Eric Nzeocha Explained

Eric Nzeocha
Number:46
Position:Linebacker
Birth Date:1 April 1993
Birth Place:Ansbach, Germany
Height Ft:6
Height In:3
Weight Lbs:218
High School:FOS Ansbach
(Ansbach, Germany)
College:Wyoming
Undraftedyear:2017
Pastteams:
Pfr:NzeoEr00

Eric Nzeocha (born April 1, 1993) is a former German-born French-American football linebacker. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2017. He played college football at Wyoming.

Early years

Nzeocha attended high school at FOS Ansbach. He began playing flag football for the Franken Knights youth team, before moving up to the Junior National Team of the Bavarian Football Association. He contributed to the German Junior National Team placing fourth in the U19 European Championship in Spain.

College career

His international exposure earned him a scholarship to play for the University of Wyoming. As a redshirt freshman, he appeared in 11 games, playing on special teams. He was named to the Academic All-Conference team.

As a sophomore, he was a backup tight end in all 12 games, registering 8 receptions for 65 yards. He was named to the Academic All-Conference team for the second time.

As a junior, he was converted into a linebacker. He appeared in 11 games with 5 starts at middle linebacker. He posted 35 tackles (20 solo), one tackle for loss, one pass breakup and one forced fumble. He made eight tackles against the University of North Dakota and the United States Air Force Academy. He was named to the Academic All-Conference team for the third time in his career. As a senior, he was a backup at middle linebacker.

Professional career

Nzeocha was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the 2017 NFL draft on May 25. He participated in the NFL's International Player Pathway program, and was the second German player to spend a season on Tampa Bay's practice squad.[1] He was waived on September 2. On September 3, Nzeocha earned a spot on the 11-man practice squad as an international player.[2] He signed a reserve/future contract with the Buccaneers on January 1, 2018.[3]

On September 1, 2018, Nzeocha was waived by the Buccaneers and was re-signed to the practice squad the next day.[4] [5] He was released on January 7, 2019.

Personal life

His brother Mark Nzeocha plays linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers. Nzeocha is half Nigerian.

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Bucs Add International Player to Practice Squad for 2017 Season. www.buccaneers.com. September 3, 2017.
  2. Web site: Bucs Stay Home for Practice Squad. Smith, Scott. Buccaneers.com. September 3, 2017.
  3. Web site: Bucs Sign Eight to Futures Contracts. Smith, Scott. Buccaneers.com. January 3, 2018. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20180308005623/http://www.buccaneers.com/news/article-smith/Bucs-Sign-Eight-to-Futures-Contracts/5357cf6e-d600-4a4d-99f6-81500dd4bdab. March 8, 2018.
  4. Web site: Robinson, Tandy Among Cuts as Bucs Get to 53. Smith, Scott. Buccaneers.com. September 1, 2018.
  5. Web site: Bobo Wilson Returns on First Practice Squad. Smith, Scott. Buccaneers.com. September 2, 2018.