Eric Weems, a wide receiver and return specialist, spent nearly a decade in the National Football League (NFL), primarily with the Atlanta Falcons. Born on July 4, 1985, in Daytona Beach, Florida, Weems attended Bethune-Cookman University, where he played college football. Despite not being selected in the 2007 NFL Draft, Weems signed with the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent, beginning his professional career.
Weems initially joined the Falcons' practice squad, where he honed his skills and worked to earn a spot on the active roster. His persistence paid off, and he made his NFL debut in 2008. Over the years, Weems became known for his abilities as a return specialist. His speed and agility made him a valuable asset on special teams, where he excelled in both punt and kickoff returns.
In 2010, Weems had a standout season, earning a Pro Bowl selection as a return specialist. That year, he returned a kickoff 102 yards for a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, setting a franchise record for the longest kickoff return in Falcons history. His performance on special teams helped the Falcons secure a 13-3 record and a playoff berth.
Weems continued to play for the Falcons until 2011, after which he signed with the Chicago Bears in 2012. During his time with the Bears, Weems contributed primarily on special teams, though he also saw some action as a wide receiver. After two seasons in Chicago, he returned to the Falcons in 2014, where he continued to be a reliable presence on special teams.
Throughout his career, Weems was known for his work ethic and ability to make plays in crucial moments. His contributions on special teams were instrumental in helping his teams gain favorable field position and momentum. In 2016, Weems was part of the Falcons team that advanced to Super Bowl LI, although they ultimately fell to the New England Patriots in a dramatic overtime loss.
Weems' tenure with the Falcons concluded after the 2016 season, and he briefly joined the Tennessee Titans in 2017. However, his time with the Titans was short-lived, and he was released later that year. Despite not being a household name, Weems' career in the NFL was marked by his consistent performance and ability to excel in his role as a return specialist.
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