ERIC R. BEVERLY

A retired 10-year NFL veteran, Eric began his professional career as a rookie free agent with the Detroit Lions on April 24, 1997. He was assigned to the practice squad on August 26 and to the active roster on December 20. He was a guard and center for his first 7 NFL seasons with Detroit. Eric joined the Atlanta Falcons as an unrestricted free agent on March 10, 2004. He played tight end for three years for the Falcons before retiring in 2007.

Prior to entering the NFL, Eric enjoyed a successful college career and was a four-year letterman at the Miami University (Ohio) where he graduated in 1997 with a Bachelor of Science in business administration. He played his first three seasons at tight end before converting to tackle during his senior season. This versatility proved to be a valuable asset in the NFL. Eric recorded stats at center, left guard and tight end during his NFL career. Eric and his wife, Danielle, reside in the Atlanta, Georgia area.

Eric demonstrated his value and versatility on and off the field during his stint in the NFL. He completed the Harvard Business School’s NFL Business Management and Entrepreneurial Program in 2006. His professional off-season experiences included an internship with the NFL league office during which he reviewed, evaluated and made recommendations to enhance the Player Development Brochure and sections of the Player Development Operations and Procedures Manual. From 2001 - 2003, Eric served as an elected team representative with the NFL Players Association and in 2000, he was a corporate purchasing intern with Kmart Corporation.

Eric also embraces the community through volunteerism and philanthropy. Eric’s charitable efforts have included the American Red Cross, Gilda’s Club of Metro Detroit and Atlanta, City Mission (Detroit, MI), and Crossroads Ministries (Atlanta, GA). Additionally, Eric has received numerous honors for his athletic success, humanitarianism, and aggressive efforts in the fight against breast cancer.