Eric Weddle, the former Utah All-American and Super Bowl LVI champion, has been named the 2026 inductee to the Utah Football Ring of Honor, the University of Utah Athletics announced on July 22, 2026. The versatile former safety and cornerback will be enshrined during the Utes' home game against Arkansas on Sept. 12 at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
Induction Ceremony Details
Weddle, a native of Fontana, California, was recognized by the program as a legendary figure in Utah football history. His induction ceremony is scheduled to coincide with the Sept. 12 matchup against Arkansas, a game set to begin at 8:15 p.m. According to a post on X from Weddle, the former player expressed his excitement for the event, stating, "What a night it will be. Watch my UTES beat up on the Razorbacks. Lets goooooooo." He also extended gratitude to Utah Football's Mark Harlan and Coach Kyle Scalley, noting that he, his teammates, coaches, and family will enter the Ring of Honor together.
The Ring of Honor Legacy
The Ring of Honor, which was established in 2024, is reserved for players and coaches who have achieved the highest levels of success in college football, professional leagues, and the community. Inductees receive a permanent tribute with their names prominently displayed on the press box of Rice-Eccles Stadium. Weddle joins an elite list of recent honorees, including 2025 inductees Ron McBride and Roy Jefferson, as well as 2024 inductee Alex Smith.
Collegiate Career and Success
Weddle's collegiate career at Utah from 2003 to 2006 was marked by unprecedented versatility and success. He was a consensus first-team All-American in 2006 and played a critical role in the program's rise to national prominence during the mid-2000s. During his four seasons, the Utes achieved a 37-12 record, which included an undefeated 12-0 campaign in 2004. That 2004 season saw the program earn a No. 4 final ranking in the AP Poll and secured the school's first-ever BCS bowl appearance in the Fiesta Bowl, making the Utes the first team from a non-automatically qualifying conference to earn a BCS bid.
Statistical Dominance and Awards
A two-time Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year (2005, 2006), Weddle was a four-time all-conference selection, earning First Team honors in 2005 and 2006, Second Team honors in 2004, and Honorable Mention in 2003. He was a primary contributor to conference championship teams in 2003 and 2004. Weddle's statistical impact on the Utah defense remains significant; he holds the Utah school record for career forced fumbles with nine and ranks second all-time in the program with 18 interceptions. His defensive totals include 277 tackles, 22.5 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, 23 pass breakups, and six fumble recoveries, including two returned for touchdowns.
Versatility on the Field
Beyond his defensive capabilities, Weddle was a potent threat on offense and special teams. In 2006, he scored eight total touchdowns, including contributions as a runner, passer, and return specialist. He holds the distinction of being the first player in Utah history to score on back-to-back plays from scrimmage. His versatile skill set included rushing for 259 yards on 52 carries, returning 52 punts for 408 yards, and completing two passes for 43 yards and a touchdown.
Professional Career and Achievements
Following his collegiate career, Weddle was selected in the second round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers. He went on to play 14 seasons in the NFL, competing for the Chargers, Baltimore Ravens, and Los Angeles Rams. His professional accolades include being a six-time Pro Bowl selection, twice named a First Team All-Pro, and three times named a Second Team All-Pro. He reached the pinnacle of professional football by winning Super Bowl LVI with the Los Angeles Rams.
Community and Coaching Roles
Weddle's impact extends to his community and leadership roles outside of professional football. He was inducted into the Utah Athletics Hall of Fame in 2022 and received the university's Distinguished Alumni Award in 2020. Currently, he serves as the head football coach at Rancho Bernardo High School in Poway, California. Weddle has also launched a jewelry line designed to provide resources to organizations that assist victims of domestic violence.
