Eric Weddle's journey in professional football began when he was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the second round of the 2007 NFL Draft. Known for his intelligence on the field and his ability to read the game, Weddle quickly established himself as a reliable safety in the Chargers' defensive lineup. His rookie season saw him playing in all 16 games, starting 15 of them, and recording 63 tackles, which set the tone for his future performances.
Throughout his tenure with the Chargers, Weddle became a defensive stalwart. His ability to anticipate plays and his knack for being in the right place at the right time made him a valuable asset to the team. In 2011, he led the NFL with seven interceptions, earning him his first Pro Bowl selection and a spot on the All-Pro team. This season was a testament to his growing reputation as one of the league's top safeties.
Weddle's consistency and leadership on the field were recognized with multiple Pro Bowl selections during his time with the Chargers. He was named to the Pro Bowl six times in his career, with three of those selections coming during his nine seasons in San Diego. His tenure with the Chargers was marked by his ability to deliver crucial plays and his role as a leader in the secondary.
In 2016, Weddle signed with the Baltimore Ravens, bringing his experience and football acumen to a new defensive unit. His impact was immediate, as he continued to be a playmaker and a leader on the field. During his three seasons with the Ravens, Weddle was named to the Pro Bowl each year, further solidifying his reputation as one of the league's top safeties. His time in Baltimore was characterized by his ability to adapt to a new defensive scheme while maintaining his high level of play.
Weddle's career took another turn in 2019 when he joined the Los Angeles Rams. Although his time with the Rams was brief, he continued to demonstrate his football intelligence and leadership qualities. He started all 16 games for the Rams in the 2019 season, contributing to the team's defensive efforts with his experience and knowledge of the game.
Throughout his career, Weddle was known for his work ethic and his ability to inspire his teammates. His football intelligence and ability to read offenses made him a valuable player on any team he joined. Weddle's career statistics include over 1,000 tackles, 29 interceptions, and numerous forced fumbles and recoveries, reflecting his ability to make plays and change the course of a game.
In February 2020, Weddle announced his retirement from professional football. His career spanned 13 seasons, during which he earned the respect of teammates, coaches, and fans alike.
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