[3] Prior to his sporting exploits, Cumming enlisted in the Second AIF as a 19 year old, serving until the end of World War II.
He played eight games in the 1948 VFL season, including a Semi Final, which Footscray lost to Collingwood.
He played in six games in 1949, kicking his only career goals (two) in the match against Fitzroy, at the Brunswick Street Oval, on 21 May 1949.
He sustained a serious thigh injury in the match against Collingwood, at Victoria Park, on 20 August 1949; he did not play football again.
[5] In recognition of his contribution to professional running,[6] the Stawell Athletic Club awards the most successful sprinter over 70 m, 120 m, and 200 m, at its Easter Gift carnival, the Eric Cumming trophy.