Erik Walden

Erik Lashawn Walden (born August 21, 1985) is an American football linebacker for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Middle Tennessee State.

Walden has also played for the Kansas City Chiefs and Miami Dolphins.

College career
At Middle Tennessee State University he was a starter at defensive end since his freshman year. He owns the school's career (20.5) and season (11.5) sack records.

As a junior he was an All-Sun Belt Conference selection. Against Central Michigan in the 2006 Motor City Bowl he lead his team with six tackles and two quarterback sacks.

Walden was injured most of his senior season, which limited his effectiveness, but was still named All-Sun Belt Conference, after finishing second in conference history in career sacks.

Dallas Cowboys
Walden signed a four-year contract with the Cowboys on July 22, 2008. He was waived by the team on August 30 during final cuts.

Kansas City Chiefs
A day after being let go by the Cowboys, hoping he would clear waivers enabling them to sign him to their practice squad, Walden was claimed off waivers by the Kansas City Chiefs on August 31, 2008. Linebacker Weston Dacus was waived to make room for Walden. On November 19, the Chiefs waived Walden.

Miami Dolphins
Walden was claimed off waivers by the Miami Dolphins on November 20, 2008. The team waived linebacker Rob Ninkovich to make room for him on the roster.

Green Bay Packers
Walden was signed off the street by the Packers on October 31, 2010. Walden had his best game for the Packers on January 2, 2011 starting against the Chicago Bears. Walden led the team with 3 sacks and 16 tackles and was named NFC Defensive Player of the week. He finished the season with twenty tackles in 9 games (two starts).

Personal life
On November 25, 2011 Walden was arrested for an alleged physical altercation that sent his girlfriend to the hospital. Police had enough evidence to hold him under felony charges through Monday, as his case could not be processed over the Thanksgiving weekend. Walden's girlfriend changed her statement and Walden was released with no charges filed.