The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Metcalf set to be inducted into Texas Sports Hall of Fame
11.16.2016 | Football
Longhorn football and track star is a member of prestigious Class of 2017.
WACO, Texas – Eric Metcalf, a legendary football and track star at The University of Texas, will be inducted into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2017. Metcalf will join seven other distinguished Texans at the induction ceremony on Feb. 21, 2017.
Metcalf competed in both football and track at UT. He was a three-time All-Southwest Conference performer on the gridiron and was named SWC Player of the Year in 1987. He rushed for 1,161 yards and 10 touchdowns in the '87 campaign to also earn second team All-America honors.
Metcalf was also a prolific performer in the long jump, winning the NCAA title in the event in both 1986 and 1988, as well as the SWC championship in both 1986 and 1987. He was a five-time All-America performer in track.
Prior to becoming the 13th pick of the 1989 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns, Metcalf finished his career with 2,661 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns. He currently ranks 11th all-time for rushing yards at UT. In the NFL, Metcalf finished with 2,392 rushing yards and 5,572 receiving yards. He was most notable as a returner, leading the NFL in punt return TDs in four different seasons. He finished his career with 3,453 punt return yards, 5,813 kick return yards and 12 return touchdowns. He was a three-time All-Pro and three-time Pro Bowl selection ('93, '94, '97).
"We are thrilled to induct such a distinguished class of hardworking, determined individuals into this year's hall of fame," said Jay Black, interim president and vice president of museum operations at the Texas Sports Hall of Fame. "These athletes stand out not only for their accomplishments, but for their work ethic, tenacity and persistence – qualities we want to highlight for younger generations."
Metcalf joins a list of inductees which includes former Houston Cougars NCAA women's volleyball player Rita Buck-Crockett, former Texas A&M & Los Angeles Rams defensive back Dave Elmendorf, Texas A&M University track & field coach Pat Henry, former Houston Cougars NCAA women's volleyball player Flo Hyman (deceased), 2008 Olympic all-around gymnastics champion Nastia Liukin, Denver Broncos football defensive coordinator Wade Phillips and former Dallas Cowboys All Pro safety Darren Woodson. The induction class of 2017 will join a long list of Texas sport legends forever being honored as a member of the Texas Sports Hall of Fame.
