Does Eric Decker Still Play Professional Football
Eric Decker is not currently playing professional football as of the latest available public records. The former NFL wide receiver retired from the league after the 2017 season and has not signed with any team since. His last NFL appearance was with the New York Jets, where he played in 13 games and recorded 34 receptions for 429 yards and 3 touchdowns during the 2017 campaign. Decker, who was born on March 15, 1987, is now focused on business ventures and family life rather than active competition. He remains a recognizable name in NFL circles due to his productive years as a receiver for the Denver Broncos and New York Jets. His career trajectory is well documented by sports outlets such as ESPN, which provides detailed player profiles and historical stats for former athletes like Decker. Eric Decker NFL bio on ESPN outlines his final seasons and retirement timeline.
Decker's retirement was not accompanied by a formal announcement on a major broadcast or league platform, but multiple team transactions confirm he was not on any roster after 2017. The NFL's official transaction logs show he was released by the Jets and did not re-sign elsewhere. Since then, he has not participated in NFL training camps, preseason games, or regular-season contests. His absence from the league is consistent with the career arc of many players who transition to post-sports careers in media, business, or coaching. The question "does Eric Decker still play football" is answered clearly by the lack of any current team affiliation or league registration. Eric Decker career stats on NFL.com confirms his final season and overall production.
Eric Decker's NFL Career and Retirement
Draft, Teams, and Final Seasons
Eric Decker was selected by the New York Jets in the third round of the 2010 NFL Draft, 87th overall, after a standout college career at the University of Minnesota. He spent four seasons with the Jets from 2010 to 2013, establishing himself as a reliable slot and outside receiver. In 2013, he recorded a career-high 85 receptions for 1,027 yards and 7 touchdowns, earning Pro Bowl consideration and solidifying his reputation as a dangerous possession target. He then signed with the Denver Broncos in 2014, where he played alongside Peyton Manning and helped the team reach Super Bowl XLVIII. During his single season in Denver, Decker caught 47 passes for 652 yards and 4 touchdowns in the regular season. He returned to the Jets in 2016 and 2017 before his contract expired, marking the end of his NFL tenure. Eric Decker career stats on Pro Football Reference provides a complete breakdown of his yearly production.
Injury History and Performance Trends
Decker's career was affected by several injuries, particularly to his foot and ankle, which limited his availability in multiple seasons. In 2015, he appeared in only 7 games due to a foot injury and recorded 32 receptions for 329 yards. The following year, he bounced back with 48 catches for 584 yards and 5 touchdowns in 14 games. His durability issues contributed to the Jets' decision not to re-sign him after 2017, and he was unable to secure a new contract with another team. His peak receiving yards per game came in 2013,