What to know: Former Midland Lee standout Eric Winston built one of the most unique careers ever produced by a Midland athlete, playing more than a decade in the NFL before becoming president of the NFL Players Association and later a leader in athlete licensing, branding, and sports business.

The big picture: Winston first emerged as one of the top football recruits in Texas at Lee before signing with the University of Miami. Originally a tight end, he transitioned to offensive tackle and developed into one of the top linemen in college football, earning All-ACC honors.

The Houston Texans selected Winston in the third round of the 2006 NFL Draft, beginning a professional career that spanned more than 10 seasons with the Texans, Chiefs, Cardinals, Seahawks, and Bengals. During his playing career, Winston became known not only for his consistency on the field but also for his leadership among players throughout the league.

Go deeper: Winston’s influence grew beyond football when he was elected president of the NFL Players Association from 2014-15, becoming one of the most visible player representatives in professional sports during major discussions involving player safety, league policies, and athlete rights.

Midland’s top stories. One quick email. Free, every Friday.
Get Midland Wrapped, our free weekly email for busy Midland residents. Each Friday, we break down the week’s most important local stories — what happened, why it matters, and what to watch next — so you can stay informed without the noise.

After retiring from football, Winston moved into sports business and athlete advocacy. He served as Chief Partnerships Officer at OneTeam Partners before becoming president of Winners Alliance, where he continues to work in athlete branding, licensing, and business development for professional athletes worldwide.