Tag: Eric Weddle retirement

Eric Weddle would retire with Ravens over Chargers or Rams

Eric Weddle reveals his thoughts on retiring as a Baltimore Raven over the Chargers or Los Angeles Rams

The Baltimore Ravens are one of the premier franchises in the NFL. Over the years, plenty of former players have talked highly of their experiences in Baltimore. And plenty of former Ravens players have retired with the team. Now it appears you can count safety Eric Weddle among that group.

In an interview with Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic, Weddle said he’d retire with Baltimore over either the Chargers or Rams.

“As of right now, I would retire as a Raven before those other two teams.”

Weddle played just three years with Baltimore while starting his career and playing nine years with the then-San Deigo Chargers. But Weddle has been highly critical of his time with the Chargers and the way his departure was handled by the organization. He noted it would take completely new leadership in order to consider the Chargers again.

“Until there’s new management with the Chargers, I’m not going to set foot in that place. That’s been said. It’s unfortunate how it happened, but I’m a guy who is very loyal and once you burn that bridge and do the things that they did, that’s just not going to happen.”

It’s no secret that players past and present continually describe Baltimore as a top-tier organization with a commitment to not only winning but its positive culture, energy and overall view on its players and personnel, from top to bottom. But hearing this notion echoed from Weddle, who spent far less time with the Ravens as he did his previous team, the Chargers, carries some hefty weight.

Yes, Weddle’s time with the Chargers ended on somewhat undesirable terms, but for a player to essentially shrug off his longest-tenured employer for another speaks volumes about both the kind of person and player he is, as well as the kind of organization players see in Baltimore.

Nevertheless, if Weddle chooses to retire a Raven as implied, Baltimore should be thrilled to have such an elite talent be remembered forever in purple and black.

[vertical-gallery id=41592]

Eric Weddle open to scouting, coaching for the Ravens

Former Baltimore Ravens safety Eric Weddle is open to returning for a part-time role in the front office after his retirement.

Last week, former Baltimore Ravens, Los Angeles Rams and Chargers safety Eric Weddle announced his retirement after 13 years in the league. He wrapped up his career as one of the most respected players, well known for his football intelligence and leadership. Those traits have many wondering if Weddle eventually returns the football field with a whistle, microphone or clipboard instead of a helmet and pads.

In an interview with The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec, Weddle said that he and Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta had talked about exactly that during his tenure in Baltimore. According to Weddle, there had been discussions about having him do part-time scouting on the West Coast when he eventually retired so he could be an asset while still getting plenty of time with his family. He noted that while an official offer hasn’t come up yet, he’d be open to doing that this offseason in spite of his recent retirement.

As far as coaching is concerned, Weddle left the door open to the possibility but said he’s enjoying retirement too much to think about it for “at least a year or two.”

However, Weddle has no interest in returning to the playing field again after 13 years. He said the idea of “going through lifting and running and the pain that comes with it every single day” makes him “want to puke.” Though Weddle said he thought it could have just been the knee injury that required offseason surgery that made him disgusted, it turns out being healthy again hasn’t altered his mindset any.

[vertical-gallery id=42644]

Current, former Chargers pay respect to Eric Weddle after retirement announcement

Chargers great Eric Weddle hung up his cleats on Thursday.

After 13 seasons, nine of which were with Chargers, safety Eric Weddle said his farewell to the National Football League on Thursday.

Selected in the second-round of the 2007 NFL Draft, Weddle went on to have a successful stint with the Bolts, earning three trips to the Pro Bowl and other notable accolades.

Along the way, he created a strong bond and served as a mentor to his former teammates. Those players went on to pay homage to Weddle after he announced his retirement.

Quarterback Philip Rivers, who remains really good friends with Weddle to this day, made sure to pay his respect in a lengthy post.

Ravens players react to Eric Weddle’s retirement announcement

Eric Weddle’s former Baltimore Ravens teammates react to his retirement announcement, including Tony Jefferson

You can tell just how respected and beloved safety Eric Weddle was by his peers in the NFL when he announced his retirement. The outpouring of congratulations and respect from his former Baltimore Ravens teammates was immediate and staggering. Within minutes, several Ravens had tweeted at Weddle to give their own personal take on the news.

Though he only spent three years in Baltimore, Weddle was widely considered to be one of the smartest players on the roster. Thanks to nearly a decade of experience when the Ravens signed him, Weddle was an on-field general for Baltimore.

Fellow safety Tony Jefferson, who played beside Weddle for those three years, sent out two tweets to not only congratulate him but to offer thanks for his mentorship.

[protected-iframe id=”9faee6c537f14007aa7a115400b1828a-105974752-88840239″ info=”twsrc%5Etfw” class=”twitter-tweet”]

Here are the rest of the reactions from Ravens players to Weddle’s retirement news.

Former Ravens safety Eric Weddle announces retirement

After 13 seasons in the NFL, former Baltimore Ravens safety Eric Weddle is hanging up his cleats.

After 13 seasons in the NFL, former Baltimore Ravens safety Eric Weddle is hanging up his cleats. Weddle announced his retirement on Twitter, posting a list of his stats and accomplishments while giving a shoutout to the three teams he played with and the players and coaches that went on the ride along with him.

In 13 seasons, Weddle went to the Pro Bowl six times and was an All-Pro twice. He’ll finish his career with 29 interceptions which he returned for 467 yards and four touchdowns. Weddle also forced eight fumbles, recovered seven, and returned one for a touchdown.

Though Weddle only played three years with the Ravens, he was well respected by his teammates, the coaching staff and fans. When he was cut from Baltimore last offseason, Weddle contemplated retiring before joining the Los Angeles Rams for one final run.