Weddle making a difference on and off the field


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SAN DIEGO, Calif. — Eric Weddle never dreamed of becoming a National Football League player as a child because he viewed them as superheroes.

Now he’s done what he once thought impossible and has become a hero to many.

“I’m a little kid and I’m living a dream,” he says. “Every time I come out of that tunnel, every time I put on my jersey, I sit there and think for a second, 'Is this really true?' ”

Weddle is now in his eighth season in the NFL with the San Diego Chargers, just 100 miles from where he grew up in Alta Loma, California. He is a two-time pro bowler and a team captain. He is considered one of the best safeties in the game. His work on and off the field has made him a fan favorite in San Diego. So has his iconic beard.

The beard has become a brand. It has inspired the production of T-shirts and other merchandise and was a popular Halloween costume among young Charger fans. The beard has even done interviews and occasionally tweets under Weddle’s Twitter handle @weddlesbeard.


I hate when people say I just want to be good. I don't want to be around you if you just want to be good. That's not what I'm about. I want to be the best. I want to be great at everything I do. Just being a great person, being a great citizen, being a great husband, being a great father. All those things. Not just being a great football player but being great at everything.

–Eric Weddle


“The beard is kind of a celebrity now. I never would have thought a year and a half ago when I started growing it that it would become this, all because I tried to beat my dad in a picture.”

Despite all his success, Weddle remains grounded and humble. He is quick to credit his time at the University of Utah for the success he enjoys today.

“It was big. From the people I met to what I learned, to my wife and kids. We ended up getting married here, getting sealed in the temple and getting baptized into the church, you know, it changed my life.”

Weddle works long days during the season. He gets up at 4 a.m. and doesn’t return home some days until 6 p.m. Balancing life in the NFL and life with four kids is a challenge, but he makes it a priority.

“That’s my No. 1 job, honestly, to be the best dad and husband I can be.”

His role as a husband and father prompted him recently to speak out publicly about his disgust with the Ray Rice incident and other domestic violence and DUI arrests of members of the NFL.

On Sept. 12 he tweeted, “As a husband, father and player I’m embarrassed to be associated with the NFL right now.”

As a husband, father and player I'm embarrassed to be associated with the NFL right now! — Eric Weddle (@weddlesbeard) September 11, 2014

Weddle has never been afraid to speak his mind. He became a vocal leader at Utah as a freshman despite the objections of older players. His leadership has made a difference in the Chargers' locker room as a team captain. He now feels the need to lead on this important issue.

San Diego Chargers free safety Eric Weddle gives a memento to kids after the Chargers' game against the Buffalo Bills at a NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 11, 2011 in San Diego. (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi)
San Diego Chargers free safety Eric Weddle gives a memento to kids after the Chargers' game against the Buffalo Bills at a NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 11, 2011 in San Diego. (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi)

“I don’t hide behind it. I don’t really care about the repercussions. It needed to be said.”

He’s not only talking about domestic violence but he’s trying to do something about it and help those affected by it.

He launched a Chargers-themed jewelry line with a portion of the proceeds going to charities that benefit battered women.

“Hopefully we’ll learn from it and we’ll be better as the NFL and just in general in society. It’s not good, the domestic violence, the DUIs and all the stuff that’s going on. Hopefully people can get better, everyone can get a little bit better and the whole world will get better.”

Weddle has never settled for being good. He was a two-star recruit out of high school but by the end of his four years with the Utes he became a consensus All-American.

He was drafted in the second round by the San Diego Chargers but has gone on to outplay many first-round draft picks to become an all-pro safety. His ultimate goal is to bring a Super Bowl championship to San Diego. It’s something he is determined to accomplish and won’t settle for anything less than greatness.

“I hate when people say, 'I just want to be good.' I don’t want to be around you if you just want to be good. That’s not what I’m about. I want to be the best. I want to be great at everything I do. Just being a great person, being a great citizen, being a great husband, being a great father. All those things. Not just being a great football player but being great at everything.”

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Jeremiah Jensen

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