1. Overview
Eric William Fisher is a former American football player who notably served as an offensive tackle in the National Football League (NFL). A highly anticipated prospect, he was selected as the first overall pick in the 2013 NFL draft by the Kansas City Chiefs. Fisher played for the Chiefs for eight seasons, earning two Pro Bowl selections and playing a crucial role in the team's victory in Super Bowl LIV. He later had stints with the Indianapolis Colts and the Miami Dolphins, concluding a professional career marked by both significant achievements and challenges.
2. Early Life and Background
Eric William Fisher was born on January 5, 1991, and raised in Rochester, Michigan, alongside his sister. His upbringing was overseen by his single mother, who worked as a foreign car dealer and successfully overcame thyroid cancer while raising her children on her own.
2.1. Childhood and Education
Fisher attended Stoney Creek High School, where he distinguished himself as an All-State honorable mention lineman for the football team. He also served as captain for both the football and basketball teams during his high school years. Despite his active participation, he began playing as an offensive lineman only in his senior year. Prior to his college career, Fisher was not widely regarded as a top prospect, with Rivals.com evaluating him as a two-star recruit and not ranking him among the best offensive tackle prospects in his class. According to Fisher, this was primarily due to his comparatively small stature for an offensive tackle at the time, weighing only 225 lb (225 lb) as a high school senior.
3. College Career
Eric Fisher's collegiate football career at Central Michigan University spanned from 2009 to 2012, where he developed into a highly recognized offensive tackle.
3.1. Central Michigan University
During his freshman year in 2009, Fisher participated in eight games, starting in two. In 2010, his sophomore season, he started nine games. His junior year in 2011 saw him miss two games due to a knee injury. By his senior year in 2012, Fisher had established himself as a key player, starting all 12 games as the team's left tackle. His consistent performance and leadership contributed significantly to the Central Michigan Chippewas' success.
3.2. Collegiate Accolades and Bowl Games
Fisher received numerous individual honors during his time at Central Michigan University. He was named a first-team All-American by Pro Football Weekly, a second-team selection by Sports Illustrated, and earned third-team honors from the Associated Press. Additionally, he was a first-team All-Mid-American Conference (MAC) selection. Fisher was also part of two successful bowl game appearances with the Central Michigan Chippewas, securing victories in the 2010 GMAC Bowl and the 2012 Little Caesars Pizza Bowl.
4. Professional Career
Eric Fisher embarked on his professional football journey in the National Football League in 2013, predominantly playing for the Kansas City Chiefs before later joining the Indianapolis Colts and Miami Dolphins.
4.1. NFL Draft
Leading up to the 2013 NFL draft, Eric Fisher was widely regarded as one of the top offensive tackles and overall players available. His performance at the Senior Bowl notably enhanced his evaluation among scouts. He was ultimately selected by the Kansas City Chiefs as the first overall pick in the draft, a significant milestone as he became the first player from the Mid-American Conference (MAC) to be drafted No. 1 overall. Historically, Fisher's selection marked only the third time an offensive tackle had been chosen as the first overall pick since the 1970 NFL and AFL merger, following Orlando Pace in 1997 and Jake Long in 2008. He was also the second player from Central Michigan University to be selected in the first round of an NFL Draft, after Joe Staley.
On July 26, 2013, Fisher officially signed his rookie contract with the Chiefs, a four-year deal worth 22.10 M USD in guaranteed money, which included a 14.50 M USD signing bonus. His pre-draft physical attributes, as measured at the NFL Combine, included a height of 6 in, a weight of 306 lb (306 lb), a 40-yard dash time of 5.05 seconds, a shuttle time of 4.44 seconds, and a cone drill time of 7.59 seconds. He also recorded a vertical jump of 28.5 in, a broad jump of 9 in, and completed 27 repetitions on the bench press. His arm span was 34.5 in and hand span was 10.5 in.
4.2. Kansas City Chiefs (2013-2020)
Fisher's tenure with the Kansas City Chiefs, spanning eight seasons, saw him develop as a professional, face challenges, and achieve significant team successes.
4.2.1. Rookie Season and Early Performance
During his inaugural NFL season in 2013, despite playing left tackle in college, Fisher transitioned to right tackle for the Chiefs. He appeared in 14 games, starting 13 of them. His rookie year was marked by struggles, as he allowed 7 sacks and 35 hurries. According to Pro Football Focus, his run-blocking grade of -6.5 ranked 55th out of 76 NFL tackles who played at least 25 percent of their team's snaps, and his overall grade as a tackle ranked 70th. He also suffered a concussion in Week 4 against the New York Giants and missed the subsequent game. Additionally, in a crucial game against the Denver Broncos, a rival in the AFC West, Fisher was unable to perform at 100% of his capability, contributing to the team's defeat after a nine-game winning streak. Despite these initial difficulties, Chiefs general manager John Dorsey maintained confidence in Fisher's potential and expressed belief in his future development.
In March 2014, head coach Andy Reid announced that Fisher would be moved back to the left tackle position for the upcoming 2014 season, following the departure of Branden Albert in free agency. However, his performance in 2014 continued to draw criticism, with Pro Football Focus ranking him 72nd among 84 left tackles. In August 2015, during practice, Fisher sprained his left ankle. He was subsequently converted back to right tackle on September 7, 2015, playing in 16 games and starting 14 that season.
4.2.2. Contract Extensions and Key Contributions
On May 2, 2016, the Chiefs exercised the fifth-year option on Fisher's contract, solidifying his presence with the team. Later that year, on July 30, 2016, Fisher signed a substantial four-year contract extension worth 48.00 M USD, with 40.00 M USD guaranteed. He started the 2016 season strong, with Pro Football Focus ranking him as the top left tackle of the week after Week 1. In the Divisional Round of the 2016 playoffs against the Pittsburgh Steelers, a critical moment occurred when the Chiefs, trailing 18-10 in the fourth quarter, scored a touchdown and attempted a two-point conversion to tie the game. Fisher was called for a holding penalty, resulting in a 10-yard loss, and the Chiefs ultimately failed the conversion, losing the game 18-16.
Despite being a first overall pick, Fisher did not receive a Pro Bowl selection in his first five seasons, leading Draft Wire in 2018 to rank him as the second-most disappointing first overall pick of the past decade, behind only Sam Bradford. However, Fisher's performance improved, and he earned his first career Pro Bowl selection in 2018. In 2020, following the release of longtime Chiefs punter Dustin Colquitt, Fisher became tied with Anthony Sherman and fellow 2013 draftee Travis Kelce as the longest-tenured members of the Chiefs. During the Week 3 game of the 2020 season against the Baltimore Ravens, Fisher made a notable play, lining up as an eligible receiver and catching a two-yard pass for his first career touchdown. This achievement marked the first receiving touchdown scored by a number one overall selection since Keyshawn Johnson in 2006. On November 16, 2020, Fisher was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list by the Chiefs, but was activated three days later.
4.2.3. Super Bowl LIV Championship
The 2019 season was a career highlight for Eric Fisher, despite him being limited to eight games due to injuries. He started as the left tackle in Super Bowl LIV, where the Kansas City Chiefs faced the San Francisco 49ers. The Chiefs secured a 31-20 victory, marking their first championship in 50 years. Fisher played a crucial role in this historic win and joined Clark Hunt and Andy Reid in accepting the Vince Lombardi Trophy on behalf of the team.
4.2.4. Later Years, Injuries, and Departure
In the 2020 season, the Chiefs again secured a division title. However, during the AFC Championship Game against the Buffalo Bills on January 24, 2021, Fisher suffered a torn Achilles tendon. This severe injury prevented him from participating in Super Bowl LV. He was placed on injured reserve on February 6. The Chiefs subsequently lost Super Bowl LV to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a score of 31-9. After eight seasons with the team, Fisher was released by the Chiefs on March 11, 2021.
4.3. Indianapolis Colts (2021)
On May 12, 2021, Eric Fisher signed a one-year contract worth 8.38 M USD with the Indianapolis Colts. During his single season with the team, he started 15 games as the left tackle, contributing to their offensive line.
4.4. Miami Dolphins (2022-2023)
On December 5, 2022, the Miami Dolphins signed Eric Fisher to their active roster. His signing was anticipated as a replacement for Austin Jackson, who was placed on injured reserve. However, Fisher was placed on injured reserve himself on January 6, 2023, despite not having been active for any games with the Dolphins.
5. Legacy and Reception
Eric Fisher's career as an American football player is characterized by notable highs, particularly his Super Bowl victory and Pro Bowl selections, alongside periods of critique regarding his performance.
5.1. Career Highlights and Achievements
Throughout his professional career, Eric Fisher accumulated several significant highlights and achievements. His selection as the first overall pick in the 2013 NFL draft marked a prestigious start, making him the first player from the Mid-American Conference to achieve this distinction. He was a two-time Pro Bowl selection, showcasing his recognition among the league's top offensive tackles. The pinnacle of his career was his integral role in the Kansas City Chiefs' victory in Super Bowl LIV, which ended the franchise's 50-year championship drought. Additionally, he recorded a rare career achievement for an offensive lineman by catching a two-yard touchdown pass in the 2020 season.
5.2. Criticism and Evaluation
Despite his achievements, Eric Fisher's career also faced periods of criticism and close evaluation. His rookie season in 2013 was particularly challenging, as he struggled to adapt to the professional level, allowing a significant number of sacks and hurries, and receiving low performance grades from Pro Football Focus. His early struggles and inconsistent play, especially in the 2014 season where he was ranked 72nd among 84 left tackles by Pro Football Focus, led to perceptions of him not living up to his draft status. In 2018, Draft Wire even labeled him as the second-most disappointing first overall draft choice of the preceding decade. A notable critical moment occurred in the 2016 playoffs when a holding penalty called against him negated a crucial two-point conversion attempt that could have tied the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, ultimately leading to the Chiefs' elimination.
However, Fisher's career trajectory demonstrated improvement, culminating in two Pro Bowl selections and a Super Bowl championship. His ability to secure long-term contracts and maintain starting roles for multiple seasons, despite injuries and performance scrutiny, reflects a level of resilience and eventual consistency that belies his early struggles. While his overall skill and consistency were debated throughout his career, his contributions to the Chiefs' successful era, especially their Super Bowl LIV victory, remain a significant part of his legacy.