Former Chargers offensive tackle Eric Moten passed away on August 24 at the age of 56, with the cause of death still unreported. He is survived by his wife, Camille, and his daughters, Ashleigh, Lexi, and Paige.
On Monday, the Chargers offered their condolences on X, posting a vintage photo of Moten in his Chargers uniform.
our thoughts are with the Moten family 💙 pic.twitter.com/pgrubhdH3O
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) September 2, 2024
Eric Moten, who played his entire five-season NFL career with the San Diego Chargers, passed away on August 24 at the age of 56. Drafted at 23 as the No. 47 overall pick in the second round of the 1991 NFL Draft, Moten made 67 game appearances and 61 starts for the Chargers from 1991-1996.
Moten’s rookie year was distinguished by his selection to the 1991 NFL All-Rookie Team, one of only two Chargers to receive the honor that season, alongside safety Stanley Richard. After his impressive rookie season, Moten became a reliable starter, wearing the No. 77 throughout his professional career.
Harry Swayne, a former teammate who played alongside Moten for all five of his NFL seasons, paid tribute to Moten in an obituary message. Swayne praised Moten’s courage on the field and the lasting impact he had on those around him. “I had a front-row seat to his explosiveness on the field and his unmatched courage against any opponent,” Swayne wrote. “I honor his life, accomplishments, and the legacy he leaves behind in those he loved, parented, provided for, spoke to, lifted up, and influenced for their good.”
Before his NFL career, Moten was a standout at Michigan State, starting in his final two seasons from 1988-1990. He helped the Spartans secure victories in both the 1989 Aloha Bowl and the 1990 Sun Bowl. During his time at Michigan State, Moten played alongside several future NFL players, including Jim Miller, Courtney Hawkins, Duane Young, and others.
After retiring from football in 1996, Moten returned to Cleveland, Ohio, where he served as an Adult Probation Officer for the Cuyahoga County Justice Center for over 20 years.
