Eric Kendricks

Eric-Nathan M. Kendricks was born on February 29, 1992, in Clovis, California. He grew up in a family with strong sports influence as his older brother, Mychal Kendricks, plays as a linebacker in the NFL. As a child, Kendricks showed promise in sports, particularly in football, which he later pursued throughout his educational career.

Eric Kendricks attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he played college football for the UCLA Bruins. During his time at UCLA, Kendricks set a school record in 2012 for most tackles, demonstrating his strong defensive skills and earning him recognition as one of the top linebackers in college football.

In 2014, Eric Kendricks won the Butkus Award, given annually to the best linebacker in college football. Kendricks had an outstanding senior season with the UCLA Bruins, leading to this prestigious recognition. He was recognized for his exceptional tackling ability, football intelligence, and leadership on the field.

Eric Kendricks was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the second round (45th overall) of the 2015 NFL Draft. His strong college career at UCLA and his abilities as a linebacker made him a sought-after pick. He quickly became an integral part of the Vikings' defensive lineup.

Eric Kendricks was named to his first Pro Bowl in 2019 as a result of his outstanding performance as a linebacker for the Minnesota Vikings. This accolade recognized his contributions on the field, including his tackling, pass coverage, and leadership qualities. His Pro Bowl selection marked him as one of the top defensive players in the league.

In 2020, Eric Kendricks was honored as the Minnesota Vikings' Community Man of the Year for his extensive charitable work and involvement in social justice initiatives. Kendricks has been active off the field, supporting various causes, including education, racial equality, and youth programs. His dedication to community service has been a significant aspect of his persona.

Eric Kendricks had a standout performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 12, 2021, where he recorded 17 tackles in a single game, one of the highest in his career. This performance was a testament to his consistency and skill as a leading linebacker in the NFL, showing his significant impact on the Vikings' defense.

Eric Kendricks began the 2022 NFL season with the Minnesota Vikings continuing his role as a key defensive player for the team. Known for his tackling efficiency and ability to read the game, Kendricks remains a fundamental part of the Vikings' strategies on defense, contributing to the team’s efforts throughout the season.

On February 20, 2023, the Minnesota Vikings announced the release of Eric Kendricks after eight seasons with the team. This decision was part of the Vikings’ effort to make salary-cap space and was a significant moment for Kendricks, who had been a critical member of their defensive squad.

Eric Kendricks signed with the Los Angeles Chargers on March 6, 2023. This move was seen as an effort by the Chargers to bolster their defensive lineup with his experience and proven track record as a linebacker. Kendricks' signing marked a new chapter in his NFL career, giving him an opportunity to contribute to a new team.