GET TO KNOW ERIC

Eric Metcalf is no stranger to success; for he had the perfect role model in his father, All-Pro running back, Terry Metcalf. 

Metcalf is not your typical athlete; he was a multi-talented football player as well as a college track star. Born in Seattle, WA, he knew early on he was destined for greatness.  Metcalf attended Bishop Denis J. O'Connell High School in Arlington County, VA. In high school, Metcalf competed in both football and track and field. The records he set in the long jump, triple jump, 100, 200, and 400-yard dash still stand today. In 2023, he was inducted into the Arlington County Sports Hall of Fame.

Metcalf continued his outstanding play throughout his college career.  He attended the University of Texas.  Metcalf finished his four seasons with 4,051 yards from scrimmage, 125 receptions, and 31 total touchdowns, while adding another 1,650 yards on special teams. He is the only player in Texas history to lead the team in all-purpose yards all four years. He holds every school receiving record for a running back.

He also had a distinguished career in track and field. He set the University of Texas at Austin's long jump record (still current) at 8.44 meters (27'8"1/4). He won the NCAA National Long Jump Championship in 1986 and 1988 and the SWC Long Jump titles in 1986 and 1987. He was also the US Jr. National Long Jump Champion in 1986 and 1987. He earned the distinction of being a 5x All-American. 

In 2002, he was inducted into the Texas Longhorns Hall of Honor and in 2017, he was inducted into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame.

Metcalf transitioned into his professional career in 1989, as he was drafted in the first round with the 13th overall pick by the Cleveland Browns. During his stellar career as a running back and special teams player, he excelled on offense. He set the rookie rushing record for the Browns and returned a kickoff for 101 yards in 1990. In his second season, he led the league in kickoff return yards (1,052) and also led the league in punt return touchdowns in four different seasons (1993, 1994, 1995, 1997). With the Browns, he earned  two First Team All-Pro nods as a kickoff returner and punt returner and was a 3x Pro Bowl selection.

In 2008, he was named a Cleveland Brown Legend, and has been nominated numerous times for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, a nomination he soon hopes to achieve as an inductee.