Alex Erickson Bio
Alex Michael Erickson is an American professional football wide receiver and return specialist. He played college football for the Wisconsin Badgers and was signed by the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent in 2016. Erickson has also been a member of the Houston Texans, Carolina Panthers, Washington Commanders, New York Jets, Los Angeles Chargers, and New England Patriots.
Early Life and Background
Alex Michael Erickson was born on November 6, 1992, in Darlington, Wisconsin. He attended Darlington High School, where he excelled in football, rushing for 3,856 yards and scoring 57 touchdowns. He also passed for 3,648 yards and recorded 170 tackles and 14 interceptions. His outstanding performance earned him recognition as the Wisconsin State Journal Small School Player of the Year and a spot in the WFCA All-Star game. After high school, he continued his education and football career at the University of Wisconsin, where he played for the Wisconsin Badgers from 2012 to 2015.
Path to American Football
At the University of Wisconsin, Alex Erickson made a significant impact on the football team. He finished his college career ranked 10th in school history with 1,877 receiving yards and sixth all-time with 141 career receptions. His senior season was particularly notable, as he caught 77 passes for 978 receiving yards and three touchdowns, earning him first-team All-Big Ten honors. After completing his college career, he entered the NFL Draft in 2016 but went undrafted. Despite this setback, he signed with the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent, marking the beginning of his professional career.
Alex Erickson Career
Early Career (2016–2020)
Alex Erickson signed with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2016 and quickly established himself as a valuable player. He was the only undrafted free agent to make the Bengals’ final roster that year. Erickson started the season as the team’s primary kick returner and punt returner, finishing the year with 6 receptions for 71 yards and leading the NFL with 810 kickoff return yards. His performance earned him recognition and set the stage for his future success in the league.
Breakthrough (2017–2019)
Erickson’s breakthrough came in 2017 when he recorded his first NFL touchdown on a 29-yard pass from quarterback Andy Dalton during a game against the Denver Broncos. He finished the season with 12 receptions for 180 yards and continued to contribute as a kick returner. In 2018, he signed a two-year contract extension with the Bengals and had 20 receptions for 187 yards. His most impressive season came in 2019 when he posted his first career 100+ receiving yard game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, finishing with 137 receiving yards. Overall, he concluded the 2019 season with 43 receptions for 529 yards.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout his career, Alex Erickson has achieved significant milestones, including being the NFL kickoff return yards leader in 2016 and earning first-team All-Big Ten honors in 2015. His contributions to the teams he has played for have solidified his reputation as a reliable wide receiver and return specialist.
Alex Erickson Award Nominations
Alex Erickson has received notable accolades throughout his career, including being named first-team All-Big Ten in 2015 and leading the NFL in kickoff return yards in 2016.
Alex Erickson Awards Won
Alex Erickson has won awards that highlight his achievements on the field, including the title of NFL kickoff return yards leader in 2016 and recognition as first-team All-Big Ten in 2015.
Alex Erickson Family
Alex Erickson is married, having tied the knot in 2017. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin in December 2015 with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural business management.
Personal Life
Alex Erickson maintains a relatively private personal life. He is known for his dedication to football and his commitment to his family. As he continues his career in the NFL, he remains focused on his professional and personal growth.