Before the days of Devin Hester setting records in the NFL for returns or Darren Sproles becoming a headache for defensive and special teams coordinators, there was Eric Metcalf. Metcalf was a first round draft pick in the 1989 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns. Before making a jump to the NFL, he was wreaking havoc on the Forty Acres.
During his time with the Longhorns, he tallied 4,051 yards and 30 touchdowns on 710 touches. Nothing compared to what he would eventually do at the NFL level. He is often remembered best for his returns, in Austin Metcalf returned 108 punts for 1,076 yards. He returned only one kick for a touchdown. In 1987, Metcalf threw two passes. Both of those went for touchdowns. Then he moved on to the NFL where he would play for seven teams but most of his career was spent in Cleveland.
Only two players in NFL history have recorded 7,000+ scrimmage yards and 7,000+ return yards.
Before Darren Sproles, there was Eric Metcalf.pic.twitter.com/PHCHoiNaKS
— NFLonCBS (@NFLonCBS) May 3, 2020
In the NFL, Eric Metcalf was a nightmare on the field. He was named to the All-Pro team three times (1993, 1994 and 1997). Those same seasons he was also named to the Pro Bowl. Leading the league in return yardage in 1990. During his career from 1989-2002, Metcalf scored 43 touchdowns as a running back with 31 coming by way of the pass. Racking up 7,964 yards from scrimmage.
| Player | Rushing Yards | Receiving Yards | Return Yards | Total Touchdowns |
| Eric Metcalf | 2,392 | 5,572 | 9,266 | 55 |
| Darren Sproles | 3,552 | 4,840 | 11,313 | 64 |
Metcalf was definitely Darren Sproles before Darren Sproles. While Sproles has the better overall numbers, there is no discounting what Eric Metcalf did on the football field. His accolades don’t stop on the football field. Much like Jamaal Charles, Marquise Goodwin and John Burt, Metcalf was also a star in track.
Eric holds the UT record for outdoor long jump with a mark of 27-8 ¼ feet, was a two-time NCAA champion in the event, and became a five-time track All-American, in addition to his SWC long jump titles in 1986 and 1987. – per Texas Sports Hall of Fame release
While Eric Metcalf may not be in the NFL Hall of Fame, he is a member of the Texas Sports Hall of Fame. He was inducted in 2017, along with former Dallas Cowboys safety Darren Woodson.