Brief Introduction of Eric Decker
Eric Thomas Decker is a former American football wide receiver who had a notable eight-season career in the National Football League (NFL). Known for his exceptional route-running, reliable hands, and versatility, Decker established himself as a significant offensive threat for multiple teams. He was a dual-sport athlete in college, excelling in both football and baseball at the University of Minnesota before being drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 2010 NFL Draft. Beyond his athletic achievements, Decker has gained public recognition for his marriage to country singer Jessie James Decker, with whom he starred in the reality television show “Eric & Jessie: Game On.” Since retiring from the NFL, he has transitioned into a dedicated family man and businessman, co-owning his wife’s fashion brand, Kittenish, and engaging in philanthropic endeavors. His journey from a small-town athlete to an NFL star and public figure is a compelling narrative of talent, hard work, and adaptation to life after professional sports.
Eric Decker Overview
| Full Name | Eric Thomas Decker |
| Date of Birth | March 15, 1987 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 38 |
| Birthplace | Cold Spring, Minnesota, U.S. |
| Profession | Former NFL Wide Receiver, Businessman |
| Husband/Wife | Jessie James Decker |
| Family | Wife: Jessie James Decker; Children: Vivianne Rose, Eric Thomas II, Forrest Bradley, Denver Calloway |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Married to Jessie James Decker |
| Net Worth | Information not publicly available |
Early Life and Education of Eric Decker
Eric Thomas Decker was born on March 15, 1987, in Cold Spring, Minnesota. He attended Rocori High School, where he was a standout three-sport athlete, excelling in football, basketball, and baseball. His athletic prowess was evident as he earned all-conference, all-area, and all-section honors in all three sports. In football, he was named the team’s MVP for two consecutive years, amassing 2,156 receiving yards and 28 touchdowns throughout his high school career. After high school, Decker enrolled at the University of Minnesota, where he continued to be a dual-sport athlete. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business and marketing. During his time with the Minnesota Golden Gophers, he played both football and baseball, showcasing his remarkable athletic versatility. In football, he set school records for career receptions with 227 and receiving yards with 3,119. His impressive collegiate football career included being named a two-time First-team All-Big Ten selection. His talent in baseball also drew attention, leading to him being drafted by two Major League Baseball teams: the Milwaukee Brewers in the 39th round of the 2008 MLB Draft and the Minnesota Twins in the 27th round of the 2009 MLB Draft.
Eric Decker’s Career
Eric Decker’s professional football career began when he was selected by the Denver Broncos in the third round with the 87th overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft. He signed a four-year contract with the team. His rookie season was modest, but his role in the Broncos’ offense expanded significantly in 2011. A notable moment from that season was a 90-yard punt return for a touchdown against the Oakland Raiders. Decker’s breakout season came in 2012, where he solidified his position as a premier wide receiver. The 2013 season was a career highlight for Decker, as he was a key part of the record-setting Broncos offense that reached Super Bowl XLVIII. During his four seasons with the Broncos, he recorded 222 catches for 3,070 yards and 34 touchdowns.
In March 2014, Decker signed a five-year contract with the New York Jets. In his first season with the Jets, he had 74 receptions for 962 yards and five touchdowns. One of his most memorable performances came in the 2014 season finale against the Miami Dolphins, where he had a career-high 221 receiving yards on 10 receptions. His 2015 season was even more productive, with 80 catches for 1,027 yards and 12 touchdowns. In his three seasons with the Jets, Decker accumulated 163 catches for 2,183 yards and 19 touchdowns.
After being released by the Jets in June 2017, Decker signed a one-year contract with the Tennessee Titans. He played one season with the Titans, recording 54 receptions for 563 yards and one touchdown. In the 2017 postseason, he caught a game-winning touchdown in the Wild Card Round against the Kansas City Chiefs. In August 2018, Decker signed a one-year deal with the New England Patriots, reuniting him with his former Broncos coach, Josh Mcdaniels. However, less than a month later, on August 26, 2018, Eric Decker announced his retirement from the NFL. In his retirement announcement, he stated, “It has been my childhood dream and my passion to play the game of football…I know now it is time to hang my helmet up and start a new chapter in my life.” Throughout his eight-season NFL career, Decker amassed 439 receptions for 5,816 yards and 53 touchdowns.
Post-retirement, Decker has been involved in various ventures. He is the co-owner of his wife’s clothing and lifestyle brand, Kittenish. He has also participated in the reality television show “Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test” alongside his wife. He is also a board member for Fund Recovery, an organization that assists with addiction and mental health services. After his football career, he has spoken about dealing with depression and anxiety, highlighting the mental challenges that can accompany the transition away from professional sports.
Eric Decker Personal Life & Family
Eric Decker is married to country pop singer Jessie James Decker. The couple met through mutual friends in 2011 and tied the knot on June 22, 2013. Their life together has been in the public eye, partly due to their E! reality show, “Eric & Jessie: Game On,” which chronicled their lives as a celebrity couple. They have four children together: a daughter, Vivianne Rose, and three sons, Eric “Bubby” Thomas Jr., Forrest Bradley, and Denver Calloway. The family resides in Nashville, Tennessee. Decker is known to be a dedicated family man, and since his retirement from the NFL, he has focused on supporting his wife’s career and raising their children. In early 2024, after the birth of their fourth child, Decker underwent a vasectomy. The couple has shared that their strong marriage is built on a foundation of shared values.
Awards and Achievements of Eric Decker
- 2x First-team All-Big Ten (2008, 2009)
- AFC Offensive Player of the Week (2013)
- Set a Denver Broncos franchise record for most touchdown receptions in a single game (4 in 2013)
- University of Minnesota M Club Hall of Fame Inductee (2024)
Eric Decker Net Worth and Income
Specific, verified details about Eric Decker’s net worth in 2025 are not publicly available. His primary sources of income during his professional career were his NFL contracts with the Denver Broncos, New York Jets, and Tennessee Titans. Since retiring, his income streams have likely diversified to include his business ventures, such as his co-ownership of the clothing brand Kittenish with his wife, Jessie James Decker. He may also have income from endorsements, speaking engagements, and television appearances.
Legacy and Influence
Eric Decker’s legacy in the NFL is that of a highly productive and dependable wide receiver who was a key contributor to several successful offenses. His time with the Denver Broncos, particularly during their record-setting 2013 season, is a significant part of his on-field legacy. He was known for his strong work ethic and leadership qualities. Off the field, Decker and his wife, Jessie James Decker, have built a strong brand as a power couple, sharing their lives with the public through their reality show and social media. This has given them a platform to influence and connect with a broad audience beyond the world of professional sports. Decker is also an advocate for mental health, having spoken openly about his struggles with depression and anxiety after retiring from the NFL, which has helped to destigmatize these issues for other athletes. His philanthropic work further contributes to his positive public image.
Interesting Facts about Eric Decker
- He scored a 43 on the Wonderlic test, a cognitive ability test given to prospective NFL players, which is one of the highest scores ever for a wide receiver.
- He was drafted by two different MLB teams, the Milwaukee Brewers and the Minnesota Twins, before choosing a career in the NFL.
- His first NFL touchdown pass was thrown by Tim Tebow.
- He had never returned punts at any level of football before returning one for a 90-yard touchdown in his second NFL season.
- He and his wife, Jessie James Decker, starred in their own reality TV show called “Eric & Jessie: Game On.”
Controversies
Eric Decker has maintained a relatively controversy-free public image throughout his career and into his retirement. While he and his wife’s public life has sometimes drawn criticism on social media, there have been no major scandals or controversies associated with him.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram – Followers not specified
- Twitter – Followers not specified
- YouTube – Not applicable
Final Words about Eric Decker
Eric Decker’s career is a testament to his athletic talent, versatility, and dedication. From being a multi-sport star in high school and college to becoming a respected wide receiver in the NFL, he consistently demonstrated a high level of performance. Since retiring from professional football, Decker has successfully transitioned into a new chapter of his life, prioritizing his family and business ventures. He continues to be a public figure, known for his strong family values and his willingness to be open about the challenges of life after sports. His journey from the football field to his current roles as a husband, father, and entrepreneur showcases a well-rounded individual who has found success both in and out of the spotlight. His Eric Decker biography is one of both athletic achievement and personal growth.
