Alex Michael Erickson Bio
Alex Michael Erickson is an American professional football wide receiver and return specialist who has competed in the National Football League since 2016. He played college football for the Wisconsin Badgers and entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2016. Over his career, Erickson has developed a reputation as a reliable special teams contributor and depth wide receiver. He has been a member of eight NFL franchises including the Houston Texans, Carolina Panthers, Washington Commanders, New York Jets, Los Angeles Chargers, and New England Patriots. His most notable achievement came during his rookie season when he led the NFL in kickoff return yards.
Early Life and Background
Alex Michael Erickson was born on November 6, 1992, in Darlington, Wisconsin. He attended Darlington High School where he showcased exceptional athletic versatility as both a quarterback and defensive back. During his high school career, Erickson rushed for 3,856 yards and 57 touchdowns while also passing for 3,648 yards and 37 touchdowns. Defensively, he recorded 170 tackles and 14 interceptions, demonstrating the playmaking ability that would define his collegiate and professional career.
As a senior at Darlington High School, Erickson accumulated 2,489 yards of total offense, accounting for 33 touchdowns. His outstanding performance earned him first-team all-state honors as a defensive back and first-team all-conference recognition as both a defensive back and quarterback. He was selected to play in the WFCA All-Star game and was named the Wisconsin State Journal Small School Player of the Year, establishing himself as one of the top small-school prospects in Wisconsin.
College Career at Wisconsin
Erickson joined the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2012, beginning a four-year career that would make him one of the most productive receivers in school history. He lettered three years with the Badgers and concluded his collegiate tenure ranked 10th in school history with 1,877 receiving yards and sixth all-time with 141 career receptions. His consistency and reliability made him a foundational piece of the Wisconsin passing attack.
During his freshman and sophomore seasons, Erickson developed gradually, catching nine passes for 127 yards in 2013. His role expanded significantly in 2014 when he recorded 55 receptions for 772 yards and three touchdowns across 13 games. The 2015 senior season proved to be his most productive campaign. He caught 77 passes, ranking second in single-season receptions in school history, for 978 receiving yards and three touchdowns. His performance earned him first-team All-Big Ten Conference recognition by the media, second-team All-Big Ten by the coaches, and Academic All-Big Ten honors for the third consecutive year. Erickson graduated in December 2015 with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural business management.
Alex Michael Erickson Career
Cincinnati Bengals (2016–2020)
Erickson signed with the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent in 2016, making history as the only undrafted free agent to earn a spot on the Bengals’ final roster that season. He immediately contributed as the team’s primary kick returner and punt returner while serving as a backup receiver. During his rookie season, he caught 6 passes for 71 yards and averaged 27.9 yards per kickoff return and 7.0 yards per punt return. His 810 kickoff return yards led the NFL that season, establishing him as one of the league’s most effective return specialists.
On November 19, 2017, Erickson scored his first NFL touchdown on a 29-yard pass from Andy Dalton during the Bengals’ 20-17 victory over the Denver Broncos. He finished the 2017 season with 12 receptions for 180 receiving yards and a receiving touchdown, along with 663 kickoff return yards and 278 punt return yards. On September 8, 2018, he signed a two-year contract extension through the 2020 season. He recorded 20 receptions for 187 yards in 2018. In 2019, Erickson achieved his first career 100-yard receiving game on October 20 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, finishing with 137 receiving yards in a 17-27 loss. He closed his Bengals tenure in 2020 with 43 receptions for 529 receiving yards.
Houston Texans and Carolina Panthers (2021)
Erickson signed with the Houston Texans on March 30, 2021, but was released before the regular season began. He joined the Carolina Panthers’ practice squad on September 6, 2021, and was promoted to the active roster the following week. His brief tenure with the Panthers provided him with opportunities to contribute on special teams and as a depth receiver.
Washington Commanders (2022–2023)
Erickson signed with the Washington Commanders on May 4, 2022. He was waived during final roster cuts but was signed to the practice squad the following day. He signed a reserve/future contract on January 9, 2023, but was released on May 12, 2023. His time with the Commanders demonstrated his ability to stick around the league through the practice squad route.
New York Jets (2023)
On July 20, 2023, Erickson signed with the New York Jets. He was released on August 29, 2023, during the team’s final roster reductions. The brief stint provided him with valuable experience in a different conference.
Los Angeles Chargers (2023)
Erickson was signed to the Los Angeles Chargers practice squad on August 31, 2023. He was elevated to the active roster on December 2, 2023, where he finished the season providing depth at receiver and contributing on special teams.
New England Patriots (2024)
On December 18, 2024, Erickson signed with the New England Patriots practice squad. His addition brought veteran experience to the Patriots’ receiver room and special teams units for the remainder of the season.
Houston Texans (2025)
On January 15, 2025, Erickson returned to the Houston Texans by signing with their practice squad. This marked his second stint with the franchise, demonstrating the continuity of his NFL career and the value teams place on his special teams expertise.
Alex Michael Erickson Career Statistics
Throughout his NFL career, Erickson has established himself as a versatile player capable of contributing in multiple facets of the game. His career statistics reflect his dual role as both a receiver and return specialist, with particular strength in the return game where he has consistently made an impact.
NFL Career Statistics
In nine NFL seasons, Erickson has recorded 112 receptions for 1,373 receiving yards and two touchdowns. He has also contributed 78 rushing yards and accumulated 4,179 total return yards between kickoffs and punts. His rookie season in 2016 stands out as his most productive in the return game, leading the NFL with 810 kickoff return yards. His ability to create plays in space has made him a valuable asset on special teams throughout his career.
College Statistics
During his four seasons at Wisconsin from 2012 to 2015, Erickson recorded 141 career receptions for 1,877 receiving yards and six touchdowns. His senior season was his most productive, as he caught 77 passes for 978 yards and three scores. He finished his college career ranked sixth in school history in receptions and 10th in receiving yards, cementing his legacy as one of the more productive receivers in Wisconsin football history.
| Competition | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|
| NFL Career | 112 | 1,373 | 2 |
| College (Wisconsin) | 141 | 1,877 | 6 |
Alex Michael Erickson Family
Personal Life
Erickson married in 2017. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in December 2015 with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural business management. He maintains an active presence on social media platforms including X and Instagram, where he connects with fans and shares updates about his football career.
2025 Season Performance
Erickson began the 2025 season with the Houston Texans, signing to their practice squad in January. His return to Houston marks a continuation of a career defined by adaptability and persistence. As a veteran player with nine seasons of NFL experience, Erickson brings valuable depth and institutional knowledge to any team he joins. The Texans enter the 2025 season looking to build on recent momentum, and Erickson’s experience as a return specialist could provide value on special teams. His career demonstrates the importance of versatility in the modern NFL, as he has carved out a lasting professional career by excelling in roles that often go unrecognized but prove essential to team success.