Early Athletic Foundations
Eriq Michael George, born in 2005 in Nashville, Tennessee, is the son of NFL legend Eddie George and R&B singer Tamara “Taj” Johnson‑George. Raised in a household deeply rooted in sports and entertainment, Eriq was instilled with values of discipline, perseverance, and excellence from a young age. Eddie’s storied football career and Taj’s success in music provided a solid foundation for Eriq’s eventual journey into athletics.
High School Career: Montgomery Bell Academy
Performance Highlights
Eriq excelled as a defensive lineman at Montgomery Bell Academy in Nashville. His performance was noteworthy:
| Year | Tackles | Tackles for Loss | Sacks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Senior Season | 42 | 12 | 5 |
| Junior Season | 38 | 8 | 4 |
Eriq’s high school stats attracted college recruiters, setting the foundation for his football career.
Recognition
Eriq was one of the star athletes whose father played professionally, according to local media. His field leadership and consistency earned praise.
Collegiate Journey at Tennessee State University
Freshman Season (2023)
Eriq began his college football career at Tennessee State University (TSU) in 2023, while his father Eddie George was head coach. His rookie year was strong:
- Total Tackles: 25
- Tackles for Loss: 6.0
- Sacks: 2.5
Eriq was named Big South-OVC Defensive Freshman of the Year, highlighting his collegiate potential.
Sophomore Season (2024)
In 2024, Eriq continued to demonstrate his prowess on the field:
- Total Tackles: 57
- Tackles for Loss: 12.5
- Sacks: 5.5
- Forced Fumbles: 1
He was named Second-Team All-Big South/OVC for his work as a disruptive force on the Tigers’ defensive line.
Transfer to BGSU
Transition
Eriq joined the NCAA transfer site in March 2025, following his father’s BGSU transfer. Eriq entered BGSU under his father’s coaching, marking a new beginning.
Anticipated Impact
With the goal of improving Bowling Green’s Mid-American Conference defence, the father-son combination will continue their tradition in Ohio.
Family Legacy: The Georges
Eddie George – Father
Edward Nathan George Jr., born September 24, 1973, became a football star:
- College Career: Heisman Trophy winner at Ohio State (1995).
- NFL Achievements: Over 10,000 rushing yards, four Pro Bowl selections during his nine-season career with the Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans.
Post-NFL, Eddie transitioned into acting, business, and speaking roles, ultimately taking coaching positions at TSU and BGSU. His legacy in football provided Eriq with invaluable mentorship and guidance.
Taj (Tamara Johnson‑George) – Mother
Tamara “Taj” Johnson-George, from Bedford-Stuyvesant, rose to stardom in the R&B group SWV:
- Music Accomplishments: The group’s debut album “It’s About Time” (1992) achieved platinum status, selling nearly 30 million records.
- Educational Background: Holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Belmont University.
Taj’s multifaceted career in entertainment, education, and philanthropy added diversity and nurturing balance to Eriq’s upbringing.
Jaire George – Half-Brother
Eddie’s oldest son, Jaire David George, played Vanderbilt football. He set a good example for Eriq during his college athletic career from 2015 to 2018.
Family Dynamics
The Georges exemplify a supportive and tightly-knit family structure:
- Eriq benefits from the athletic dedication imparted by his father and the artistic and spiritual values from his mother.
- Jaire mentors brothers using his NCAA athletics background.
- Eddie and Taj prioritized stable and intentional parenting, with Taj emphasizing educational support and celebrating Eriq’s achievements.
Eriq’s Character & Attributes
What defines Eriq Michael George?
- Dedication: Coaches describe him as coachable, blending strength and agility to disrupt plays effectively.
- Self-Motivation: Demonstrated by his commitment to improving speed and performance, showcasing maturity beyond his years.
- Confidence and Humility: Known for jesting about matching his father’s prowess on the field, backed by solid performance.
A championship father and disciplined family help him develop his strategic “football IQ” and work ethic.
Future Prospects
Collegiate and Professional Ambitions
With their relocation to BGSU, Eriq and Eddie may make an impact in the Mid-American Conference. Production, physical tools, and pedigree make Eriq a promising NFL possibility.
Personal Development
Beyond football, Eriq is expected to follow in his parents’ footsteps as a role model, drawing on a foundation in public service, education, and community leadership to establish a personal brand.
FAQ
How is Eriq Michael George related to Eddie George?
Eriq Michael George is the son of Eddie George, the NFL legend known for his prolific career as a running back.
How was Eriq’s TSU freshman season?
Eriq has 25 tackles, 6.0 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks as a freshman at Tennessee State.
Eriq won what in his sophomore season?
After his sophomore season, he earned Second-Team All-Big South/OVC honours with 57 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, and 5.5 sacks.
Who is Eriq’s mother and her professional background?
Eriq’s mother, Tamara “Taj” Johnson-George, famed R&B singer with SWV, with a degree in Business Administration.
How does Eriq see his football future?
Eriq is seen as an NFL prospect due to his college production, physical attributes, and family legacy, with potential for success at the professional level.
