Eric Heitmann

This article has multiple issues. Please help or discuss these issues on the talk page. (Learn how and when to remove these template messages) This biography of a living person does not include any references or sources. Please help by adding reliable sources. Contentious material about living people that is unsourced or poorly sourced must be removed immediately. Find sources:  –  ·  ·  · scholar · JSTOR (September 2021) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) This article includes a list of references, related reading or external links, but its sources remain unclear because it lacks inline citations. Please help to improve this article by introducing more precise citations. (October 2014) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) (Learn how and when to remove this template message)

Eric Heitmann

Heitmann in action in a November 2007 game
No. 66
Position:	Center
Personal information
Born:	(1980-02-24) February 24, 1980 (age 41) Katy, Texas
Height:	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Weight:	312 lb (142 kg)
Career information
High school:	Katy (TX)
College:	Stanford
NFL Draft:	2002 / Round: 7 / Pick: 239
Career history
San Francisco 49ers (2002–2011)
Career NFL statistics
Games played: 119 Games started: 114
Player stats at NFL.com

Eric Wade Heitmann (born February 24, 1980) is a former center. He was drafted by the 49ers in the 7th round (239th overall) of the 2002 NFL Draft.

College career[]

Heitmann graduated from Stanford University where he was voted first team All-American following the 2001 season. He played guard for his entire tenure as a Cardinal, and he was a three time All-Pac-10 selection. Heitmann became the first Stanford offensive lineman voted All-American since Bob Whitfield in 1992.

Professional career[]

In 2002, Heitmann was the first rookie to start a game on the 49ers offensive line since 1987, when Harris Barton started at right tackle. He finished the 2002 season starting 12 games, including two playoff contests. He switched to center in the absence of regular center Jeremy Newberry. After an injury-plagued 2003 season, he started all 16 games in 2004.

Prior to the 2005 season, he worked to get stronger and more powerful under the tutelage of renowned strength coach Johnny Parker. His work paid off early in minicamps, and the 49ers signed him to a 4-year extension in June 2005. He started in all 16 games including 10 at right guard and six at center during the 2005 season.

Heitmann was converted to full-time center for the 2006 season. However, on December 14, in a game against the Seattle Seahawks, Heitmann broke his right tibia with 6:13 left in the first quarter on a two-yard run by Frank Gore. Heitmann was down on the field for several minutes before being taken to the locker room on a cart. He consequently had surgery on his knee and finished the 2006 season on injured reserve after having started the first 14 games. For his dedication and commitment, Heitmann was given the Bobb McKittrick award, named after the late 49ers offensive line coach.

In 2007, Heitmann proved that he successfully recovered from his injury, as he once again started all 16 games at center.

He retired from the San Francisco 49ers on July 29, 2011.

Personal[]

Heitmann graduated from Stanford with a degree in public policy. He and his wife, Emily, live in Texas with their two daughters. Eric is a gifted musician who plays concert piano, as well as composes his own music. His most recent original compositions can be found at ericheitmann.com.

External links[]

• San Francisco 49ers bio
• NFL.com Player Profile
• SI.com Player Profile
• https://www.ericheitmann.com