Former Steelers RB Eric Wilkerson sentenced in 2022 stabbing death

Ex-NFL and Kent State running back Eric Wilkerson was sentenced to a minimum 12 years in prison for fatally stabbing an Ohio man in 2022. FOX 8 Cleveland reported the news this week.

Wilkerson pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and tampering with evidence last week. Initially, he was indicted on aggravated murder, murder, felonious assault and tampering with records charges.

Per the report, Wilkerson could face up to 17.5 years in prison for the crime. Once released, he will be on probation.

Wilkerson pleaded guilty in the stabbing death of Brian Weems II. According to police, the two men argued in an apartment in February 2022. Following the initial confrontation, the former NFL player followed Weems into a bathroom and stabbed him multiple times. Wilkerson then fled the scene.

Wilkerson, 56, is from Cleveland, Ohio. He played college football at Kent State from 1985-88. He was voted the MAC Most Valuable Player and Offensive Player of the Year following the 1987 season.

The former Kent State running back rushed for 3,830 yards and 36 touchdowns in his college career. Wilkerson went undrafted in 1989 and had stops with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Detroit Lions during a short NFL career.

Wilkerson appeared in just one game in the NFL over two seasons.

Will Kent State un-retire Eric Wilkerson’s number?

Because he was a star running back at Kent State, the university inducted Wilkerson into its Hall of Fame in 1995. He’s also one of four players to have his jersey number retired by the school.

The athletic department retired Wilkerson’s jersey number in 1989.

Considering the nature of the crimes, will Kent State make a decision to un-retire his No. 40? At this time, the school has not made any announcement regarding Wilkerson’s retired number or his status in the Hall of Fame.