Former Steelers Running Back Gets Sentenced To Minimum Of 12 Years For Stabbing

Eric Wilkerson, a former member of the Pittsburgh Steelers, was sentenced to at least 12 years in prison on Tuesday, according to a report by Fox 8 News among other outlets. Wilkerson plead guilty last week to charges including aggravated murder, murder, felonious assault, and tampering with records. These charges stem from the stabbing of Brian Weems III of Maple Heights, which took place in 2022 and resulted in Weems death. 

Now 56 years of age, Wilkerson was given an indefinite sentence of 12 to 17.5 years after his guilty plea which resulted in the amended charges and a total of six charges being dropped. 

According to the report of the incident, Wilkerson and Weems engaged in an argument in Weems apartment. Weems headed into the bathroom and Wilkerson followed him, stabbing him several times while in there. Wilkerson then fled the scene. 

After his full sentenced is served, Wilkerson will be subject to probation once he is released. 

Wilkerson was a member of the Steelers for the 1989 NFL season, and only dressed for one regular season game and the team's two playoff games. Most of Steeler Nation will likely not remember Wilkerson being on the team due to his short stint and him not recording any stats during his time with the team being Merril Hoge's backup. He then spent a portion of the 1990 season with the Detroit Lions before being waived. He did not sign with another NFL team after being released from the Lions roster. 

Prior to his time in the NFL, Wilkerson was a standout college running back. From 1985-1988 Wilkerson was a member of the Kent State Golden Flashes and was one of the top running backs in the country over that span. Topping 1,000 rushing yards in both his junior and senior season, Wilkerson amassed a total of 3,830 rushing yards across his four seasons. His lowest rushing total was his freshman year in which he only recorded 594 yards. 

Wilkerson set Kent State's rushing record during his senior season, as that year he rushed for a total of 1,325 yards and scored 14 touchdowns helping lead the Golden Flashes to a 5 win season. 

Before Wilkerson started his college career at Kent State, he was a standout high school athlete while growing up in the Cleveland area. 

Despite not being a success in the NFL, Wilkerson did have some success in the World League as a running back. In 1991, Wilkerson was a member of the New York/New Jersey Knights and was the team's starting running back during that season. During that lone season, Wilkerson was the league's leading rusher, as he rushed for 717 yards and average 6.1 yards per carry. 

In addition to his success on the ground, he also had success through the air and finding the end zone. He finished the 1991 season tied for the World League scoring crown along with Byron Williams, as both players scored a total of 11 touchdowns. Wilkerson had 7 rushing touchdowns and 4 receiving touchdowns in addition to his yards on the ground. His success helped lead the Knights to the North American East division crown. 

Despite his success in college and the World League, Wilkerson never was able to stick in the NFL, and never got another chance to prove himself after the 1991 season. 

It is never good to hear about Steelers having trouble off the field and in their personal life, whether it be current or former players. Despite being with the Steelers for only one season as a rookie, it is still unfortunate to hear this news as it pertains to Wilkerson, Weems, and the Weems family. 

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