What Is Eric Weddle’s Net Worth?
Eric Weddle, a former professional American football safety, has accumulated a net worth estimated at $30 million. This financial standing is primarily a result of his 14-season career in the National Football League (NFL), where he played for several teams, including the San Diego Chargers, Baltimore Ravens, and Los Angeles Rams.
Early Life and High School Career
Born on January 4, 1985, in Fontana, California, Eric Weddle spent his formative years in the Alta Loma area of Rancho Cucamonga. He attended Alta Loma High School, where he showcased his athletic abilities by lettering in football, baseball, and basketball. As the captain of the football team, Weddle recorded impressive statistics, including 129 tackles, five interceptions, 587 rushing yards, and 22 touchdowns. His contributions led the team to the Mt. Baldy League championship in 2000. He also earned three all-league selections. While specific details about his early earnings or endorsement deals during high school are unavailable, his athletic achievements laid the groundwork for his future professional success.
Collegiate Career at the University of Utah
Weddle attended the University of Utah from 2003 to 2006, where he played college football for the Utah Utes. During his freshman year, he recorded 60 tackles and four sacks. As a sophomore, he transitioned to strong safety and posted 75 tackles and one sack. In his junior year, Weddle improved his performance with 78 tackles and four sacks, earning him the Mountain West Conference Defensive Player of the Year award. In his senior year, he was named a consensus All-American and All-MWC first-team selection. Over his collegiate career, Weddle totaled 277 tackles and set a school record with nine forced fumbles. While specific earnings during his college years are not publicly documented, his performance significantly increased his prospects for a lucrative NFL career.
NFL Career with the San Diego Chargers
In the 2007 NFL Draft, Eric Weddle was selected in the second round by the San Diego Chargers. His rookie contract details are not fully available, but second-round draft picks typically receive contracts worth several million dollars. He made his regular-season debut against the Chicago Bears, recording three solo tackles and a sack. In Week 17, he recorded a season-high six combined tackles. He finished his rookie season with 53 combined tackles and an interception. The Chargers finished atop the AFC West, and Weddle made his first NFL playoff appearance in a victory over the Tennessee Titans.
In 2008, Weddle started the season with a season-high 11 combined tackles and finished with a career-high 127 tackles, helping the Chargers reach the AFC Divisional Round. The Chargers made another Divisional Round appearance the following season. During the 2010 season, Weddle set a new career high with 16 combined tackles in Week 17. He finished the season with 96 combined tackles, ten pass deflections, and two interceptions. In 2011, Weddle became an unrestricted free agent and eventually re-signed with the Chargers. He earned his first Pro Bowl selection that year. For the 2012 season, Weddle finished with 97 combined tackles, three interceptions, and a touchdown, earning him the MVP award from his teammates. The next year, he finished with 115 combined tackles and two interceptions, leading the Chargers to the AFC Divisional. In 2015, Weddle posted a season-high 13 combined tackles in a Week 9 loss to the Chicago Bears, marking his final game with the Chargers in Week 16. His total earnings with the Chargers are estimated to be a significant portion of his $80 million career earnings.
NFL Career with the Baltimore Ravens
In March 2016, Weddle signed with the Baltimore Ravens. Although the exact financial terms of his contract aren’t fully public, it was a significant deal that contributed to his net worth. During the season, he recorded a season-high 11 combined tackles in a loss to the New England Patriots. He finished the season with 89 combined tackles and a career-high 13 pass deflections, earning him a Pro Bowl selection. In 2017, Weddle finished with 63 combined tackles and was again voted to the Pro Bowl. For his final season with the Ravens in 2018, he posted 68 combined tackles and earned his third consecutive Pro Bowl selection. His time with the Ravens added substantially to his career earnings and overall net worth.
NFL Career with the Los Angeles Rams and Retirement
In March 2019, Eric Weddle signed a two-year contract with the Los Angeles Rams. Specific financial details of this contract aren’t available in full, but it further augmented his earnings. During his tenure with the Rams, he recorded 108 tackles in his second season. Weddle announced his NFL retirement in early 2020. However, after injuries to other Rams players, he came out of retirement to sign with the team’s practice squad. During the NFC Championship game, he led the Rams with nine tackles in a win over the San Francisco 49ers. Weddle and the Rams advanced to Super Bowl LVI, winning the title 23-20 against the Cincinnati Bengals. After this victory, Weddle announced his second NFL retirement. His final stint with the Rams culminated in a Super Bowl win, enhancing his legacy and potentially opening doors for future endorsements or media opportunities.
Eric Weddle’s journey to Super Bowl champion with the Los Angeles Rams significantly boosted his public profile. After initially retiring in early 2020, he returned to the Rams following injuries to key players. In the NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers, Weddle led the team with nine tackles, contributing to their victory and Super Bowl LVI appearance. The Rams won Super Bowl LVI 23-20 against the Cincinnati Bengals, marking a significant achievement in Weddle’s career. Following the Super Bowl win, Weddle retired again.
Career Earnings and Financial Overview
Over the course of his 14-year NFL career, Eric Weddle earned approximately $80 million in total salary from his NFL contracts. This figure doesn’t include potential earnings from endorsements, sponsorships, or other business ventures. The accumulation of this wealth has allowed him to build a substantial net worth, estimated at $30 million. While detailed breakdowns of his investments and assets are not publicly available, his career earnings provide a clear indication of the financial success he achieved as a professional athlete.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Eric Weddle married his high school sweetheart, Chanel, in the summer of 2005. Together, they have four children: Brooklyn Marie, Gaige Leroy, Kamri Joe, and Silver Jean. While specific details about their current residence are not available, the couple previously lived near Ogden, Utah. Beyond football, Weddle enjoys golf, basketball, and bowling, and he also frequents the gym. He is also active in philanthropy, supporting breast cancer awareness and communities with learning disabilities. Specific amounts donated to these causes are not publicly disclosed, but his involvement demonstrates a commitment to giving back to the community.