Eric Mueller rowed in college at the University of Wisconsin from 1991-93. He rowed at both the 1996 and 2000 Olympics, winning a silver medal in the quad sculls in 1996. He competed in the four in 2000. Mueller rowed three times at the World Championships, in 1995-96 and 2002, winning a bronze medal in the eight in 2002.
Mueller later became a rowing coach at his alma mater. He started in 1998-99 as an assistant coach before leaving to train for the Sydney Olympics. He returned after the Olympics to coach the Badger freshman.