How Former NFL WR Eric Decker Balances Work and Family Life

By Movieguide® Contributor

Considered one of the most decorated players for the Minnesota Gopher football team, Eric Decker, is a former NFL wide receiver, who joined the 4:8 Men Podcast to discuss how he balances work and family life.

“I feel like I’m still figuring that out,” Decker admitted. “You know working out is a priority because it gives me many outlets. Just for the mental part of it, the physical, the endorphins. Then the second thing is being more proactive in reaching out to friends getting together and having fellowship with other guys.”

Decker misses the “camaraderie” that was so naturally built in the locker room.

Other aspects of Decker’s work-life balance includes his diet, sleep regimen and recreation.

“I think again just making sure that I’m eating healthy, I’m getting sleep, and I’m doing stuff that I’m passionate about,” he said.

Decker also misses the routine and structure of being in the NFL.

“I definitely have gotten comfortable I guess in a sense being uncomfortable and I try to find little times in the day – that’s why I think I love being outside in my yard,” Decker revealed. “It kind of grounds me. So, starting to garden and having the chickens, it kind of gives me a reboot from kind of the crazy life we live.”

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Decker is a father to three children, soon to be four with a son on the way, and a husband to Jessie James Decker.

Decker is a family man through and through and often takes his children to give back to local charities.

“Brought the kids by @2harvestmidtn this morning to help pack snacks for children that rely on school provided meals. Warms my heart watching the kids humble their hearts and become passionate about serving others and making an impact in their community,” Decker shared on his Instagram.

Decker played college football at the University of Minnesota and was drafted in the 3rd round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos.

He played for the Broncos from 2010-2013. Once he finished in Denver, Decker was traded to the New York Jets where he spent the 2014-2016 seasons. Finally, he finished his career as a Tennessee Titan in 2017 before his retirement.