In the landscape of American football, Eric Decker‘s name evokes memories of record-setting touchdowns, lucrative contracts, and, of course, a life under the lens of reality TV cameras. While his years on the gridiron have solidified his status as a standout athlete, his ventures off the field, from reality television to real estate, contribute to a net worth of $20 million as of 2022. Here’s a deep dive into the enigmatic life of Eric Decker—a man who knows how to make a touchdown on and off the field.
The Cold Spring Origin: A Diamond in the Rough
Eric Thomas Decker entered the world on March 15, 1987, in the unassuming town of Cold Spring, Minnesota. Raised in a middle-class household with German heritage, Eric found himself amidst an athletic family environment. His parents, despite divorcing during his second-grade year, offered unwavering support throughout his childhood. It seems the sporty gene ran in the family, as Decker’s older sister Arah was also an athlete.
Eric didn’t just dip his toes into sports; he dived in headfirst. During his high school days at Rocori High School, he was the guy you’d see rushing from the football field to the basketball court, and finally to the baseball diamond. His excellence in sports was a glimmer of the athletic future he was destined for.
The Golden Gopher Star: Paving the Way for NFL Glory
It was at the University of Minnesota where Decker began to turn heads and top the charts. Excelling in both football and baseball, Eric was singled out as the third-best wide receiver in college football by a “Sports Illustrated” columnist during his senior year in 2009. It was this level of skill that made him an attractive pick for NFL teams.
Eric was named the third-best wide receiver in college football by a “Sports Illustrated” columnist during his senior year in 2009.
FINAL:
Wellston – 27
Alexander – 0Just nothing could go right for the Spartans offensively. Golden Rockets grab three interceptions in the win pic.twitter.com/F8VtjWgF7o
— Eric Decker (@Edecker17) September 16, 2023
The Denver Era: Catching More than Just Footballs
Drafted by the Denver Broncos as the 87th overall choice in the 2010 NFL Draft, Decker agreed to a four-year, $2.5 million contract. He spent his rookie season mostly on special teams, but by the second season, he was catching passes and turning heads.
His standout moment came in 2012 when the Broncos signed Peyton Manning. The veteran quarterback seemed to have a sixth sense for finding Decker in the end zone, resulting in Eric racking up 85 receptions for 1,064 yards and 13 touchdowns that season. Eric shone brightest against the Kansas City Chiefs, setting a career-high of 174 receiving yards and four touchdowns.
Decker had a career-high 174 receiving yards and a team-high four receiving touchdowns in Week 13 against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Though the Broncos lost in Super Bowl XLVIII against the Seattle Seahawks, Eric’s performance during that 2013 season was memorable. He completed the season with 87 receptions for 1,288 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Jets, Titans, and Patriots: The Journeyman Years
In March 2014, Decker left the Broncos for the New York Jets with a hefty five-year, $36.25 million contract. He played three seasons with the Jets, becoming their leading receiver. The journey continued with single seasons at the Tennessee Titans and New England Patriots before he hung up his cleats in 2018.
Decker signed a five-year, $36.25 million contract with the New York Jets on March 12, 2014.
The Reality TV Chapter and Love Life
Beyond the touchdowns and tackles, Eric Decker has been capturing hearts on the reality TV scene with his wife, country singer Jessie James Decker. The Deckers allowed viewers to peek into their lives through their reality show “Eric & Jessie: Game On,” which ran from 2013 to 2017. The couple, who married in 2013, have three children—Vivianne, Eric, and Forrest.
The couple allowed viewers to peek into their lives through their reality show “Eric & Jessie: Game On,” which ran from 2013 to 2017.
While they mostly keep their private lives away from controversy, they did make a public statement against NFL players kneeling during the national anthem in 2017.
The Million-Dollar Real Estate Game
Eric Decker isn’t just catching footballs; he’s also catching prime real estate properties. In 2017, he listed his Georgia family home for $1.45 million, a sprawling residence featuring eight bedrooms, a wine cellar, and even a boat-shaped bathtub. The family then moved into a $4.25 million mansion in Nashville, complete with six bedrooms and eleven bathrooms, where they plan to reside until at least 2020.
The Financial Touchdown of Eric Decker
From a multi-million dollar contract with the New York Jets to starring in a hit reality TV show, Eric Decker’s financial plays have been as strategic as his moves on the football field. As of 2022, his net worth stands at $20 million.
Eric Decker has a net worth of $20 million as of 2022.
Eric Decker’s life can be summed up as a seamless blend of athleticism, business acumen, and a dash of reality TV glamour. Whether he’s making key plays on the football field or starring in your favorite reality TV show, Eric Decker continues to capture American hearts in more ways than one.
