Eric-Nathan Marvin Kendricks is an American football linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys in the NFL. The Minnesota Vikings selected Kendricks as the 45th overall pick in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft. Born on February 29, 1992, Kendricks started his football career at Herbert Hoover High School in Fresco, California as a captain. For his exceptional performance, he was named in the first-team All-league defense and was regarded as a three-star recruit by Rivals. Kendricks later was enrolled at the University of California, Los Angeles for a college career.
Kendricks sat out during his freshman season and then played for UCLA Bruins from the 2011 to 2014 seasons. During his time at UCLA, Kendricks established himself as one of the top linebackers. In 2015 he drafted his name for the 2015 NFL Draft. His exceptional performance at the NFL Combine, including an impressive 4.61-second 40-yard dash, further solidified his status as an elite linebacker prospect. After being selected by the Minnesota Vikings, he spent his first eight seasons in the NFL with the Vikings, consistently proving his worth on the field. In 2023, Kendricks was traded to the Los Angeles Chargers, but his time there was short-lived. After being released by the Chargers in March 2024, he quickly found a new home with the Dallas Cowboys, where he continues to showcase his skills as a linebacker.
Who are Eric Kendricks' parents?
Marvin Kendricks and Yvonne Thagon are the parents of Eric Kendricks.
Eric Kendricks' father
Marvin Kendricks, Kendricks' father, had a notable football career of his own. He played for the Riverside City College Tigers, where he excelled as a running back. Marvin led the Mission Conference in rushing for two consecutive seasons, earning Most Valuable Player awards both times. His outstanding performance earned him two-time All-American honors and a spot on the nationwide Junior College All-Star team in 1968. Marvin's success caught UCLA's attention, leading to a scholarship offer. At UCLA, he became one of the most dominant running backs in the Pac-8 conference. In 21 games, he scored 11 touchdowns, rushed for 1,155 yards, and averaged 4.7 yards per carry. His record stood for about 15 years. (via Riverside City College Athletics)
After college, Marvin was drafted by the New Orleans Saints but chose to sign with the Toronto Argonauts in the Canadian Football League (CFL). He later spent a season with the Philadelphia Eagles, according to Riverside City College Athletics. However, Marvin faced personal struggles, battling crack cocaine addiction during much of his son's childhood, according to ESPN.
Marvin Kendricks passed away on September 25, 2023, as per Dignity Memorial.
Eric Kendricks' mother
Yvonne Thagon was a dedicated and hardworking parent. She worked tirelessly as a pharmacy technician to support her family. Yvonne was deeply involved in her sons' football careers, often travelling to watch Eric and Mychal's games. Her commitment to her children's sports activities went beyond simply attending games. Yvonne would work at the snack bar during games to raise money for a booster club. This club helped provide equipment for children on the team who needed financial assistance. (via ESPN)
Even when her sons played against each other in the 2018 NFC Championship Game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Minnesota Vikings, Yvonne was there to support both of them.
FAQs
A. Eric Kendricks plays for the Dallas Cowboys in the NFL as of 2024.
A. Eric Kendricks wears jersey number 50 for the Dallas Cowboys as of 2024.
A. Mychal Kendricks is brother of Eric Kendricks. Mychal also played as a linebacker in the NFL.
A. Eric Kendricks was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings as the 45th overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft.