Eric starred as a defensive back both at Mizzou and in the NFL. He was all-Big Eight Conference in 1979 and 1980 and played on three Missouri teams that appeared in bowl games. He shares the Missouri record for pass interceptions in a game (three vs. San Diego State in 1979). Wright was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the second round and is one of just five players who played on all four of San Francisco’s Super Bowl championship teams during the decade of the 1980s. While a member of the 49ers from 1981 to 1990, Wright, along with Ronnie Lott, became a cornerback pair considered to be one of the best in NFL history. In the NFC Championship game on Jan. 10, 1982, against Dallas, on the Cowboys’ last possession in the final minute following ‘The Catch’ by Dwight Clark, Wright made a touchdown-saving tackle on Cowboy wide receiver Drew Pearson to preserve the 49er win and propel them into their first Super Bowl. Considered one of the best cover cornerbacks of his day, Wright’s peak performance year was during the 1983 season when he intercepted seven passes for 164 yards and two touchdowns. He also intercepted passes in Super Bowl XVI and Super Bowl XIX and had five fumble recoveries during his career. Wright was a two-time NFL all-pro and Pro Bowl selection in 1984 and 1985. For his career, he finished with 18 interceptions and scored two touchdowns. He returned to Missouri to coach wide receivers for Coach Larry Smith in 1994 and ‘95 after a stint on the 49ers’ coaching staff following his retirement as a player. He returned to San Francisco in 1996 and has worked as the 49ers’ alumni coordinator. A native of East St. Louis, Ill. He was inducted into the St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame in 2009.
