Eric Wallace has done it again. The talented athlete was this week added to NFL team the Carolina Panthers' roster as a free agent.
The former Roo and Big East basketballer told the Charlotte Observer that he was still pinching himself.
“It’s unbelievable. It’s still kind of surreal,” Wallace said.
“But I’m just going to do what I have to do, work hard, hopefully stay on the team and hopefully help Carolina one day in a tremendous way.”
Wallace hasn't played American Football since the eighth-grade, instead concentrating on basketball.
After playing for Ohio State, De Paul and finally Seattle University, he considered travelling overseas to extend his career, but attended a combine in Los Angeles for the AFL and was one of three Americans to tryout in Australia.
The Kangaroos took a punt and signed Wallace as an International Rookie.
After three seasons on North's list, Wallace was unable to break through for a senior game and headed back home to try and break into the NFL.
“I’m big on family,” he said.
“And Australia is probably as far as you can go.”
At 27, Wallace received an invite to the Saints’ rookie minicamp in May. He wasn’t offered a contract, but returned to his old high school to lift weights and train with “any quarterback who was willing to throw.”
Eventually he met Panthers' receivers coach Ricky Proehl.
“I literally went to Proehlific Park and knocked on his door for an entire week,” Wallace said.
“I finally tracked him down, shook his hand and said I want to play for the Panthers.”
He was granted a try out and impressed, but had to wait three weeks before the Panthers’ coaching staff returned from vacation.
His patience paid off though. After another try out, he was handed a contract.
“I’ve been a Panthers fan since 1995,” he said.
“I’m a Charlotte Hornets/Carolina Panthers fan. I haven’t had any other teams.”
Photo: Carolina Panthers Instagram
