After establishing himself as an undersized, hardnosed, All Southern Oregon Conference defensive back his senior year on the Black Tornado Championship Team of 1982, Tracey went on to star at Portland State University.

A four-year letterman at PSU, Tracey earned All-Conference honors his Sophomore, Junior and Senior years and was chosen Western Football Conference Player of the Year his senior year.

Known for his hard-hitting and relentless play, Tracey was drafted 7th round into the NFL by the Houston Oilers. His first game against the Minnesota Vikings, he led the NFL with 14 tackles and in his second season in­tercepted 2 passes, caused 4 fumbles and re­ covered 2 fumbles. Jerry Glanville, Houston Oiler Coach quoted: “Tracey Eaton won four games for me last year.”

An August 19, 1990, update report by the Medford Mail Tribune: “Eaton, former Medford High and Portland State University star, signed a two-year contract with Phoenix earlier this year after the Houston Oilers left him unprotected as a Plan B free agent. Eaton’s Johnny­ on-the-spot tendencies and penchant for hitting opposing receivers like a ton of bricks has left a favorable impression on Phoenix secondary coach Jim Johnson who reports: “Tracey’s had a heck of a camp. He’s picked up our system well. He’s got a good feel for the game. He’ snot big (6-foot, 190 pounds) and he’s not fast, but he’s smart and makes the plays. You trust him.

But, like Tracey’s father Scott, a six-year starter strong safety for the New York Giants, Tracey made the team and is into his third year as a Professional and joins his father this evening in the Medford Sports Hall of Fame.