Eric Weddle

At 39 years old, Eric Weddle has this physical status:

Eric Steven Weddle (born January 4, 1985) is an American football free safety for the Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League (NFL).

He played college football at Utah, where he was a consensus All-American.

In the second round of the 2007 NFL Draft, he was drafted by the San Diego Chargers.

Weddle has played for the Baltimore Ravens from 2016 to 2018.

He has been selected to the Pro Bowl six times and has been honoured as an All-Pro five times.

Personal life

In 2005, Weddle married his former high school sweetheart in La Jolla before his junior year in Utah. They have four children.

Weddle converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints while attending the University of Utah in college.

In the book No Excuses, No Regrets: The Eric Weddle Story, which was written by Trent Toone and published by Shadow Mountain, Weddle's rise through the NFL was chronicled. In May of 2014, the book, which tells the tale of overcoming adversity and achieving impossible goals, became available to readers. Kyle Whittingham, Weddle's former coach from college, wrote the foreword.

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College career

Weddle played for the Utah Utes from 2003 to 2006. He was immediately put into action in 2003, beginning his last nine games at right cornerback. He earned a first-team and All-Mountain West Conference honorable mention. With four sacks, four fumbles, and a fumble recovery, he had 60 tackles (29 solos). While still carrying the ball once (minus six yards), he intercepted four passes and intercepted another. Weddle was a 2-time Mountain West Conference defensive player of the year.

Weddle began with good security in 2004, winning 11 games in a row. Despite missing out on the Arizona game due to a right knee injury, he came in third on the team with 75 tackles (47 solos). He fired one sack, 4.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage and a coerced fumble. He made a fumble recovery 31 yards, batted away five passes, and intercepted four others. He also averaged 10.5 yards on 20 punt returns.

In 2005, Weddle received the Mountain West Conference Defensive Player of the Year award, first-team All-MWC, second-team All-American, and Emerald Bowl Defensive MVP award. He started all twelve games, showing a great deal of stability in five games, at left cornerback in four games and as a nickel back in three others. With 78 tackles (49 solos) and second with eleven stops for losses, he ranked third on the team (including five stops for losses). He had four sacks, three forcible fumbles, and a fumble revival. He led the conference with sixteen passes defenses (12 break-ups, 4 interceptions). He punted twice for 46 yards, attempted two passes, and averaged 6.4 yards on 24 punt returns. He also ran seven times for 35 yards and one touchdown.

Weddle, a consensus All-American and unanimous All-MWC first-team pick in 2006, was a unanimous All-American and unanimous All-MWC first-team pick. He was voted the Defensive Player of the Year by the conference once more. He started the team's first two games with a high degree of stability before being forced to left cornerback and ending the season as the nickel back. With a sack, a coerced throw, and 2.5 stops for losses, he made 64 tackles (40 solos). He was one of three players to fail for a touchdown, deflected two passes, and ranked eighth in the country with seven interceptions. He had 5.5 yards on eight punt returns and finished 2-of-4 passes for 43 yards and a touchdown. He also ran for 203 yards (4.6 avg) and five scores.

Weddle, who was nine times at right cornerback, 12 at left cornerback, 6 at nickel back, and 18 at high risk) in 48 games at Utah. With his 165 solo hits finishing fifth in school annals, he had 277 tackles. For sacks of 108 yards, he had ten sacks for minus 69 yards and 22.5 stops. He set the school record with nine forced fumbles and now ranks sixth with six fumble recoveries, with two of them going for 66 yards and a touchdown.

Weddle is tied for sixth in Utah history with 23 pass deflections and currently ranks second (MWC record) with 18 interceptions for 148 yards (8.2 avg) in returns. His three pass thefts were returned for touch-downs, placing them second in school annals. He ranks fifth in the school record books with 52 punt returns, good for 408 yards (7.8 avg).

Weddle rushed 52 times for 259 yards (5.0 avg) and six touchdowns on offense. He had a 2-of-6 passes for 43 yards, one touchdown, and an intercept. He made an onside kick and punted twice for 46 yards, totaling a long time of 34 yards.

Doug Robinson of the Deseret Morning News wrote an article promoting Weddle for the Heisman Trophy based on how valuable he is to the Utah Utes at the end of an enthralling senior year. "The only people who spend more time on the field than Weddle each Saturday are referees," the author said. Weddle played every snap on defense against the Air Force two weeks ago and collected eight tackles. On offense, he led the Utes in rushing with 73 yards and scored Utah's only two touchdowns. He was also the goalkeeper for the game-winning field goal. He appeared in 90 shows. After the game, Robinson told Weddle, "They're cheating you, son; they should give you two scholarships." "He should win the Heisman Trophy," Wyoming coach Joe Glenn said. I really mean that."

Professional career

Weddle ran a 1.43 10 yard time at the 2007 combine, tying him with Aundrae Allison and Marcus McCauley for the fastest split time ever recorded at the NFL combine.

In the second round (37th overall) of the 2007 NFL Draft, the San Diego Chargers selected Weddle. In the 2008 NFL Draft, the Chargers traded their second round pick (62nd overall), third round pick (93rd overall), and fifth round pick (167th overall) in the Chicago Bears for their second round pick (90th overall) in order to advance to the second round and draft Weddle. Dan Bazuin, Garrett Wolfe, Kevin Payne, Marcus Harrison were drafted by the Chicago Bears from their drafts. In 2007, Weddle was the fifth safety draftee.

The San Diego Chargers agreed to a four-year, $4.16 million deal, which includes a guaranteed $3.47 million contract and a signing bonus of $1.81 million.

Weddle was battling Clinton Hart to be the starting point of a healthy workout throughout training camp. Weddle, the back-strong safety, is expected to start the regular season, according to head coach Norv Turner, behind Clinton Hart. Ted Cottrell, the offensive coordinator, also used Weddle as a nickelback in his rookie season.

Weddle's in his NFL debut against the Chicago Bears, he had three solo tackles and made his first NFL sack on quarterback Rex Grossman in a 14-3 victory. In a 35–10 victory over the Houston Texans on October 28, 2007, Weddle had five combined tackles, made his first NFL interception and made his first NFL tackle. In the third quarter, he made his interception off a pass attempt by quarterback Matt Schaub. Weddle was inactive for the Chargers' Week 11 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars after suffering from an injury the week before. During a 30–17 victory over the Oakland Raiders, he made his season-high six combined tackles.

Weddle's rookie season featured 53 total tackles (42 solo), six pass deflections, a dismissal, and an interception in 15 games and 15 starts.

With an 11–5 record, the Chargers ranked as the best in the AFC West. In the AFC Wildcard Game, Weddle appeared in his first NFL playoff game, beating the Tennessee Titans 17–6. In a 28-24 victory over the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Divisional Round this week, he had five combined tackles, a pass deflection, and intercepted a pass attempt by quarterback Peyton Manning. In the AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots on January 20, 2008, Weddle recorded seven combined tackles.

After Clinton Hart was moved to high safety, weddle entered a training camp as the start of free safety. Marlon McCree, a veteran who was suspended during the offseason, was recalled by Hart. To begin the regular season, head coach Norv Turner called Weddle and Hart the starters.

Weddle made his first NFL appearance against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday, posting a season-high 11 total tackles (seven solo) and deflecting a pass in their 26-24 loss. During a 48–29 victory over the New York Jets on Monday Night Football on Monday Night Football, Weddle recorded seven combined tackles, a pass deflection, and intercepted a pass by Brett Favre during a 48–29 win on Monday Night Football. In the Chargers' 30-10 victory over the New England Patriots in Week 7, he had a season-high 11 solo tackles. In a 52–21 victory over the Denver Broncos on December 28, 2008, Weddle tied his season-high of 11 combined tackles (ten solo) and gave up a pass. His 11 combined tackles in their season's final game featured at least ten combined tackles.

Weddle finished the season with a career-high 127 combined tackles (105 solo), five pass deflections, a dismissal, and an interception in 16 games and 16 starts.

With an 8–8 record and clinched a wildcard berth, the Chargers ranked at the top of their division. In the Chargers' 23-17 victory over the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Wildcard Game, Weddle made seven combined tackles and three pass deflections on January 3, 2009. During a 35–24 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Divisional Round the following week, he collected 11 combined tackles (nine solo) and fired Ben Roethlisberger.

Ron Rivera, the offensive coordinator, retained Weddle and Hart as the starting safety pair for the 2009 regular season. Antonio Cromartie, Quentin Jammer, and Antoine Cason were among the Chargers' secondary players to develop a secondary.

Weddle lost 31–26 to the Baltimore Ravens on September 20, 2009, and he had a season-high ten combined tackles (nine solo) on September 20, 2009. In a 23-23 victory over the Miami Dolphins in Week 3, Weddle continued to have seven combined tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception in his first career touchdown. In the fourth quarter, Weddle intercepted a pass by quarterback Chad Henne that was supposed for wide receiver Davone Bess and returned it for a 31-yard touchdown. During a Week 12 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, he suffered his knee and was suspended for the next two games (Weeks 13–14). For their Week 17 victory over the Washington Redskins, head coach Norv Turner opted to suspend Weddle for the playoffs and inactive him.

Weddle finished the 2009 season with 82 combined tackles (78 solo), seven passes defensed, two interceptions, 1.5 sacks, and a touchdown in 13 games and 13 starts.

With a 13–3 record and home-field advantage and a first round bye, the San Diego Chargers ranked at No. 3 in the AFC West. In the AFC Divisional Round, Weddle fired quarterback Mark Sanchez in a 17–14 loss against the New York Jets on January 17, 2010.

Weddle's training camp was scheduled as the beginning of free and safe. Norv Turner and Steve Gregory retained Weddle as the starter for the regular season. Weddle defeated the Indianapolis Colts in Week 12, with four solo tackles, a season-high two pass deflections, and returning an interception for a touchdown. In the third quarter, Peyton Manning intercepted him, presumably for wide receiver Reggie Wayne. In a 34–20 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, he recorded a career-high 16 combined tackles (11 solo) and deflected a pass. He played in his fourth season in the league, with 96 combined tackles, two interceptions, a touchdown, and a touchdown, and was credited with half a game in 16 games and 16 starts. In 2010, Pro Football Focus gave Weddle an overall score of +12.6.

After the 2010 NFL season, Weddle became the second best free agent safety on the market, behind Quintin Mikell, according to Pro Football Focus. Several organizations, including the Cincinnati Bengals, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Denver Broncos, Carolina Panthers, Minnesota Vikings, Dallas Cowboys, and Houston Texans, all expressed concern, including the Cincinnati Bengals, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Denver Broncos, Miami Broncos, Minnesota Vikings, Dallas Cowboys. During an interview, he said that his top priority was to reach an understanding with the San Diego Chargers. Weddle was heavily recruited by the Texans, but the Cowboys, Panthers, Jaguars, and Vikings would only sign if he was unable to comply with the Chargers, according to Weddle.

The San Diego Chargers agreed to a five-year, $40 million deal with $19 million guaranteed and a signing bonus of $13 million.

Greg Manusky, the Chargers' new defensive coordinator, and top safety Bob Sanders, kept Weddle as the starting free safety for the regular season. In a 35-21 loss to the New England Patriots in Week 2, Weddle had a season-high 11 combined tackles (eight solo) on Week 2. In the Chargers' 23-20 overtime loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 8, quarterback Matt Cassel made seven solo tackles, two pass deflections, and intercepted two pass attempts. His appearance was his first game of his career, with multiple interceptions. In a 37–10 victory over the Buffalo Bills, he made three combined tackles, a pass deflection, and his seventh interception of the season. Weddle was selected to play in the 2012 Pro Bowl on December 26, 2011, marking his first selection of his career.

Weddle ended the season with 88 combined tackles (70 solo), 11 passes defensed, and a career-best seven interceptions in 16 games and 16 starts. In the AFC's 59-41 loss to the NFC on January 29, 2012, he appeared in the 2012 Pro Bowl as part of the AFC and made two interceptions.

Greg Manusky, the San Diego Chargers' defensive coordinator, was fired after one season on January 5, 2012. He was fired by linebackers coach John Pagano, and it was speculated by the media that he was fired due to the defense's lack of aggression.

Norv Turner, the head coach, retained Weddle as the starting free safety in 2012. He started with a solid safety record, like Atari Bigby. In a 30–23 loss to the Denver Broncos on November 18, 2012, Weddle recorded six combined tackles, deflected a pass, and returned an interception for a touchdown. In the first quarter, he intercepted a pass by quarterback Peyton Manning, who was thrown to wide receiver Matt Willis, and returned it 23-yards for a touchdown. The touchdown was his third pick six in his career. During a 31–7 loss to the Carolina Panthers on Week 15, he had a season-high ten combined tackles (seven solo) for his season-best ten combined tackles (seven solo). The San Diego Chargers fired general manager A. J. Smith and head coach Norv Turner after ending the season with a disappointing 9–7 record. He finished the 2012 season with 97 combined tackles (83 solo), nine passes defensed, three interceptions, and a touchdown in 16 games and 16 starts. In 2012, his teammates voted him as the Chargers' MVP, and he was also named to the Associated Press All-Pro Team. Pro Football Focus gave Weddle a perfect rating of +27.7, which ranked as the highest grade among qualifying safeties in 2012.

John Pagano remained the San Diego Chargers' defensive coordinator, although Weddle retained him as the starting point at free safety. Mike McCoy, the head coach, has officially named him as the start of free safety in 2013, as opposed to Marcus Gilchrist, who is a strong safety specialist. In a 30-24 loss to the Washington Redskins on November 3, 2013, he had a season-high 15 combined tackles (nine solo) for the season-high in Week 9. Weddle was selected to play in the 2014 Pro Bowl on December 27, 2013.

Weddle finished the season with 115 total tackles (88 solo), nine pass deflections, two interceptions, two interceptions, two interceptions, two forced fumble recoveries, and a sack in 16 games and 16 starts. In 2013, Pro Football Focus gave him a score of +11.3 percent.

The Chargers finished third in the AFC West with a 9-7 record and a wildcard berth. In a 27–10 win over the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC Wildcard Game on January 5, 2014, Weddle added six combined tackles and deflected a pass. They were suspended the following week after losing 24-17 at the Denver Broncos in the AFC Divisional.

In 2014, Weddle and Marcus Gilchrist were back as the Chargers' starting safeties. In Week 4, he had four combined tackles, deflected a pass, and made his first interception of the season off a pass by quarterback Blake Bortles in a 33-14 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. During a 23-20 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on October 19, 2014, Weddle recorded a season-high 13 combined tackles (ten solo) on October 19, 2014. Weddle was chosen to participate in the 2015 Pro Bowl on December 23, 2014, making it his third straight Pro Bowl pick.

Weddle had 114 total tackles (91 solo), eight pass deflections, two forced fumbles, and an interception in 16 games and 16 starts on the season. Weddle was given an overall rating of 18.9 and rated as the highest safety among all qualifying safeties in 2014. He was also ranked as the 86th best player in the league on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2014.

After failing to receive a contract extension from the Chargers, Weddle was expected to hold out and skip organized team activities on May 25, 2015. Weddle was in his fifth year of his five-year deal and owed $7.5 million in 2015. Weddle officially called off his holdout on June 15, 2015, and the group was asked to attend minicamp.

He read a prepared statement and said,

Weddle was the starting free safety for the regular season, according to head coach Mike McCoy, as well as solid safety Jahleel Addae. He was out for two games (Weeks 7-8) after suffering a groin injury. His injury ended his 86-game streak of consecutive starts that began in 2010. Weddle lost 22–19 to the Chicago Bears on November 8, 2015, with a season-high 13 combined tackles (nine solo) during a 22-19 loss to the Chicago Bears on November 8, 2015. During a 30–14 victory over the Miami Dolphins on December 20, 2015, he made two combined tackles and a pass deflection. Weddle, a six-day suspension from the San Diego Chargers for conduct that was detrimental to the team, since he didn't report to the team's locker room during halftime. Weddle opted to watch his daughter perform as a member of her cheerleading team during halftime and did not receive permission from her parents. David Canter, Weddle's rep, said he planned to file a lawsuit with the NFL Players Association and that the way things were handled treated him disrespected. In a 23–20 loss to the Oakland Buccaneers last week, he played his last game with the Chargers and had three combined tackles. For their Week 17 match against the Denver Broncos on December 28, 2015, the San Diego Chargers added Weddle on injured reserve. Weddle later told him he was able to play but he was told he was unable to travel with the team due to the plane's limited space.

Weddle has signed a four-year, $29 million deal with the Baltimore Ravens, with $13 million guaranteed. Weddle's strong defense system is expected to start the regular season, according to head coach John Harbaugh, as well as free safety Lardarius Webb.

In a 25-20 victory over the Cleveland Browns on September 18, 2016, Weddle had six combined tackles, a pass deflection, and intercepted Josh McCown's pass. The intercept was his first pick as a Ravens player, and it was his 20th interception of his career. During a 23-32 loss to the New England Patriots on December 12, 2016, Weddle earned a season-high 11 combined tackles (six solo), deflected a pass, and intercepted a pass attempt by quarterback Tom Brady. Weddle was selected as a second-team alternate for the 2017 Pro Bowl by a tweet on December 21, 2016. He finished the 2016 season with 89 combined tackles (48 solo), a career-high 13 pass deflections, four interceptions, a dismissal, and a forced fumble in 16 games and 16 starts, with a career-high 13 pass deflections, a sack, and a forced fumble. Weddle received a total score of 92.4 from Pro Football Focus, the highest among all qualified safeties in 2016.

Weddle was selected to play in the 2017 Pro Bowl to replace safety Devin McCourty, who was drafted as a member of the New England Patriots in January 23, 2017. Weddle was chosen by teammates to be the AFC's captain.

After the Baltimore Ravens signed free agent strong safety Tony Jefferson, weddle returned to free safety. The starters for Weddle and Jefferson were officially announced to begin the season. In Week 4 of the Baltimore Ravens' 26–9 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Weddle had season-high eight combined tackles, two pass deflections, and an interception. During a 44–20 win over the Detroit Lions on December 3, 2017, Weddle made three combined tackles, a pass deflection, and returned a touchdown. In the fourth quarter, quarterback Jake Rudock returned a touchdown for a 45-yard touchdown and Matthew Stafford was suspended for a strip/sack on him, which was recovered by teammate Willie Henry in the second quarter. His pick six was his fourth appearance of his career, and he was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his fourth week. Weddle was elected to the 2018 Pro Bowl on December 19, 2017. He played for 63 combined tackles (49 solo), eight interceptions, a sack, forcible fumble, and touchdown in 16 games and 16 starts. Weddle was given an overall rating of 82.4, placing him 24th among all qualified safeties in 2017.

Weddle returned in 2018 as the Ravens returned to free safety. In 16 games and 16 starts, he had 68 combined tackles, one sack, and three pass deflections. He was voted to his sixth Pro Bowl and his third straight. He was ranked 100th by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2019.

The Ravens released Weddle on March 5, 2019.

Weddle and the Los Angeles Rams agreed to a two-year deal worth $10,502,050 on March 8, 2019. Weddle had a team-high 15 tackles and 2 passes blocked against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 4 during the 55-40 loss. With 108 tackles and four passes defended, he finished second on the season.

Weddle resigned from the NFL after 13 seasons on February 6, 2020.

Weddle, the Los Angeles Rams safety, was out of retirement on January 12, 2022, after being informed that Jordan Fuller would miss the 2021 playoffs with an ankle injury and safety issues, as well as safety, Trace Rapp had entered concussion protocol. In the NFC championship game against the San Francisco 49ers, which the Rams won to advance to Super Bowl LVI, he was called to the active roster during the playoffs and led the team with nine tackles. Weddle and the Rams defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 23–20 in the Super Bowl, bringing Weddle's first Super Bowl title to the NFL. Weddle sustained a pectoral muscle tear in the first quarter that would necessitate surgery, but he refused to leave the game and continued playing.

Weddle announced after the Super Bowl that he was not retiring, with the aim of a championship ring after a 14-year career.

Post-playing career

Weddle will take over the head coach job at Rancho Bernardo High School on February 19, 2022. Weddle will take over the entire name of head coach after assisting incumbent head coach Tristan McCoy for one season.

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