What happened to Eric Wilkerson? All you need to know about former Steelers star's arrest

On Monday, reports confirmed that former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Eric Wilkerson was arrested for stabbing an Ohio native in 2022.

Wilkerson was initially indicted on aggravated murder, murder, felonious assault, and tampering with records in the fatal stabbing of 46-year-old Brian Weems II. The 56-year-old pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and tampering with evidence last week.

In February 2022, Ohio police revealed that the two men argued in an apartment in Ohio. Wilkerson then followed Weems into a bathroom and stabbed him several times before fleeing the scene.

Wilkerson has been sentenced to at least 12 years in prison for murder. As per reports, the former NFL star was given an indefinite sentence of 12 to 17.5 years in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court on Monday.

That means Wilkerson won’t be released from jail until he’s between 68 and 73 years old. He will then be on probation for another two years.

Eric Wilkerson's college and NFL career

Former Pittsburgh Steelers RB Eric Wilkerson

Eric Wilkerson attended Cleveland Central Catholic High School Ironmen and always had an affinity for football. He was a talented prospect and pursued a career in the sport after being a standout with the Kent State Golden Flashes.

In three seasons with Kent State, Wilderson recorded 3,830 rushing yards and 36 touchdowns on 739 carries. He also added two kick return touchdowns, two passing touchdowns, and 506 receiving yards on 44 receptions.

The running back was named the MAC Player of the Year and Offensive Player of the Year in 1987. Following his impressive stint with the Golden Flashes, the team retired Wilkerson's No.40 jersey.

Wilkerson played just one game in the NFL for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1989. However, he didn't post any carries in the game.

He then signed with the Detroit Lions in 1990 after he was released by the Steelers. However, Wilkerson didn't play a single game for the Lions and joined the World League of American Football's New York Knights in 1991.

Wilkerson then played with the Cleveland Thunderbolts in 1993 and recorded five tackles, one pass breakup and one interception during his lone season with the team.