THE
PERFECT
PARTNERSHIP By David Wolf
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IT DIDN’T MATTER TO ERIC WEDDLE that he was an established veteran who had already earned three Pro Bowls and started over 100 games by the time he signed with Baltimore in March of 2016. The pressure to prove himself remained. Weddle knew what he was capable of, considering the level of play he demonstrated during his nine years in San Diego. But he had a strong desire to show the Ravens the kind of player they were getting. “There was a little nervousness at first,” Weddle admitted. “There is some uneasiness trying to prove the team that signs you that you can still play and are still important. The nice thing is, once you put in the work, all of that stuff takes care of itself.”
Fortunately for both parties – Weddle and the Ravens – it has proved to be a perfect partnership. In the midst of his assimilation, the now five-time Pro Bowler began to realize there was no reason to be anxious. His drive to be great, his attention to detail in studying film and, perhaps most importantly, his work ethic – which includes showing up to the Ravens’ facility as early as 5 a.m. – were welcomed with open arms. Those were the traits that made younger players latch on to him for advice and seasoned members of the team watch from afar with admiration. “The guy is a hard worker; he is a grinder,” longtime Raven Marshal Yanda stated. “Since we signed him, he just jumped right in with us and was a natural leader.
He’s always thinking about what is best for the team and also about getting better as a football player. The more guys we can have like that in the locker room, the better.”
No. 32’s dedication and facial hair may have shaped his teammates initial impressions in summer workouts, but his quality play on the field followed soon after.
Weddle heard about the way the Ravens did things from former Baltimore linebacker Jarret Johnson and Steve Smith Sr. However, seeing the culture in person impressed him.
Weddle enjoyed a phenomenal 2016 campaign, serving as a primary leader on the league’s seventh-ranked defense and earning his fourth Pro Bowl nod. He also helped the Ravens tie for the league lead in interceptions, showing no signs of a player new to a different defensive system.
With the encouragement of teammates, he began to display the upbeat personality and leadership qualities he had always been known for. “I told him, ‘We want Eric Weddle. Don’t hold back. Don’t be quiet. We want you,’” fellow safety Lardarius Webb recalled about his initial conversations with Weddle. “’If you yelled when you were with the Chargers, I want you coming out here yelling. Just be yourself. Grow the beard back, because we want the beard, if that’s who you are.” 22
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“The biggest thing about Eric is that he’s just a good pro, and good pros can adapt anywhere,” defensive coordinator Dean Pees said. “He fit right into the culture we have here. He has a fantastic work ethic, and he really studies. Whether we draft someone or sign them, we want smart, tough football players that give good effort, and he has all three of those qualities.” BALTIMORERAVENS.COM 23
THE GUY IS A HARD WORKER; HE IS A GRINDER.
− Marshal Yanda
Weddle deserves credit for the homework he did to make sure the Ravens were a quality fit. Understanding the significance of his free agency decision, he asked teams every question possible ranging from, “Who is the first person in the building?” to, “What type of music is played at practice?” Although he had plenty of suitors, the more answers he received, the more his decision became clear: Baltimore. “I was meant to be a Raven, that’s for sure,” Weddle said with a smile. “This organization, it matches what I believe in. I play for my teammates, and to have an organization that values that, it means a lot.” Weddle has clearly proven his worth, earning two-straight Pro Bowl bids. He has also demonstrated his value as a recruiter – helping lure Tony Jefferson 24
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and Danny Woodhead to Baltimore during the 2017 offseason. Going from a free agent to recruiting other players just a year later doesn’t surprise anyone who has been around Weddle. Although he has only played for the team since 2016, his personality and playing style reflect that of someone who has been a part of the organization for a lifetime. “The word that comes to mind is Raven,” unquestioned leader Terrell Suggs described of his teammate. “He came here, he embraced the culture, and he fit in perfectly. It’s clear he knew the standard we have in Baltimore. In terms of leadership and play on the field, you couldn’t really ask for more.” Now, as a Raven, Weddle carries himself as he has for the entirety of his career
– with an enthusiastic and selfless demeanor off the field and a willingness to do anything to win when he’s on it.
For a franchise and a city that take pride in hard work, toughness and a blue collar mentality, it’s difficult to envision a more PERFECT PARTNERSHIP.
THE SECONDARY’S SERGEANT S Eric Weddle’s 29-career INTs rank third among active safeties. In his first year (2016) as a Raven, he earned Pro Bowl honors by producing a teamhigh 4 picks (tied, C.J. Mosley) and 89 tackles. The five-time All-Star has posted 6 INTs this season, ranking as a team best and tying (two players) for second in the NFL.
1
3
Active NFL Safety (Weddle) w/ at least 900 tackles, 25 INTs & 5 sacks
Active NFL Safeties (Weddle, D. Hall & R. Nelson) w/ 25 INTs & 85 passes defensed
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