Bruskotter started acting in the mid-80's appearing in television shows like Mr. Belvedere and Amazing Stories. He gained notoriety when he appeared in the film Can't Buy Me Love in 1987. Later that year he appeared as Private Scott Baker in the TV series Tour of Duty, which followed the trials and tribulations of an army platoon, set against the backdrop of the Vietnam war. His identical twin brother, Karl Bruskotter (who sported a slightly different hairstyle so viewers could tell the two apart) also had a guest appearance on the series as Scott Baker's twin brother with a knack for causing mischief, Private Karl Baker. Bruskotter left the series after its first season, but reprised his role in a guest appearance during the show's third and final season.

After two seasons, he returned to feature films with roles on such films as Crimson Tide and In the Line of Fire. He is perhaps more known for his role as Rube Baker in Major League II and Major League: Back to the Minors. In 1997, Bruskotter had a role in the science fiction film Starship Troopers. During the shooting, he met Tami-Adrian George who would become his wife.

Eric is currently married to Tami-Adrian George. He is also a volunteer with the Best Friends Animal Society, an animal rescue group based in Kanab, UT. He usually works in the Cat Meet and Greet Tent during the Super Pet Adoption Festivals. He has also appeared in 2 different episodes of "Walker Texas Ranger," The episodes were Season 4 Episode 8 "The Lynching" as "Jonah Nelson".  and Season 5 Episode 18 "Devil's Turf" as "Joey O'Bannon".  and both times he played a mentally challenged young man.

In 2007, Eric appeared in two episodes of 24 during Season 6.

In 2011, Eric appears as a suitor of Shannon Beiste (Dot-Marie Jones) on Glee. He plays football recruiter/talent scout Cooter Menkins.