Eric Green

Bernard Eric Green (born June 22, 1967) is an American former professional football player who was a tight end in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round (21st overall) of the 1990 NFL draft. Green was a two-time Pro Bowl selection for the Steelers in 1993 and 1994.

Professional career

Green played in 10 NFL seasons from 1990 to 1999 for the Steelers, the Miami Dolphins, the Baltimore Ravens, and the New York Jets.

Pittsburgh Steelers Green was drafted in the first round with the 21st overall pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL Draft. He initially held out for 54 days, causing him to miss training camp, preseason, and the opening game of the 1990 NFL season. Initially Green had threatened to sit out the entire season, which would have made him eligible for the 1991 NFL Draft. It took a call from Liberty head coach Sam Rutigliano to the Steelers front office to tell them to keep pursuing Green and that a deal could be made. Green signed the day after the season opening game, but did not play until week five. When Green did return to the Steelers lineup, his impact was immediately noticed. The Steelers offense did not score a touchdown until Green returned to the lineup. When he returned, he caught five of Bubby Brister's seven touchdown passes. With Green's return being noticed, defensive line coach Joe Greene commented, "Without Eric Green, we might not have scored a touchdown last year.".

After a Pro Bowl season in 1993 season where Green achieved career highs in receptions (63), yards (942), and yards per reception (15.0), Green chose to hold out at the beginning of the 1994 season. "I want to be compensated for what I've done, but the Steelers weren't prepared to do that," said the 290-pound Green, the NFL's biggest tight end. With the ultimatum of either signing with the Steelers or miss the opening weekend game against the Dallas Cowboys, Green signed a one-year, $1.4 million contract on September 1, 1994. Green had rejected the Steelers earlier offer of a $10 million contract and took the lower offer to ensure his right to free agency after the season. At the time of the signing, Green's contract made him the highest paid tight end in NFL history. Green had also visited with the Raiders prior to signing with the Dolphins, but they did not make him an offer.

Baltimore Ravens Green worked out with the Ravens in late September 1996 and later announced that he and former Steelers teammate Bam Morris each signed two-year contracts with the team.

New York Jets Green finished his NFL career with the New York Jets. Of the 10 games that he played with the Jets organization, he started 7 games and caught 7 passes for 37 yards.

NFL statistics Year Team Games Receptions Yards Yards per Reception Longest Reception Touchdowns First Downs Fumbles Fumbles Lost 1990 PIT 13 34 387 11.4 46 7 0 0 0 1991 PIT 11 41 582 14.2 49 6 29 0 0 1992 PIT 7 14 152 10.9 24 2 10 0 0 1993 PIT 16 63 942 15.0 71 5 46 3 2 1994 PIT 15 46 618 13.4 46 4 31 2 2 1995 MIA 14 43 499 11.6 31 3 26 0 0 1996 BAL 6 15 150 10.0 23 1 9 0 0 1997 BAL 16 65 601 9.2 37 5 30 1 1 1998 BAL 12 34 422 12.4 56 1 21 4 3 1999 NYJ 10 7 37 5.3 10 2 3 0 0 Career 120 362 4,390 12.1 71 36 205 10 8

Personal life Once retired from the NFL, Green settled down in Florida with his wife and two children. He has three sons, and four daughters.

Green's son, Elijah, was drafted 5th overall by the Washington Nationals in the 2022 Major League Baseball draft.