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'''Eric Scott Sievers''' (November 9, 1957 – April 10, 2024) was an American professional [[American football|football]] player who was a [[tight end]] in the [[National Football League]] (NFL), primarily with the [[San Diego Chargers]]. He played [[college football]] for the [[Maryland Terrapins football|Maryland Terrapins]] before being selected by the Chargers in the fourth round of the [[1981 NFL draft]]. Sievers was named to the NFL All-Rookie team in 1981. He played |
'''Eric Scott Sievers''' (November 9, 1957 – April 10, 2024) was an American professional [[American football|football]] player who was a [[tight end]] for 10 seasons in the [[National Football League]] (NFL), primarily with the [[San Diego Chargers]]. He played [[college football]] for the [[Maryland Terrapins football|Maryland Terrapins]] before being selected by the Chargers in the fourth round of the [[1981 NFL draft]]. Sievers was named to the NFL All-Rookie team in 1981. He played in the NFL from 1981 to 1990 for the Chargers, the [[Los Angeles Rams]] and the [[New England Patriots]]. |
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==Early years and college== |
==Early years and college== |
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Born in [[Urbana, Illinois]], on November 9, 1957,<ref name=pfr>{{Cite pro-football-reference|name=Eric Sievers|id=S/SievEr00|access-date=April 12, 2024}}</ref> Sievers grew up in [[Arlington, Virginia]].<ref name=sanders_08072012/> He attended [[Washington-Lee High School]] in Arlington, where he was a three-sport athlete in football, [[basketball]] and [[track and field|track]].<ref name=smith_1987/> As a [[senior (education)|senior]] in 1975, Sievers earned [[All-American]] honors in football from ''[[Parade (magazine)|Parade]]'' and ''Scholastic Magazine''.<ref>{{cite news|title=Two Virginians on Parade A-A|date=December 28, 1975|newspaper=Richmond Times-Dispatch|page=E9|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/richmond-times-dispatch/145237647/|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|access-date=April 12, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Wilson, Gupton Honored Again|date=January 18, 1976|newspaper=Daily Press|page=D3|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-press/145238132/|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|access-date=April 12, 2024}}</ref><ref name=sanders_08072012/> He was inducted into the Virginia High School Hall of Fame in 1997.<ref name=sanders_08072012>{{cite news|first=Rich|last=Sanders|title=Top 100: Eric Sievers, Washington-Lee, Football, 1976|date=August 7, 2012|publisher=Connection Newspapers|url=http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/news/2012/aug/07/top-100-eric-sievers-washington-lee-football-1976/|access-date=April 12, 2024}}</ref> |
Born in [[Urbana, Illinois]], on November 9, 1957,<ref name=pfr>{{Cite pro-football-reference|name=Eric Sievers|id=S/SievEr00|access-date=April 12, 2024}}</ref> Sievers grew up in [[Arlington, Virginia]].<ref name=sanders_08072012/> He attended [[Washington-Lee High School]] in Arlington, where he was a three-sport athlete in football, [[basketball]] and [[track and field|track]].<ref name=smith_1987/> As a [[senior (education)|senior]] in 1975, Sievers earned [[All-American]] honors in football from ''[[Parade (magazine)|Parade]]'' and ''Scholastic Magazine''.<ref>{{cite news|title=Two Virginians on Parade A-A|date=December 28, 1975|newspaper=Richmond Times-Dispatch|page=E9|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/richmond-times-dispatch/145237647/|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|access-date=April 12, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Wilson, Gupton Honored Again|date=January 18, 1976|newspaper=Daily Press|page=D3|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-press/145238132/|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|access-date=April 12, 2024}}</ref><ref name=sanders_08072012/> He was inducted into the Virginia High School Hall of Fame in 1997.<ref name=sanders_08072012>{{cite news|first=Rich|last=Sanders|title=Top 100: Eric Sievers, Washington-Lee, Football, 1976|date=August 7, 2012|publisher=Connection Newspapers|url=http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/news/2012/aug/07/top-100-eric-sievers-washington-lee-football-1976/|access-date=April 12, 2024}}</ref> |
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At the [[University of Maryland, College Park]], Sievers established himself as a strong [[Blocking (American football)|blocker]], but he did not [[reception (gridiron football)|catch]] the ball much as the [[Maryland Terrapins|Terrapins]] did not [[forward pass|pass]] often.<ref name=maffei_04291981>{{cite news|first=John|last=Maffei|title=Script reads defense, but Chargers go offense|date=April 29, 1981|newspaper=Times-Advocate|pages=[https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-advocate/145218594/ D1], [https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-advocate/145218584/ D4] |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-advocate/145218594/|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|access-date=April 12, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first=Mike|last=Granberry|title=Chargers Stick With Their |
At the [[University of Maryland, College Park]], Sievers established himself as a strong [[Blocking (American football)|blocker]], but he did not [[reception (gridiron football)|catch]] the ball much as the [[Maryland Terrapins|Terrapins]] did not [[forward pass|pass]] often.<ref name=maffei_04291981>{{cite news|first=John|last=Maffei|title=Script reads defense, but Chargers go offense|date=April 29, 1981|newspaper=Times-Advocate|pages=[https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-advocate/145218594/ D1], [https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-advocate/145218584/ D4] |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-advocate/145218594/|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|access-date=April 12, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first=Mike|last=Granberry|title=Chargers Stick With Their Offensive Game Plan|date=April 29, 1981|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|at=Part III, pp. [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times/145230134/ 1], [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times/145230051/ 12]|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times/145230134/|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|access-date=April 12, 2024}}</ref> |
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==Professional career== |
==Professional career== |
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Sievers was selected by the [[San Diego Chargers]] in the fourth round of the [[1981 NFL draft]] with the 107th overall pick.<ref name=maffei_04291981/> They also drafted tight end [[Pete Holohan]] in the seventh round, who was Sievers' roommate at the [[East–West Shrine Game]], where they became friends.<ref>{{cite news|title=Charger rookie pals, competitors|date=August 23, 1981|newspaper=Auburn Journal|page=B-4|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/auburn-journal/145225053/|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|access-date=April 12, 2024}}</ref> In his first season in [[1981 San Diego Chargers season|1981]], Sievers [[starting lineup|started]] 10 games while frequently replacing [[Kellen Winslow]] when the [[All-Pro]] tight end lined up outside as a [[wingback (American football)|wingback]].<ref name=smith_1987/><ref name=upi_12181981>{{cite news|title=Rogers, Taylor head UPI's rookie team|date=December 18, 1981|newspaper=Ventura County Star-Free Press|page=C-6|agency=United Press International|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/ventura-county-star/145218665/|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|access-date=April 12, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first=Wayne|last=Lockwood|title=Chargers Show Draws Varied 'Reviews'|date=September 9, 1981|newspaper=The San Diego Union|page=C-2|url=https://sandiegouniontribune.newsbank.com/doc/image/v2:136E6A0F0DF56B38@NGPA-CASD-13CEFB2121E45426@2444857-13CAAA2485EAF554@35-13CAAA2485EAF554@|url-access=subscription|via=NewsBank|access-date=April 13, 2024|quote=Pick 4B Eric Sievers started and played the entire game at tight end. Real tight end, that is, not the wingback position of Kellen Winslow.}}</ref> [[United Press International]] named Sievers to their NFL All-Rookie team.<ref name=upi_12181981/> In the [[NFL playoffs|postseason]], the Chargers won their [[American Football Conference]] (AFC) divisional playoff game 41–38 in [[overtime (sports)|overtime]] over [[Miami Dolphins|Miami]].<ref name=weinberg>{{cite news|first=Dan|last=Weinberg|title=One of the greatest|website=ESPN.com|url=http://www.espn.com/classic/biography/s/Dolphins_Chargers_1981.html|access-date=April 13, 2024}}</ref><ref name=popper_07172021>{{cite news|first=Daniel|last=Popper|title=NFL 100: At 82, Kellen Winslow, the prototype for the modern tight end|date=July 17, 2021|work=The Athletic|url=https://theathletic.com/2703102/2021/07/17/nfl-100-at-82-kellen-winslow-the-prototype-for-the-modern-tight-end/|url-access=subscription|access-date=April 13, 2024}}</ref> A four-hour contest played under hot and humid conditions,<ref name=reilly_10251999>{{cite magazine|first=Rick|last=Reilly|title=A MATTER OF LIFE AND SUDDEN DEATH THE 1982 PLAYOFF BETWEEN THE CHARGERS AND DOLPHINS WASN'T JUST A FOOTBALL GAME AND WASN'T A WAR, EXACTLY, BUT IT DID CHANGE A FEW PEOPLE'S LIVES|date=October 25, 1999|magazine=Sports Illustrated|url=https://vault.si.com/vault/1999/10/25/a-matter-of-life-and-sudden-death-the-1982-playoff-between-the-chargers-and-dolphins-wasnt-just-a-football-game-and-wasnt-a-war-exactly-but-it-did-change-a-few-peoples-lives|access-date=April 13, 2024}}</ref><ref name=sentinel_01101993>{{cite news|title=Miami, San Diego Go At It Again|date=January 10, 1993|newspaper=Orlando Sentinel|url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/1993/01/10/miami-san-diego-go-at-it-again/|access-date=April 13, 2024}}</ref> the game came to be known as the [[Epic in Miami]] and voted by the [[Pro Football Hall of Fame]] as the "NFL's Game of the '80s".<ref name=weinberg/><ref name=popper_07172021/> The enduring image of the game is an exhausted Winslow, who had 13 catches for 166 yards and blocked a game-winning [[field goal]] attempt at the end of regulation,<ref name=weinberg/> being carried off the field after game by Sievers and teammate [[Billy Shields]].<ref name=popper_07172021/><ref name=sentinel_01101993/><ref>{{cite web|first=Elliot|last=Harrison|title=Playing Through the Pain|website=NFL.com|url=https://www.nfl.com/photos/playing-through-the-pain-09000d5d8226c082|access-date=April 13, 2024}}</ref> The Chargers fell one game short of the [[Super Bowl]], losing the following week's [[AFC Championship Game]] 27–7 to [[Cincinnati Bengals|Cincinnati]] in the coldest playoff game in NFL history at {{convert|-59|F|C}} [[wind chill]], dubbed the "[[Freezer Bowl]]".<ref name=reilly_10251999/><ref>{{cite journal|first=Ed|last=Gruver|title=Getting A Charge Out of the Postseason|year=2005|volume=27|issue=3|journal=The Coffin Corner|url=http://www.profootballresearchers.org/archives/Website_Files/Coffin_Corner/27-03-1069.pdf|access-date=April 13, 2024}}</ref> |
Sievers was selected by the [[San Diego Chargers]] in the fourth round of the [[1981 NFL draft]] with the 107th overall pick.<ref name=maffei_04291981/> They also drafted tight end [[Pete Holohan]] in the seventh round, who was Sievers's roommate at the [[East–West Shrine Game]], where they became friends.<ref>{{cite news|title=Charger rookie pals, competitors|date=August 23, 1981|newspaper=Auburn Journal|page=B-4|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/auburn-journal/145225053/|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|access-date=April 12, 2024}}</ref> In his first season in [[1981 San Diego Chargers season|1981]], Sievers [[starting lineup|started]] 10 games while frequently replacing [[Kellen Winslow]] when the [[All-Pro]] tight end lined up outside as a [[wingback (American football)|wingback]].<ref name=smith_1987/><ref name=upi_12181981>{{cite news|title=Rogers, Taylor head UPI's rookie team|date=December 18, 1981|newspaper=Ventura County Star-Free Press|page=C-6|agency=United Press International|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/ventura-county-star/145218665/|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|access-date=April 12, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first=Wayne|last=Lockwood|title=Chargers Show Draws Varied 'Reviews'|date=September 9, 1981|newspaper=The San Diego Union|page=C-2|url=https://sandiegouniontribune.newsbank.com/doc/image/v2:136E6A0F0DF56B38@NGPA-CASD-13CEFB2121E45426@2444857-13CAAA2485EAF554@35-13CAAA2485EAF554@|url-access=subscription|via=NewsBank|access-date=April 13, 2024|quote=Pick 4B Eric Sievers started and played the entire game at tight end. Real tight end, that is, not the wingback position of Kellen Winslow.}}</ref> [[United Press International]] named Sievers to their NFL All-Rookie team.<ref name=upi_12181981/> In the [[NFL playoffs|postseason]], the Chargers won their [[American Football Conference]] (AFC) divisional playoff game 41–38 in [[overtime (sports)|overtime]] over [[Miami Dolphins|Miami]].<ref name=weinberg>{{cite news|first=Dan|last=Weinberg|title=One of the greatest|website=ESPN.com|url=http://www.espn.com/classic/biography/s/Dolphins_Chargers_1981.html|access-date=April 13, 2024}}</ref><ref name=popper_07172021>{{cite news|first=Daniel|last=Popper|title=NFL 100: At 82, Kellen Winslow, the prototype for the modern tight end|date=July 17, 2021|work=The Athletic|url=https://theathletic.com/2703102/2021/07/17/nfl-100-at-82-kellen-winslow-the-prototype-for-the-modern-tight-end/|url-access=subscription|access-date=April 13, 2024}}</ref> A four-hour contest played under hot and humid conditions,<ref name=reilly_10251999>{{cite magazine|first=Rick|last=Reilly|title=A MATTER OF LIFE AND SUDDEN DEATH THE 1982 PLAYOFF BETWEEN THE CHARGERS AND DOLPHINS WASN'T JUST A FOOTBALL GAME AND WASN'T A WAR, EXACTLY, BUT IT DID CHANGE A FEW PEOPLE'S LIVES|date=October 25, 1999|magazine=Sports Illustrated|url=https://vault.si.com/vault/1999/10/25/a-matter-of-life-and-sudden-death-the-1982-playoff-between-the-chargers-and-dolphins-wasnt-just-a-football-game-and-wasnt-a-war-exactly-but-it-did-change-a-few-peoples-lives|access-date=April 13, 2024}}</ref><ref name=sentinel_01101993>{{cite news|title=Miami, San Diego Go At It Again|date=January 10, 1993|newspaper=Orlando Sentinel|url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/1993/01/10/miami-san-diego-go-at-it-again/|access-date=April 13, 2024}}</ref> the game came to be known as the [[Epic in Miami]] and voted by the [[Pro Football Hall of Fame]] as the "NFL's Game of the '80s".<ref name=weinberg/><ref name=popper_07172021/> The enduring image of the game is an exhausted Winslow, who had 13 catches for 166 yards and blocked a game-winning [[field goal]] attempt at the end of regulation,<ref name=weinberg/> being carried off the field after the game by Sievers and teammate [[Billy Shields]].<ref name=popper_07172021/><ref name=sentinel_01101993/><ref>{{cite web|first=Elliot|last=Harrison|title=Playing Through the Pain|website=NFL.com|url=https://www.nfl.com/photos/playing-through-the-pain-09000d5d8226c082|access-date=April 13, 2024}}</ref> The Chargers fell one game short of the [[Super Bowl]], losing the following week's [[AFC Championship Game]] 27–7 to [[Cincinnati Bengals|Cincinnati]] in the coldest playoff game in NFL history at {{convert|-59|F|C}} [[wind chill]], dubbed the "[[Freezer Bowl]]".<ref name=reilly_10251999/><ref>{{cite journal|first=Ed|last=Gruver|title=Getting A Charge Out of the Postseason|year=2005|volume=27|issue=3|journal=The Coffin Corner|url=http://www.profootballresearchers.org/archives/Website_Files/Coffin_Corner/27-03-1069.pdf|access-date=April 13, 2024}}</ref> |
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A solid blocker, Sievers' best receiving years with |
A solid blocker,<ref name=weyler_12231989/> Sievers was an integral part of [[Air Coryell]], San Diego head coach [[Don Coryell]]'s wide-open passing attack with quarterback [[Dan Fouts]].<ref>{{cite news|first=Nick|last=Canepa|title=LT's allegations that OC threw playoff game still resonate in San Diego|date=April 13, 2024|newspaper=The San Diego Union-Tribune|url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sports/sports-columnists/story/2024-04-13/nick-canepa-lts-allegations-that-oc-threw-playoff-game-still-resonate-in-san-diego|access-date=April 14, 2024}}</ref><ref name=facinoli_04142024/> His best receiving years with the Chargers were in [[1984 San Diego Chargers season|1984]] and [[1985 San Diego Chargers season|1985]], when he posted identical seasons of 41 catches for 438 yards.<ref name=weyler_12231989>{{cite news|first=John|last=Weyler|title=A Role Player's Dream Season|date=December 23, 1989|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-12-23-sp-595-story.html|access-date=April 12, 2024}}</ref> In 1984, Sievers, Holohan, and Winslow contributed to the Chargers' 164 receptions by the tight end position, setting an NFL single-season record for tight ends on a team.{{efn|Holohan (56 catches), Winslow (55) and Sievers (41) combined for 152 receptions.<ref name=pfr_1984sd>{{cite web|title=1984 San Diego Chargers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees|work=Pro Football Reference|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sdg/1984.htm|access-date=April 18, 2024}}</ref> [[Ron Egloff]] had 11,<ref name=pfr_1984sd/> and [[Drew Gissinger]], normally a [[tackle (gridiron football position)|tackle]], had 1 playing tight end.<ref name=pfr_1984sd/><ref>{{cite news|first=John|last=Maffei|title=Receptions record within Joiner's grasp|date=November 12, 1984|newspaper=Times-Advocate|page=C3|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-advocate/145644882/|access-date=April 18, 2024|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|quote=The injuries forced Drew Gissinger — normally a tackle — to play tight end for the second week in a row, and this week had a catch for three yards.}}</ref> The [[Associated Press]] wrote in 2005 that the 1984 Chargers' tight ends had 163 catches.<ref name=walker_12242005/>}}<ref name=walker_12242005>{{cite news|first=Teresa M.|last=Walker|title=Titans' tight ends catch on|date=December 24, 2005|newspaper=The Knoxville News-Sentinel|page=D4|agency=Associated Press|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-knoxville-news-sentinel/145226822/|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|access-date=April 12, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first=Clark|last=Judge|title=Facelift for Chargers|date=September 3, 1985|newspaper=Evening Tribune|page=Football-4|url=https://sandiegouniontribune.newsbank.com/doc/image/v2:136E6CB81C5E443C@NGPA-CASD-1738E4639FD42B27@2446312-17377139E9828162@67-17377139E9828162@?search_terms=|url-access=subscription|via=NewsBank|access-date=April 13, 2024|quote=In all, 164 passes for 1,930 yards and six touchdown were caught by the tight end position.}}</ref> Sievers began the 1985 season with 30 receptions and five touchdowns in the first seven games, but had just 11 catches for one score in the final nine games after Winslow returned from his injury coupled with the offense's shift to get [[Lionel James]] and [[Gary Anderson (running back)|Gary Anderson]] more involved.<ref name=smith_1987>{{cite book|editor-first1=Rick|editor-last1=Smith|title=San Diego Chargers 1987 Media Guide|publisher=San Diego Chargers|year=1987|pages=58, 59|url=https://archive.org/details/chargers-1987-media-guide-san-diego-c/page/58/mode/1up|via=[[Internet Archive]]|access-date=April 13, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first=Jerry|last=Magee|title=Zampese still a key for revamped Chargers|date=December 25, 1985|newspaper=The San Diego Union|pages=[https://sandiegouniontribune.newsbank.com/doc/image/v2:136E6A0F0DF56B38@NGPA-CASD-173BAAE276293B55@2446425-173B76D16C002F62@68-173B76D16C002F62@ E-1], [https://sandiegouniontribune.newsbank.com/doc/image/v2:136E6A0F0DF56B38@NGPA-CASD-173BAAE276293B55@2446425-173B76D21ECE75D6@70 E-3]|url=https://sandiegouniontribune.newsbank.com/doc/image/v2:136E6A0F0DF56B38@NGPA-CASD-173BAAE276293B55@2446425-173B76D16C002F62@68-173B76D16C002F62@|url-access=subscription|via=NewsBank|access-date=April 13, 2024}}</ref> |
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After catching 149 passes through his first five seasons, Sievers was limited by injuries and minimal playing time and had just three catches over the next three seasons.<ref>{{cite news|first=Jay|last=Posner|title=Rams get Sievers on waivers|date=December 8, 1988|newspaper=Times-Advocate|pages=[https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-advocate/145224892/ C1], [https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-advocate/145224914/ C8]|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-advocate/145224892/|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|access-date=April 12, 2024}}</ref><ref name=dufrense_12081988/> He played in only nine games and caught just two passes in [[1986 San Diego Chargers season|1986]] while hampered by a [[compression fracture]] in his leg and underwent surgery in the offseason.<ref>{{cite news|first=Jay|last=Posner|title=Chargers' tight end logjam|date=August 2, 1987|newspaper=Times-Advocate|pages=[https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-advocate/145218714/ D1], [https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-advocate/145218738/ D8]|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-advocate/145218714/|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|access-date=April 12, 2024}}</ref> In [[1988 San Diego Chargers season|1988]], he was placed on [[injured reserve]] with a neck injury.<ref name=dufrense_12081988>{{cite news|first=Chris|last=Dufrense|title=Rams Charge Down Freeway Again, Get San Diego's Sievers|date=December 8, 1988|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-12-08-sp-1610-story.html|access-date=April 12, 2024}}</ref> According to Sievers, his injury was not severe enough to warrant the move. "It gave them an opening to bring in the people they really wanted to have", he said.<ref name=simers_12081988>{{cite news|first=T.J.|last=Simers|title=Chargers lose Sievers to Rams via waivers|date=December 8, 1988|newspaper=The San Diego Union|pages=[https://sandiegouniontribune.newsbank.com/doc/image/v2:136E6A0F0DF56B38@NGPA-CASD-17551C6D612E3176@2447504-175519A0B69CDD27@46-175519A0B69CDD27@ C-1], [https://sandiegouniontribune.newsbank.com/doc/image/v2:136E6A0F0DF56B38@NGPA-CASD-17551C6D612E3176@2447504-1754C78CABD33C5C@55 C-8]|url=https://sandiegouniontribune.newsbank.com/doc/image/v2:136E6A0F0DF56B38@NGPA-CASD-17551C6D612E3176@2447504-175519A0B69CDD27@46-175519A0B69CDD27@|url-access=subscription|via=NewsBank|access-date=April 13, 2024}}</ref> San Diego tried to activate him by passing him through [[Waivers (NFL)|waivers]], but he was claimed by the [[Los Angeles Rams]].<ref name=dufrense_12081988/> He had been the second-longest tenured player on the Chargers roster behind [[Don Macek]].<ref name=simers_12081988/> He played one regular-season and one playoff game at the end of [[1988 Los Angeles Rams season|the Rams' season]] before becoming a [[Plan B free agent]].<ref name=weyler_12231989/> |
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Sievers signed with the [[New England Patriots]] in [[1989 New England Patriots season|1989]]. Although [[Lin Dawson]] started at tight end, Sievers led all AFC tight ends that year with 54 receptions for 615 yards, both career highs.<ref name=pfr/><ref name=weyler_12231989/><ref name=salguero_03191991/> In [[1990 New England Patriots season|1990]], he injured his knee on November 4 against [[Philadelphia Eagles|Philadelphia]], and spent the remainder of the year on injured reserve. Sievers ended the season with eight catches for 77 yards in eight games with one start.<ref name=salguero_03191991>{{cite news|first=Armando|last=Salguero|title=Dolphins sign Plan B TE Sievers|date=March 19, 1991|newspaper=The Palm Beach Post|page=5C|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-palm-beach-post/145228854/|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|access-date=April 12, 2024}}</ref> He signed with the [[Miami Dolphins]] as a Plan B free agent in [[1991 Miami Dolphins season|1991]], but was waived during preseason.<ref>{{cite news|first=Chris|last=Lazzarino|title=Dolphins Get 'B's, but they don't pass test|date=August 28, 1991|newspaper=South Florida Sun Sentinel|page=[https://www.newspapers.com/article/south-florida-sun-sentinel/145226460/ 1C], [https://www.newspapers.com/article/south-florida-sun-sentinel/145226498/ 8C]|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/south-florida-sun-sentinel/145226460/|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|access-date=April 12, 2024}}</ref> |
Sievers signed with the [[New England Patriots]] in [[1989 New England Patriots season|1989]]. Although [[Lin Dawson]] started at tight end, Sievers led all AFC tight ends that year with 54 receptions for 615 yards, both career highs.<ref name=pfr/><ref name=weyler_12231989/><ref name=salguero_03191991/> In [[1990 New England Patriots season|1990]], he injured his knee on November 4 against [[Philadelphia Eagles|Philadelphia]], and spent the remainder of the year on injured reserve. Sievers ended the season with eight catches for 77 yards in eight games with one start.<ref name=salguero_03191991>{{cite news|first=Armando|last=Salguero|title=Dolphins sign Plan B TE Sievers|date=March 19, 1991|newspaper=The Palm Beach Post|page=5C|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-palm-beach-post/145228854/|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|access-date=April 12, 2024}}</ref> He signed with the [[Miami Dolphins]] as a Plan B free agent in [[1991 Miami Dolphins season|1991]], but was waived during preseason.<ref>{{cite news|first=Chris|last=Lazzarino|title=Dolphins Get 'B's, but they don't pass test|date=August 28, 1991|newspaper=South Florida Sun Sentinel|page=[https://www.newspapers.com/article/south-florida-sun-sentinel/145226460/ 1C], [https://www.newspapers.com/article/south-florida-sun-sentinel/145226498/ 8C]|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/south-florida-sun-sentinel/145226460/|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|access-date=April 12, 2024}}</ref> |
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In 1994, Sievers partnered with host [[Charlie Jones (sportscaster)|Charlie Jones]] on ''Chargers: Monday Night Live'', a weekly ''[[Monday Night Football]]'' postgame show on [[KGTV]] channel 10 in San Diego.<ref>{{cite news|first=John|last=Maffei|title=Jones lends Monday show a deft touch|date=September 23, 1994|newspaper=The North County Blade-Citizen|page=C-3|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/north-county-times/145227260/|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|access-date=April 12, 2024}}</ref> |
In 1994, Sievers partnered with host [[Charlie Jones (sportscaster)|Charlie Jones]] on ''Chargers: Monday Night Live'', a weekly ''[[Monday Night Football]]'' postgame show on [[KGTV]] channel 10 in San Diego.<ref>{{cite news|first=John|last=Maffei|title=Jones lends Monday show a deft touch|date=September 23, 1994|newspaper=The North County Blade-Citizen|page=C-3|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/north-county-times/145227260/|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|access-date=April 12, 2024}}</ref> |
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After a six-year battle with [[bladder cancer]], Sievers died on April 10, 2024, at the age of 66.<ref name=facinoli_04142024>{{cite news|first=Dave|last=Facinoli|title=W-L graduate remembered as much more than just a star athlete|date=April 14, 2024|work=GazetteLeader|url=https://www.gazetteleader.com/arlington/sports/w-l-graduate-remembered-as-much-more-than-just-a-star-athlete-8597379|access-date=April 14, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Alex|last=Kirschenbaum|title=Chargers News: Beloved Former San Diego-Era TE Dies Of Cancer |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/chargers/news/beloved-former-san-diego-era-te-dies-of-cancer-ak1987 |access-date=April 11, 2024 |publisher=Sports Illustrated |date=April 11, 2024}}</ref> |
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==Notes== |
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{{notelist}} |
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==References== |
==References== |
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[[Category:New England Patriots players]] |
[[Category:New England Patriots players]] |
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[[Category:Washington-Liberty High School alumni]] |
[[Category:Washington-Liberty High School alumni]] |
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[[Category:Deaths from bladder cancer in the United States]] |
Revision as of 10:39, 8 May 2024
No. 85 | |||||||||||
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Position: | Tight end | ||||||||||
Personal information | |||||||||||
Born: | Urbana, Illinois, U.S. | November 9, 1957||||||||||
Died: | April 10, 2024 | (aged 66)||||||||||
Height: | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) | ||||||||||
Weight: | 236 lb (107 kg) | ||||||||||
Career information | |||||||||||
High school: | Washington-Lee (Arlington, Virginia) | ||||||||||
College: | Maryland | ||||||||||
NFL draft: | 1981 / Round: 4 / Pick: 107 | ||||||||||
Career history | |||||||||||
* Offseason and/or practice squad member only | |||||||||||
Career NFL statistics | |||||||||||
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Player stats at PFR |
Eric Scott Sievers (November 9, 1957 – April 10, 2024) was an American professional football player who was a tight end for 10 seasons in the National Football League (NFL), primarily with the San Diego Chargers. He played college football for the Maryland Terrapins before being selected by the Chargers in the fourth round of the 1981 NFL draft. Sievers was named to the NFL All-Rookie team in 1981. He played in the NFL from 1981 to 1990 for the Chargers, the Los Angeles Rams and the New England Patriots.
Early years and college
Born in Urbana, Illinois, on November 9, 1957,[1] Sievers grew up in Arlington, Virginia.[2] He attended Washington-Lee High School in Arlington, where he was a three-sport athlete in football, basketball and track.[3] As a senior in 1975, Sievers earned All-American honors in football from Parade and Scholastic Magazine.[4][5][2] He was inducted into the Virginia High School Hall of Fame in 1997.[2]
At the University of Maryland, College Park, Sievers established himself as a strong blocker, but he did not catch the ball much as the Terrapins did not pass often.[6][7]
Professional career
Sievers was selected by the San Diego Chargers in the fourth round of the 1981 NFL draft with the 107th overall pick.[6] They also drafted tight end Pete Holohan in the seventh round, who was Sievers's roommate at the East–West Shrine Game, where they became friends.[8] In his first season in 1981, Sievers started 10 games while frequently replacing Kellen Winslow when the All-Pro tight end lined up outside as a wingback.[3][9][10] United Press International named Sievers to their NFL All-Rookie team.[9] In the postseason, the Chargers won their American Football Conference (AFC) divisional playoff game 41–38 in overtime over Miami.[11][12] A four-hour contest played under hot and humid conditions,[13][14] the game came to be known as the Epic in Miami and voted by the Pro Football Hall of Fame as the "NFL's Game of the '80s".[11][12] The enduring image of the game is an exhausted Winslow, who had 13 catches for 166 yards and blocked a game-winning field goal attempt at the end of regulation,[11] being carried off the field after the game by Sievers and teammate Billy Shields.[12][14][15] The Chargers fell one game short of the Super Bowl, losing the following week's AFC Championship Game 27–7 to Cincinnati in the coldest playoff game in NFL history at −59 °F (−51 °C) wind chill, dubbed the "Freezer Bowl".[13][16]
A solid blocker,[17] Sievers was an integral part of Air Coryell, San Diego head coach Don Coryell's wide-open passing attack with quarterback Dan Fouts.[18][19] His best receiving years with the Chargers were in 1984 and 1985, when he posted identical seasons of 41 catches for 438 yards.[17] In 1984, Sievers, Holohan, and Winslow contributed to the Chargers' 164 receptions by the tight end position, setting an NFL single-season record for tight ends on a team.[a][22][23] Sievers began the 1985 season with 30 receptions and five touchdowns in the first seven games, but had just 11 catches for one score in the final nine games after Winslow returned from his injury coupled with the offense's shift to get Lionel James and Gary Anderson more involved.[3][24]
After catching 149 passes through his first five seasons, Sievers was limited by injuries and minimal playing time and had just three catches over the next three seasons.[25][26] He played in only nine games and caught just two passes in 1986 while hampered by a compression fracture in his leg and underwent surgery in the offseason.[27] In 1988, he was placed on injured reserve with a neck injury.[26] According to Sievers, his injury was not severe enough to warrant the move. "It gave them an opening to bring in the people they really wanted to have", he said.[28] San Diego tried to activate him by passing him through waivers, but he was claimed by the Los Angeles Rams.[26] He had been the second-longest tenured player on the Chargers roster behind Don Macek.[28] He played one regular-season and one playoff game at the end of the Rams' season before becoming a Plan B free agent.[17]
Sievers signed with the New England Patriots in 1989. Although Lin Dawson started at tight end, Sievers led all AFC tight ends that year with 54 receptions for 615 yards, both career highs.[1][17][29] In 1990, he injured his knee on November 4 against Philadelphia, and spent the remainder of the year on injured reserve. Sievers ended the season with eight catches for 77 yards in eight games with one start.[29] He signed with the Miami Dolphins as a Plan B free agent in 1991, but was waived during preseason.[30]
Later years
In 1994, Sievers partnered with host Charlie Jones on Chargers: Monday Night Live, a weekly Monday Night Football postgame show on KGTV channel 10 in San Diego.[31]
After a six-year battle with bladder cancer, Sievers died on April 10, 2024, at the age of 66.[19][32]
Notes
- ^ Holohan (56 catches), Winslow (55) and Sievers (41) combined for 152 receptions.[20] Ron Egloff had 11,[20] and Drew Gissinger, normally a tackle, had 1 playing tight end.[20][21] The Associated Press wrote in 2005 that the 1984 Chargers' tight ends had 163 catches.[22]
References
- ^ a b "Eric Sievers Stats". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved April 12, 2024.
- ^ a b c Sanders, Rich (August 7, 2012). "Top 100: Eric Sievers, Washington-Lee, Football, 1976". Connection Newspapers. Retrieved April 12, 2024.
- ^ a b c Smith, Rick, ed. (1987). San Diego Chargers 1987 Media Guide. San Diego Chargers. pp. 58, 59. Retrieved April 13, 2024 – via Internet Archive.
- ^ "Two Virginians on Parade A-A". Richmond Times-Dispatch. December 28, 1975. p. E9. Retrieved April 12, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Wilson, Gupton Honored Again". Daily Press. January 18, 1976. p. D3. Retrieved April 12, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b Maffei, John (April 29, 1981). "Script reads defense, but Chargers go offense". Times-Advocate. pp. D1, D4. Retrieved April 12, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Granberry, Mike (April 29, 1981). "Chargers Stick With Their Offensive Game Plan". Los Angeles Times. Part III, pp. 1, 12. Retrieved April 12, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Charger rookie pals, competitors". Auburn Journal. August 23, 1981. p. B-4. Retrieved April 12, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b "Rogers, Taylor head UPI's rookie team". Ventura County Star-Free Press. United Press International. December 18, 1981. p. C-6. Retrieved April 12, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Lockwood, Wayne (September 9, 1981). "Chargers Show Draws Varied 'Reviews'". The San Diego Union. p. C-2. Retrieved April 13, 2024 – via NewsBank.
Pick 4B Eric Sievers started and played the entire game at tight end. Real tight end, that is, not the wingback position of Kellen Winslow.
- ^ a b c Weinberg, Dan. "One of the greatest". ESPN.com. Retrieved April 13, 2024.
- ^ a b c Popper, Daniel (July 17, 2021). "NFL 100: At 82, Kellen Winslow, the prototype for the modern tight end". The Athletic. Retrieved April 13, 2024.
- ^ a b Reilly, Rick (October 25, 1999). "A MATTER OF LIFE AND SUDDEN DEATH THE 1982 PLAYOFF BETWEEN THE CHARGERS AND DOLPHINS WASN'T JUST A FOOTBALL GAME AND WASN'T A WAR, EXACTLY, BUT IT DID CHANGE A FEW PEOPLE'S LIVES". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved April 13, 2024.
- ^ a b "Miami, San Diego Go At It Again". Orlando Sentinel. January 10, 1993. Retrieved April 13, 2024.
- ^ Harrison, Elliot. "Playing Through the Pain". NFL.com. Retrieved April 13, 2024.
- ^ Gruver, Ed (2005). "Getting A Charge Out of the Postseason" (PDF). The Coffin Corner. 27 (3). Retrieved April 13, 2024.
- ^ a b c d Weyler, John (December 23, 1989). "A Role Player's Dream Season". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved April 12, 2024.
- ^ Canepa, Nick (April 13, 2024). "LT's allegations that OC threw playoff game still resonate in San Diego". The San Diego Union-Tribune. Retrieved April 14, 2024.
- ^ a b Facinoli, Dave (April 14, 2024). "W-L graduate remembered as much more than just a star athlete". GazetteLeader. Retrieved April 14, 2024.
- ^ a b c "1984 San Diego Chargers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved April 18, 2024.
- ^ Maffei, John (November 12, 1984). "Receptions record within Joiner's grasp". Times-Advocate. p. C3. Retrieved April 18, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
The injuries forced Drew Gissinger — normally a tackle — to play tight end for the second week in a row, and this week had a catch for three yards.
- ^ a b Walker, Teresa M. (December 24, 2005). "Titans' tight ends catch on". The Knoxville News-Sentinel. Associated Press. p. D4. Retrieved April 12, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Judge, Clark (September 3, 1985). "Facelift for Chargers". Evening Tribune. p. Football-4. Retrieved April 13, 2024 – via NewsBank.
In all, 164 passes for 1,930 yards and six touchdown were caught by the tight end position.
- ^ Magee, Jerry (December 25, 1985). "Zampese still a key for revamped Chargers". The San Diego Union. pp. E-1, E-3. Retrieved April 13, 2024 – via NewsBank.
- ^ Posner, Jay (December 8, 1988). "Rams get Sievers on waivers". Times-Advocate. pp. C1, C8. Retrieved April 12, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b c Dufrense, Chris (December 8, 1988). "Rams Charge Down Freeway Again, Get San Diego's Sievers". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved April 12, 2024.
- ^ Posner, Jay (August 2, 1987). "Chargers' tight end logjam". Times-Advocate. pp. D1, D8. Retrieved April 12, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b Simers, T.J. (December 8, 1988). "Chargers lose Sievers to Rams via waivers". The San Diego Union. pp. C-1, C-8. Retrieved April 13, 2024 – via NewsBank.
- ^ a b Salguero, Armando (March 19, 1991). "Dolphins sign Plan B TE Sievers". The Palm Beach Post. p. 5C. Retrieved April 12, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Lazzarino, Chris (August 28, 1991). "Dolphins Get 'B's, but they don't pass test". South Florida Sun Sentinel. p. 1C, 8C. Retrieved April 12, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Maffei, John (September 23, 1994). "Jones lends Monday show a deft touch". The North County Blade-Citizen. p. C-3. Retrieved April 12, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Kirschenbaum, Alex (April 11, 2024). "Chargers News: Beloved Former San Diego-Era TE Dies Of Cancer". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved April 11, 2024.
External links
- Career statistics and player information from NFL.com · Pro Football Reference