Former Ute Eric Weddle Shares Advice He Received From Kobe Bryant

SALT LAKE CITY – When Eric Weddle’s contract with the San Diego Chargers was set to expire following the 2015 season, Weddle sought advice from an unlikely source, Kobe Bryant.

Bryant, who had briefly flirted with dumping Laker purple and gold for Clipper blue and red in 2004 and 2007, spurred Weddle on saying, ‘Make them pay in the worst way possible’ Weddle recalled as he met with the media in preparation for Super Bowl 56.

‘Them’ referred to the San Diego Chargers front office.

Eric Weddle got some advice from Kobe Bryant near the end of his time with the Chargers.

"Make them pay in the worst way possible."

'Them' was referring to the Chargers' front office.

H/T to @SDUTKrasovic for this exchange. pic.twitter.com/BG7hb4zX3n

— Darnay Tripp (@DarnayTripp) February 8, 2022

After finishing his college career at the University of Utah, Weddle spent nine seasons with the Chargers after they drafted him in the second round, 37th overall in the 2007 NFL Draft.

Weddle developed into one of the top safeties in the league. In 122 starts and 137 games payed, he picked off 19 passes and had 851 tackles, including three 100+ tackles seasons.

During a subpar 2015 season, Weddle saw the writing on the wall about his future with the organization.  He was fined $10,000 for watching his daughter perform at halftime of a game; then placed on injured reserved before the end of the season, preventing him from playing in what would be his final game with the Chargers.

“I hung on to that, and now it’s all coming full circle,” Weddle said of Bryant’s advice.

Chargers fans have to be sick. The organization treated Eric Weddle like dirt. Nearly 7 years ago they said he had too much mileage on him and even fined him $10K for staying on the field for his daughter’s halftime performance. 7 years later? Super Bowl. pic.twitter.com/CIPaWdfCLc

— JAKE ELLENBOGEN (@JKBOGEN) February 1, 2022

Weddle went on the sign as a free agent with the Baltimore Ravens in 2016. There, he returned to near previous form, securing 10 interceptions and 151 tackles in three seasons with Baltimore.

After retiring following the 2019 season playing with the Rams, Weddle had seemingly faded away from the spotlight before returning to the Rams during Super Wildcard weekend and playing in the 34-11 win over the Arizona Cardinals.

His playing time has increased each week throughout the playoffs. Culminating in Weddle having a hand in nine tackles and a tackle for loss while playing every snap in the NFC championship game.

In a twist of fate, the Rams will be hosting the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl 56. The Super Bowl will be held at Sofi Stadium in Los Angeles, CA on Sunday, February 13. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. (MDT)

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