Career Highlights: For wrestling, three-time NCAA III national qualifier and All-American after placing fifth/sixth at 191 pounds in 1963; also NAIA All-American in 1963 after placing sixth in the heavyweight division; two-time CCI Champion in the heavyweight division; for football, played four different positions and was named to North Central’s All-Century Team; holds the longest interception return in school history with a 90-yard return for a touchdown against North Park in 1963; played for the Washington Redskins and Winnipeg Blue Bombers; inducted into Semi-Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1999.
During his time at North Central College, Eric Avery ’66 was well known across campus. He was a member of both the football and wrestling teams and was active in several student organizations. Avery was also president of his residence hall, vice president of the inter-dorm council and worked on the College’s yearbook staff.
During his years on the wrestling team, North Central finished second in the College Conference of Illinois (CCI) three times and won the NCC Invitational twice. Individually, Avery was a three-time NCAA national qualifier. In 1963, he placed fifth/sixth at 191 pounds to earn All-American honors. He was also a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics All-American that same year after placing sixth in the heavyweight division. At the conference level, Avery was a two-time CCI Champion in the heavyweight division.
The grappler’s skills on the mat transferred well to the gridiron and visa versa. On the field, he played four different positions. His specialty was at defensive end and he holds the record for the longest interception return in school history with a 90-yard return for a touchdown against North Park in 1963. Avery was later honored for his Cardinal football accomplishments by being named to North Central’s All-Century Team. A four-year starter, his favorite memory was not on the field, but rather at a celebration following a Homecoming victory.
“After we won, we picked up coach and threw him in the pond just north of the football field,” Avery said.
Avery took his collegiate playing experience to the next level in the National Football League (NFL) and Canadian Football League (CFL), as well as minor league football. A self-described journeyman, he played for the NFL’s Washington Redskins and San Diego Chargers, the CFL’s Winnipeg Blue Bombers and several minor league teams. As a Redskin, the Elmhurst, Ill., native climbed in weight from 225 pounds to 250 and saw action as a linebacker behind the veteran Sam Huff. He began the year as an offensive end but switched from offense to defense when injuries cut into the defensive unit. He was inducted into the American Football Association Semi-Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1999.
Following his pro-football career, Avery began a 37-year career at Riddell as a sales representative for sporting equipment.
