Eric Decker
A sure-handed wide receiver who transformed from a college baseball player into a consistent touchdown threat for Peyton Manning's Broncos.
Born 1987 (age 39)·American football player·Birthday: March 15·Millennials
Biography
Eric Decker's athletic story is one of dual-sport talent refined into NFL precision. At the University of Minnesota, he was a standout in both football and baseball, drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers before ever taking an NFL snap. He chose the gridiron, and the Denver Broncos selected him in 2010. Decker's career ignited with the arrival of quarterback Peyton Manning, forming part of a historic offense that shattered records. His 2013 season was a masterpiece: 87 catches, 1,288 yards, and 11 touchdowns, showcasing his reliable hands and crisp route-running. After a lucrative stint with the New York Jets, where he remained a primary target, injuries shortened his final chapter in Tennessee. Off the field, Decker and his wife, singer Jessie James Decker, became reality TV fixtures, offering a glimpse into the life of a modern sports and entertainment family.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Eric was born in 1987, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Eric Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Eric's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Recorded back-to-back 1,000-yard receiving seasons in 2012 and 2013 with the Denver Broncos.
- Caught 13 touchdown passes in 2012, tying for the second-most in the NFL that season.
- Was a key member of the 2013 Denver Broncos offense that set the NFL record for most points scored in a season (606).
- Amassed over 5,000 receiving yards and 50 touchdowns across his eight-year NFL career.
Did You Know?
He was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 39th round of the 2008 MLB draft as an outfielder.
He and his wife, Jessie James, starred in the E! reality series 'Eric & Jessie: Game On.'
He played high school football in the same state (Minnesota) as NFL Hall of Famer Larry Fitzgerald.
He majored in business and marketing education at the University of Minnesota.
“You have to be consistent in your work, and the results will come.”
