Eric Weddle Announces Retirement Following 13 Years In NFL
Feb 6, 2020, 1:59 PM | Updated: 2:34 pm
(Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Six-time NFL Pro Bowl safety and former University of Utah star, Eric Weddle, has announced his retirement following 13 NFL seasons, via Twitter.
It's been REAL @NFL @Chargers @Ravens @RamsNFL! TEAMMATES, COACHES and others I LOVE y'all. We had a GREAT RUN!!!!! ✌✌#BEARDOUT 🎤 pic.twitter.com/C3VGwnMCc7
— Eric Weddle (@weddlesbeard) February 6, 2020
In Weddle’s retirement Tweet, he lists his final regular and post-season statistics. Remarkably, Weddle is a 6 time Pro Bowler and 5-time All-Pro player. He has made 1235 tackles, adding 30 interceptions, 11.5 sacks, 41 tackles for loss, 5 touchdowns, 8 forced fumbles, and seven fumble recoveries.
Weddle ranks 21st all-time in tackles, according to Pro Football Reference.
Weddle’s NFL Career
Weddle’s NFL career started with the San Diego Chargers, where he spent eight seasons, after being selected with pick number 37 in the second round. Weddle was waived following the 2015 season after contract negotiations turned ugly with the Chargers, he would spend two seasons with the Baltimore Ravens before making his final move. In a quest to win a Super Bowl, Weddle joined the Los Angeles Rams, the reigning Super Bowl losers. Unfortunately, the Rams 2020 season ended far sooner than most had anticipated and Weddle’s NFL career ended with a 31-24 victory over the Arizona Cardinals in Week 16 of the 2019-20 NFL season.
Heck of a career @weddlesbeard! pic.twitter.com/SRrK3eRCA0
— PFF (@PFF) February 6, 2020
Weddle became famous for a multitude of reasons. His play on the field was courageous and inspiring, despite being just 5 foot 11 inches and 200 pounds, Weddle would often play inside the box alongside linebackers. His ability to tackle and hit opposing players with the velocity and force in which he did, was remarkable.
The Ice Cream Man
Weddle’s fame also sky-rocketed when he started celebrating victories with copious amounts of ice cream. Any time his team won, Weddle, along with his family, filled hand-painted bowls with ice cream and condiments. Seemingly enough to keep you up all night with a sugar-high.
No better than winning in the NFL.. @Kroger Black Cherry rootbeer float ice cream, crunched up @Oreo, @KeeblerElves fudge stripes, hello panda bites, cinnamon swirl loaf cake, @kroger mallow pieces and of course some @Hersheys caramel. I'm so happy right now!!!! pic.twitter.com/GMUIVjup7r
— Eric Weddle (@weddlesbeard) September 9, 2019