Eric Weddle

Eric Steven Weddle was born on January 4, 1985, in Fontana, California, and grew up in Alta Loma, California. He attended Alta Loma High School, where he excelled in football, basketball, and baseball. In football, he was a three-time all-league selection and a two-time All-CIF selection. As a senior, he was named the team’s best receiver and most valuable player, leading Alta Loma High to the 2000 Mt. Baldy League championship. Weddle’s collegiate career at the University of Utah (2003-2006) saw him earn consensus All-American honors and establish himself as a versatile player, excelling at various defensive back positions.

Weddle was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the second round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He spent nine seasons with the Chargers, during which he earned three Pro Bowl selections and two First-team All-Pro honors. Notably, he signed a five-year, $40 million contract with the Chargers in 2011, reflecting his value to the team. His tenure with the Chargers was marked by consistent performance as a defensive leader, including leading the team in various statistical categories and being named the Chargers’ MVP in 2012. After a contract dispute and a challenging 2015 season, he moved to the Baltimore Ravens in 2016.

With the Baltimore Ravens, Weddle continued his high level of play, earning Pro Bowl honors in all three of his seasons (2016-2018). He then played for the Los Angeles Rams in 2019 before initially retiring. However, in a notable return, he came out of retirement in 2021 to join the Rams for their playoff run, culminating in a Super Bowl LVI victory. This marked the achievement of a championship ring, after which he announced his second retirement. Weddle’s post-playing career includes coaching high school football, where he became the head coach of Rancho Bernardo High School in Poway, California, in 2022. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2026, solidifying his legacy in the sport.