After Eric Weddle was released by the Ravens last offseason, it didn’t take long for him to draw interest from other teams. He had 11 offers and narrowed his list of suitors to five before even taking a visit with the Los Angeles Rams.
They were the first team he visited, and he didn’t leave without a contract – partly because of the immediate connection he had with coach Sean McVay. The two hit it off in their initial meeting and Weddle inked a two-year deal.
On Thursday, Weddle announced his retirement from the NFL, receiving nothing but praise and congratulatory messages from fans, players and media members. Sean McVay shared a statement on Weddle’s retirement, calling him “one of the smartest and most instinctual players” he’s ever been around.
“I wish Eric and his family the best as he retires from football,” McVay said. “Eric had a distinguished 13-year career in the NFL, where he played at a high level and earned respect across the entire league. He is one of the smartest and most instinctual players I have ever been around. Last season, he served as a captain on our team and was a key cog on our defense. More than that, he was a leader in our locker room and set a professional example for everyone he encountered.”
A 𝙙𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙪𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙙 13-year career for @weddlesbeard 👏 pic.twitter.com/soXiHuPr9I
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) February 6, 2020
Weddle quickly acclimated to his new team, being voted a captain and taking over as a leader in the locker room. He helped coach up rookie safety Taylor Rapp and John Johnson last season, too, proving to be a coach on the field.
The Rams are going to miss his leadership and voice in 2020, but his impact was left on those around him.