Eric Wilson Bio
Eric André Wilson is an American professional football linebacker for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League (NFL). Born on September 26, 1994, in Redford, Michigan, he played college football for the Northwestern Wildcats and Cincinnati Bearcats. He joined the Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2017 and has since played for several teams, including the Philadelphia Eagles, Houston Texans, New Orleans Saints, and Green Bay Packers, before returning to Minnesota in 2025.
Throughout his career, Wilson has built a reputation as a reliable special teams contributor and rotational linebacker. He has earned various accolades during his career, showcasing his talent and determination on the field, including First-team All-AAC honors in 2016 and Second-team All-AAC recognition in 2015.
Early Life and Background
Eric André Wilson was born on September 26, 1994, in Redford, Michigan, a suburb located in the Detroit metropolitan area. He grew up in the same community and attended local schools, developing his athletic abilities from a young age. The state of Michigan provided a strong football culture that helped shape his early interest in the sport.
Wilson played high school football at Lee M. Thurston High School in Redford, Michigan, where he was a multi-position athlete. He played safety, linebacker, and wide receiver, demonstrating his versatility on the field. During his senior year, he recorded 64 tackles and four sacks, earning All-State, All-Conference, All-Metro, and Team MVP honors. He lettered three years in football, four years in track, and one year in basketball, and was also a long jump State Champion.
Path to Professional Football
Wilson’s athletic ability earned him a spot on the Northwestern Wildcats football team at Northwestern University, where he redshirted in 2012. After one year with the program, he transferred to the University of Cincinnati in 2013. Due to NCAA transfer rules, he was required to sit out the 2013 season before becoming eligible to play.
From 2013 to 2016, Wilson played for the Cincinnati Bearcats, appearing in 38 games with 24 starts. He was named Second-team All-American Athletic Conference (AAC) in 2015 and First-team All-AAC in 2016, cementing his status as one of the conference’s top linebackers. He graduated from Cincinnati in December 2016 with a degree in sports management, completing his academic and athletic journey in college football.
Eric Wilson Career
Pre-Draft and Early Career (2017–2018)
Entering the 2017 NFL Draft, Wilson was rated the 21st best outside linebacker by NFLDraftScout.com, which predicted he would be selected in the seventh round. Lance Zierlein of NFL.com projected him as a fifth or sixth round pick. Despite the positive evaluations, Wilson went undrafted and signed with the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent on May 1, 2017.
Wilson spent his first two seasons in Minnesota developing his game and contributing on special teams. In week 11 of the 2018 season, he made his first career sack against the Chicago Bears, taking down quarterback Mitchell Trubisky in a 25–20 loss. That milestone marked the beginning of his emergence as a pass-rushing threat at the professional level.
Minnesota Vikings Breakthrough (2019–2020)
Wilson’s role expanded significantly during the 2019 NFL season. In week 3 against the Oakland Raiders, he recorded two sacks on quarterback Derek Carr in a 34–14 win, showcasing his ability to pressure the passer. Later that season, in week 17 against the Chicago Bears, he posted a team-high 12 tackles and added another sack on Trubisky in a narrow 21–19 loss.
On March 16, 2020, the Vikings placed a second-round restricted free agent tender on Wilson, and he signed the one-year contract on May 8. During the 2020 season, he recorded his first career interception off a pass thrown by Philip Rivers in a Week 2 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. In Week 5 against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday Night Football, Wilson recorded a sack on Russell Wilson and intercepted another pass from Wilson. He also recovered a late-game fumble forced by teammate D. J. Wonnum on Aaron Rodgers to secure a 28–22 Vikings win over the Green Bay Packers in Week 8.
Philadelphia Eagles and Houston Texans (2021)
On April 14, 2021, Wilson signed a one-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he was named the starting middle linebacker alongside T. J. Edwards. He started two of seven games played before being released on November 3, 2021. Shortly after, on November 4, 2021, Wilson was claimed off waivers by the Houston Texans, continuing his journeyman path through the league.
New Orleans Saints and Green Bay Packers (2022–2024)
On May 16, 2022, Wilson signed with the New Orleans Saints, but was released on August 30 and re-signed to the practice squad the following day. On October 4, 2022, he was signed by the Green Bay Packers off of the Saints’ practice squad. During his Packers tenure, he made several memorable plays, including blocking a punt by Braden Mann during a Week 6 loss to the New York Jets in 2022. On January 20, he recovered a fumble against the San Francisco 49ers during the second round of the NFL playoffs.
Wilson re-signed with the Packers on March 25, 2023, and again on March 23, 2024. In Week 3 of the 2024 season against the Indianapolis Colts, he posted a near-perfect Pro Football Focus grade of 99.4 as the Packers won 16–10, recording a forced fumble, a tackle for loss, and an interception over eight defensive snaps. These performances established him as a key contributor on defense and special teams.
Minnesota Vikings Return (2025–Present)
On March 14, 2025, Wilson signed with the Minnesota Vikings, returning to the organization that originally gave him his NFL opportunity. His second stint in Minnesota represents a homecoming for the veteran linebacker, who brings experience from multiple franchises and a reputation for high-energy special teams play and situational defense.
Driving Style and Strengths
Wilson is recognized for his versatility, having played safety, linebacker, and wide receiver at the high school level before settling into a linebacker role in the NFL. His college track and field background, including long jump state championship credentials, has translated into excellent athleticism, body control, and explosive tackling ability. He has shown proficiency in pass coverage, evidenced by his multiple career interceptions, and remains a disruptive presence on special teams with punt blocks and fumble recoveries.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Wilson’s signature moments are his two-sack performance against Derek Carr in 2019, his game-sealing fumble recovery against Aaron Rodgers in 2020, and his standout Week 3 performance in 2024 that earned him a 99.4 Pro Football Focus grade. His blocked punt against the New York Jets in 2022 and fumble recovery in the 2022 playoffs against the San Francisco 49ers further highlight his knack for delivering in high-leverage situations.
Eric Wilson Career Highlights
Eric Wilson has compiled a journeyman career defined by resilience and timely contributions across multiple NFL franchises. His most productive statistical seasons came during his first stint with the Minnesota Vikings, where he posted multiple sacks and interceptions between 2019 and 2020.
Minnesota Vikings Highlights
During his first stint with the Vikings, Wilson recorded his first career sack in 2018, two sacks on Derek Carr in 2019, and interceptions in consecutive 2020 games against the Indianapolis Colts and Seattle Seahawks. His 2020 fumble recovery against the Green Bay Packers sealed a crucial divisional win.
Other Wins and Performances
With the Green Bay Packers, Wilson delivered a 99.4 Pro Football Focus grade in Week 3 of the 2024 season and recovered a fumble during the 2022 NFL playoffs against the San Francisco 49ers. He also earned First-team All-AAC honors in 2016 and Second-team All-AAC recognition in 2015 during his college career at Cincinnati.
Eric Wilson Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Eric André Wilson was born and raised in Redford, Michigan. Public details about his parents and immediate family have not been widely documented in available sources.
Personal Life
Wilson attended Lee M. Thurston High School in Redford, Michigan, and later graduated from the University of Cincinnati in December 2016 with a degree in sports management. He is active on social media and is known for his disciplined approach to professional football.
2025 Season Performance
Eric André Wilson re-signed with the Minnesota Vikings on March 14, 2025, returning to the franchise where he began his professional career. The 2025 campaign represents a fresh chapter for the veteran linebacker, who brings experience from five previous NFL organizations to the Vikings’ defensive rotation and special teams units.
Wilson’s role with Minnesota in 2025 is expected to center on situational defense and special teams, areas where he has consistently delivered throughout his career. His track record of forcing fumbles, blocking punts, and generating turnovers provides head coach Kevin O’Connell with a versatile chess piece on game day.
As the season progresses, Wilson’s familiarity with the Vikings’ system and his established rapport with the organization position him as a steady veteran presence in the locker room. His career arc from undrafted free agent in 2017 to experienced contributor returning to his original team underscores the perseverance that has defined his professional journey.