How a fifth-round draft pick secured a Super Bowl victory
In short: Eric Saubert’s journey through the NFL is a masterclass in professional persistence. From being a late addition to the Senior Bowl to navigating practice squads and injury lists, his career highlights the grueling reality of life on the edge of an active roster.
Born on May 9, 1994, Saubert entered the professional ranks after a collegiate career at Drake University. The Atlanta Falcons chose him during the 2017 NFL draft's fifth round, marking Drake's 20th pick. Despite being projected as a fifth or sixth round pick, his athleticism impressed scouts during the pre-draft process, including a strong showing at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. He demonstrated significant strength during the combine, tying for second in the bench press. Additionally, his versatility was evident when he was invited to the East–West Shrine Game.
His career has been defined by movement and resilience. After starting with the Falcons, Saubert navigated stints with the New England Patriots, Oakland Raiders, Chicago Bears, Jacksonville Jaguars, Denver Broncos, Miami Dolphins, Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans, and San Francisco 49ers. This era of professional football required constant adaptation, including managing a stint on the reserve/COVID-19 list with the Bears in July 2020. His tenure in Denver proved productive, where he recorded his first professional touchdown. During his time in Chicago, he managed to secure two receptions for 21 yards.
The pinnacle of Saubert's career arrived with the Seattle Seahawks. After signing with the team in March 2025, he overcame a calf injury that landed him on injured reserve in November. His perseverance paid off when he was activated in December 2025 and caught a game-winning two-point conversion in overtime against the Los Angeles Rams. This crucial play helped the Seahawks secure a playoff berth and led to a Super Bowl LX victory over the New England Patriots. Following his recovery, he successfully secured a one-year contract extension. This momentum eventually culminated in his starting role during the championship game.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Eric Saubert
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