing short of spectacular; he was a key player in leading the Frank W. Cox Falcons to Virginia High School League (VHSL) state titles in both 2009 and 2010. His individual performance peaked in his senior year in 2011, a season in which he scored an impressive 28 goals and provided 22 assists in just 24 games. This outstanding performance earned him the prestigious title of Virginia High School State Player of the Year. His youth soccer development was with Beach FC, where he played his entire youth career. After a decorated high school career, Bird committed to playing college soccer at the University of Virginia. From 2011 to 2014, he was a vital member of the Virginia Cavaliers men’s soccer team. His freshman season was cut short by a knee injury, but he made a strong comeback, starting every game in his sophomore year. In his junior and senior years, he was named team captain, a testament to his leadership qualities. He led the Cavaliers to an NCAA National Championship in his final season in 2014.

Eric Bird’s Career

Eric Bird’s professional soccer career began on January 15, 2015, when he was selected as the 41st overall pick in the MLS SuperDraft by the Philadelphia Union. After a standout collegiate career at the University of Virginia, where he was a two-time All-American and a national champion, the move to the professional leagues was a natural progression. His initial foray into professional play saw him gain experience on loan with the Harrisburg City Islanders, the Union’s USL affiliate, in 2015. In 2016, Bird made a significant move to the Rio Grande Valley FC Toros in the United Soccer League (USL). It was here that he truly began to flourish as a professional, becoming a key player and eventually being named the team captain in 2017. His impressive performances with the Toros did not go unnoticed, and in December 2017, he signed a first-team contract with their MLS affiliate, the Houston Dynamo. This move reunited him with his former RGVFC head coach, Wilmer Cabrera. Bird made his MLS debut with the Houston Dynamo on June 2, 2018. A major highlight of his time with the Dynamo was being a part of the team that won the 2018 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. Despite this success, his time with the Dynamo’s first team was limited, and he spent a significant portion of his time on loan back with RGVFC. Following the 2019 season, the Houston Dynamo declined his contract option, making him a free agent. In December 2019, Bird embarked on the final chapter of his professional playing career, signing with FC Tulsa in the USL Championship. He quickly became a veteran presence and a consistent performer for the team over the next four seasons. After the 2023 season, Bird became a free agent, signaling the end of his professional soccer career. Post-retirement, in 2024, Eric Bird transitioned into a new profession as an Associate Financial Advisor at Davenport & Company, utilizing the discipline and strategic mindset he developed as a professional athlete.

Eric Bird Personal Life & Family

Eric Bird’s personal life reflects a strong connection to his roots in Virginia Beach. He is the son of Tony and Melanie Bird, who were instrumental in supporting his early soccer aspirations. While information about siblings is not publicly available, it is clear that family has been a cornerstone of his journey. In his personal relationships, Eric was previously in a relationship with fellow soccer player Morgan Brian between 2013 and 2015. He is now a devoted husband to his wife, Carly Bird. The couple, both natives of Virginia Beach, made the decision to move back to their hometown in 2024 to raise their family. They are proud parents to their daughter, Roselynn. Their family life is also enriched by the presence of their two rescue dogs. Eric and Carly enjoy spending their free time together, often taking walks with their dogs, fishing, and enjoying the coastal lifestyle that Virginia Beach offers. Beyond his immediate family, Bird has shown a deep commitment to his community. When not at work or with his family, he dedicates his time to coaching and mentoring the next generation of local soccer players, helping them to realize their full potential.

Awards and Achievements of Eric Bird

• NCAA National Champion with the University of Virginia (2014)
• NSCAA Second-Team All-American (2014)
• NSCAA Third-Team All-American (2013)
• First-Team All-ACC (2014)
• ACC All-Tournament Team (2013)
• Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Champion with the Houston Dynamo (2018)
• Virginia High School State Player of the Year (2011)
• Virginia High School State Champion with Frank W. Cox High School (2009, 2010)
• #ForTulsa Community Man of the Year (2021)
• FC Tulsa’s Unsung Hero of the Year (2022)

Eric Bird Net Worth and Income

Information regarding Eric Bird’s net worth and income is not publicly available. As a professional soccer player in the MLS and USL Championship, his income would have been derived from his club contracts and any potential endorsements. Following his retirement from professional soccer in 2023, he embarked on a new career as an Associate Financial Advisor with Davenport & Company in 2024. His current income is generated from his role in the financial services industry. Given the private nature of salaries in both professional sports and the financial sector, a precise and up-to-date net worth for 2025 cannot be accurately provided.

Legacy and Influence

Eric Bird’s legacy in the world of American soccer is multifaceted, extending beyond his on-field accomplishments. As a player, he was respected for his work ethic, leadership, and versatility as a midfielder. His collegiate career at the University of Virginia, culminating in a national championship, set a high standard for student-athletes. Professionally, his perseverance through the various tiers of American soccer, from the USL to MLS and back, is a testament to his dedication to the sport. Perhaps his most significant and lasting contribution, however, comes from his work off the pitch. Eric Bird was a trailblazer in player advocacy, being elected as the first-ever President of the United Soccer League Players Association (USLPA). In this role, he was instrumental in advocating for the rights and welfare of his fellow players, helping to shape the future of the league and ensure that players had a unified voice. This leadership position showcased his commitment to the growth and professionalism of soccer in the United States. His transition into a career as a financial advisor after his playing days also serves as an inspiring example for other athletes navigating the challenges of post-athletic careers. His public image is that of a dedicated professional, a community-minded individual, and a leader both on and off the field.

Interesting Facts about Eric Bird

• Eric Bird was the inaugural president of the United Soccer League Players Association (USLPA).
• He captained his University of Virginia soccer team for two years, leading them to an NCAA National Championship in 2014.
• In his senior year of high school, he had a remarkable season with 28 goals and 22 assists in 24 games.
• Bird was a two-time All-American during his college career.
• After retiring from soccer, he became an Associate Financial Advisor at Davenport & Company.
• He and his wife, Carly, are both from Virginia Beach and returned to their hometown to raise their family.
• He dedicates his free time to coaching young soccer players in his community.

Controversies

There is no publicly available information regarding any significant controversies involving Eric Bird throughout his professional soccer career or in his personal life. He has maintained a reputation as a dedicated professional and a respected leader within the soccer community.

Social Media Presence

• Instagram – Not publicly available
• Twitter – Not publicly available
• YouTube – Not publicly available

Final Words about Eric Bird

Eric Bird’s career is a compelling narrative of athletic achievement, leadership, and a successful transition into a new professional life. From the soccer fields of Virginia Beach to the heights of collegiate and professional soccer, he consistently demonstrated the qualities of a dedicated and influential individual. While his on-field contributions, including an NCAA National Championship and a U.S. Open Cup title, are noteworthy, his legacy is arguably more defined by his pioneering role as the first president of the USL Players Association. This position underscored his commitment to the well-being of his peers and the advancement of the sport in the United States. Now, as a financial advisor, husband, and father, Eric Bird continues to apply the same principles of hard work and strategic thinking that defined his soccer career. His journey serves as an inspiration, showcasing the potential for athletes to make a lasting impact both within and beyond the world of sports. His future plans appear to be focused on his family and his burgeoning career in finance, all while remaining connected to the soccer community through coaching.