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United States Eric Hipple has transitioned from NFL quarterback to motivational speaker and mental health advocate.
Eric Hipple currently serves as the Outreach Coordinator for the Depression Center of the University of Michigan. In this role, he dedicates himself to mental health advocacy, delivering speeches and educational content on suicide prevention and mental illness to various audiences, including high schools, youth groups, and military families. He also co-authored a study on depression and pain in retired professional football players and is featured in a documentary film by the center.
Eric Hipple spent his entire 10-year professional football career as a quarterback for the Detroit Lions (1980-1989). After retiring, he continued his association with the team by working on their pregame show from 1995 to 2000. He was also the 2020 Detroit Lions nominee for the 'Salute to Service Award' for his advocacy work.
Eric Hipple had a nine-year career as a quarterback in the NFL, all with the Detroit Lions. He is recognized for his contributions as a former NFL player and participates in discussions organized by the NFL, such as the 'Why We Play' series, where he shared lessons on teamwork.
Eric Hipple appeared as himself in an episode of the television show 'Home Improvement' (Season 3, Episode 18). In the episode, he participated in building a house for Habitat for Humanity alongside other athletes and President Jimmy Carter.
Eric Hipple played college football for Utah State University, earning athletic scholarships. He was recognized for his achievements, including being inducted into the Utah State Hall of Fame in 2012, and remains connected to the university through events such as speaking engagements.
Eric Hipple was born on September 16, 1957, in Lubbock, Texas. He attended Utah State University on an athletic scholarship, playing as a quarterback and earning an all-Pacific Coast Athletic Association selection in 1979. He led the Utah State Aggies to back-to-back conference championships in 1978 and 1979 and was inducted into the Utah State Hall of Fame in 2012. Hipple completed his collegiate career with 6,073 passing yards and 34 touchdowns.
Hipple was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the fourth round of the 1980 NFL Draft. He spent his entire 10-year NFL career with the Lions. During his professional career, he played in 102 games, starting 57 of them, and recorded 10,711 passing yards, 55 touchdowns, and 70 interceptions. In 1986, he led the NFL in completion percentage at 63.0%. After his retirement from professional football in 1989, Hipple started an insurance business.
Following personal tragedies, including the suicide of his son in 2000, Eric Hipple became a public speaker and mental health advocate. He now serves as the Outreach Coordinator of the Depression Center of the University of Michigan, where he educates various groups on suicide prevention and mental illness. He also co-authored the book “Real Men Do Cry,” which discusses his experiences with depression and suicide loss.
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