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Former Baltimore Ravens safety Eric Weddle has announced his retirement from the NFL at age 35. He shared the news 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
Weddle spent three seasons with the Ravens from 2016-2018. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in all three seasons and recorded 220 tackles, 10 interceptions, and 3 forced fumbles, during that span. John Harbaugh had the following to say about Weddle in a press conference last year: “He is just the consummate football player, the consummate leader. He will go down in history like that. I think he should be in the Hall of Fame. I think we’ll have two Ravens safeties in the Hall of Fame, I think, at some point in time.”
He spent the majority of his career with the San Diego Chargers. He played nine years for the franchise and was named to the first All-Pro team twice there.
Weddle was known for his intelligence and has a good relationship with John Harbaugh. There are already rumors that Weddle could return to the Ravens in a coaching or front office role.
Eric Weddle’s hanging them up. Harbaugh, Martindale and DeCosta all talked highly of the safety during his time in Baltimore. Was considered one of the smartest players in the league. If he wants to get into coaching or front office work, a #Ravens reunion would make sense. https://t.co/By3FhZp66T
— Aaron Kasinitz (@AaronKazreports) February 6, 2020
Not sure what Weddle's future plans are but it wouldn't surprise me if GM Eric DeCosta contacts him at some pt for a role with Ravens. Weddle lives on West Coast, which complicates it. But safety was one of the most respected and liked players to pass through Ravens facility.
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) February 6, 2020
No matter what the future holds for Eric Weddle, he will go down as one of the best defensive backs of his era.