Erik Affholter

Erik Konrad Affholter (born April 10, 1966) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League (NFL). As a 16-year-old place kicker during his junior season of high school he broke a national record with a 64-yard field goal, which at the time was the longest field goal kicked at any level. Playing college football for the USC Trojans, he was an All-American and established school records for most receptions in a season, and in a career. In 2020, he wrote a book named "America's Miracle".

Early and personal life He was born in Detroit, Michigan, to Conrad (a salesman) and Ruth Affholter, and is Jewish. In the early 1970s, the family moved to Agoura, California. He later lived in Anthem, Arizona.

High school Affholter played football at Oak Park High School in Ventura County, California. A sportswriter at the game estimated it could have gone 74 yards (68 meters). Asked about his kick, Affholter said: "I'd much rather catch touchdown passes." In 1983 he was a USA Today All-USA high school football first-team All-American, All-California Interscholastic Federation (CIF), and All-State; he was also a Los Angeles Times running back of the year.

College Affholter played college football at the University of Southern California (USC) for the Trojans as a wide receiver, though he had initially received a scholarship as a kicker. He was athletic, with a 36-inch (910 mm) vertical jump. He established USC records for most receptions in a season, and in a career (123). Upon graduation, he became a member of the USC Skull and Dagger Society. On April 23, 1989, the Redskins then immediately traded him and two draft picks to the Green Bay Packers for quarterback Jeff Graham. He retired in 1995 due to a career-ending knee injury.

Honors In 2016 he was inducted into the Southern California Jewish Sports Hall of Fame.