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Erik Affholter
Erik Konrad Affholter (born April 10, 1966) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League (NFL). As a 16-year-old place kicker during his junior season of high school he broke a national record with a 64-yard field goal, which at the time was the longest field goal kicked at any level. Playing college football for the USC Trojans, he was an All-American and established school records for most receptions in a season, and in a career. In 2020, he wrote a book named "America's Miracle".[1] Early and personal lifeHe was born in Detroit, Michigan, to Conrad (a salesman) and Ruth Affholter, and is Jewish.[2][3] In the early 1970s, the family moved to Agoura, California.[4] He later lived in Anthem, Arizona.[5][6] High schoolAffholter played football at Oak Park High School in Ventura County, California.[6] As a 16-year-old place kicker during his junior season he broke a national record with a 64-yard (59 meter) field goal in 1982, which at the time was the longest field goal kicked at any level.[7][4][5][8][9][10] A sportswriter at the game estimated it could have gone 74 yards (68 meters).[11] Asked about his kick, Affholter said: "I'd much rather catch touchdown passes."[2] At the time, as a wide receiver he had caught more touchdown passes than any player in his high school conference.[2] In addition to kicking field goals and extra points, he played tailback, wide receiver, defensive back, and linebacker.[12] In 1983 he was a USA Today All-USA high school football first-team All-American, All-California Interscholastic Federation (CIF), and All-State; he was also a Los Angeles Times running back of the year.[10][13] CollegeAffholter played college football at the University of Southern California (USC) for the Trojans as a wide receiver, though he had initially received a scholarship as a kicker.[12][14][15][16][17] He was athletic, with a 36-inch (910 mm) vertical jump.[12] On November 21, 1987, he made a controversial memorable fourth quarter winning end zone juggling touchdown catch for a 17-13 upset over Troy Aikman's No. 5-ranked UCLA Bruins that sent the unranked 1987 USC Trojans football team to the 1988 Rose Bowl.[6][18][19][20][10] He was named a member of the 1988 College Football All-America Team, and a Pac-10 All-Academic selection.[21][9][22][10] In 1988 as a senior he led USC with 68 catches for 952 yards and eight touchdowns.[23] He established USC records for most receptions in a season, and in a career (123).[17][24] Upon graduation, he became a member of the USC Skull and Dagger Society.[10] National Football LeagueHe was drafted in the fourth round of the 1989 NFL draft by the Washington Redskins.[25][26] On April 23, 1989, the Redskins then immediately traded him and two draft picks to the Green Bay Packers for quarterback Jeff Graham.[27][10] About a month later he broke his ankle in a pick-up basketball game in New York City, shortly before reporting to Packers training camp.[6] He spent the entire season on injured reserve.[24] He played the 1991 season in the NFL for the Packers.[8] In 1992, he signed with the San Diego Chargers as a free agent.[28] He retired in 1995 due to a career-ending knee injury.[10] CoachingSince retiring, he has coached high school and youth football.[10][29] HonorsIn 2016 he was inducted into the Southern California Jewish Sports Hall of Fame.[30][3][5] References
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