Eric Sutulovich is a former NFL coach whose deep Catholic faith has been a cornerstone of his personal and professional life. From an early age, he embraced the values of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance, all of which were reinforced by his Catholic faith. It was during his college years that he encountered challenges to his Catholic beliefs, leading him to delve into apologetics and ultimately strengthen his commitment to his faith.
Eric's athletic success earned him a football scholarship to Louisiana Tech University, where he not only developed as a player but also began his journey into coaching. It was during his college years that he encountered challenges to his Catholic beliefs, prompting him to study Catholic apologetics. Instead of wavering, he became more steadfast, deepening his commitment to his faith and using it as a foundation for every aspect of his life.
Eric's passion for football led him into coaching, where he built a distinguished 14-year career in the NFL. His first major opportunity came in 2002 when he joined the Houston Texans as a special teams assistant coach. His talent for developing players and strategizing special teams play soon earned him positions with the Detroit Lions and the Atlanta Falcons. As assistant special teams coach for the Falcons from 2012 to 2017, he played a key role in helping the team reach multiple playoff appearances, including a trip to Super Bowl LI.
Known for his meticulous attention to detail and ability to inspire players, Eric built a reputation as a coach who not only demanded excellence but also instilled strong values in his athletes. While coaching at the highest level, he remained unwavering in his Catholic faith and actively participated in Catholic Athletes for Christ, a national organization dedicated to fostering faith among athletes and coaches. Through this platform, he spoke at events, mentored young players, and encouraged others to integrate their religious beliefs with their professional ambitions. His ability to balance the high-pressure demands of the NFL with his spiritual commitments made him a role model for many.
Eric firmly believed that faith and football were not separate entities but rather intertwined aspects of a purpose-driven life. After an accomplished career in professional football, he transitioned into a leadership role in education, serving as the Athletic Director for a school system in Georgia. In this capacity, he applies the same principles that guided his coaching career—discipline, leadership, and faith-driven mentorship—to shape young student-athletes. His extensive experience has helped develop a forward-thinking athletic program focused not just on winning games but on building character, resilience, and teamwork. He is deeply committed to ensuring that athletics serve as a platform for personal growth, emphasizing the importance of integrity, perseverance, and faith in shaping future leaders.
Eric Sutulovich’s journey is a testament to dedication, perseverance, and unwavering faith. Whether coaching at the highest levels of professional sports or mentoring young athletes in an educational setting, he has remained steadfast in his beliefs, using his platform to inspire and guide others. His story serves as an example of how faith can be seamlessly woven into one’s career, demonstrating that success and spirituality are not mutually exclusive, but rather complementary forces that shape a meaningful life.
