From first-round draft pick to Pro Bowl standout: the career of Eric Ebron
In short: He entered the NFL with concerns about his pass-catching ability, yet he eventually led the entire league in touchdown receptions. Discover how a highly touted North Carolina standout navigated eight seasons of professional football, from the Detroit Lions to a career-defining year with the Indianapolis Colts.
Selected 10th overall in the 2014 NFL draft by the Detroit Lions, Eric Ebron arrived in the professional ranks with significant expectations. A standout at the University of North Carolina, Ebron had set school records for tight ends during his 2012 season and was a finalist for the prestigious John Mackey Award. Despite some scrutiny regarding his performance during positional drills at his pro day, experts ranked him as the top tight end prospect in his class.
Ebron's tenure in Detroit spanned several seasons, during which he transitioned from a third-string depth piece to a primary starter. His time with the Lions was marked by both offensive milestones and physical challenges, including knee and ankle injuries in 2016 and a hamstring injury during his rookie campaign. In 2017, the Lions exercised a fifth-year option on his contract, keeping him with the franchise through the 2018 season.
The pinnacle of Ebron's career arrived in 2018 after signing a two-year, $13 million contract with the Indianapolis Colts. Stepping into a primary role following injuries to teammate Jack Doyle, Ebron produced a remarkable statistical season. He recorded 66 receptions for 750 yards and 13 touchdowns, leading all NFL tight ends in scoring that year. This performance earned him his first Pro Bowl selection and placed him second only to wide receiver Antonio Brown in total receiving touchdowns.
Following his success in Indianapolis, Ebron moved to the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2020 on a two-year, $12 million deal. After stints with the Steelers and navigating the challenges of the 2021 season, Ebron officially announced his retirement from professional football on December 4, 2024.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Eric Ebron
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