Eric Weddle named Utah football’s 2026 Ring Of Honor inductee
Jul 22, 2026, 1:37 PM | Updated: 1:47 pm
University of Utah's Eric Weddle in action against University of Tulsa during the Armed Forces Bowl played at Amon Carter Stadium in Ft Worth Texas on December 23, 2006. Utah won the game 25-13. (Photo by L. Scott Wambsganss/Getty Images)
(Photo by L. Scott Wambsganss/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY — Eric Weddle’s name will soon have a permanent place inside Rice-Eccles Stadium. Utah football announced Wednesday that the former All-American safety will become the program’s 2026 Ring of Honor inductee.
Adding another distinction to one of the most decorated careers in school history. Weddle joins quarterback Alex Smith, former head coach Ron McBride and wide receiver Roy Jefferson in the exclusive group. Smith became the inaugural member in 2024 before McBride and Jefferson were inducted last season.
The Ring of Honor recognizes players and coaches who reached the highest levels of achievement at Utah, in professional football and within their communities. Few candidates check those boxes as completely as Weddle.
Introducing the 2026 Inductee to the Ring of Honor, 𝑼𝒕𝒂𝒉 𝑳𝒆𝒈𝒆𝒏𝒅, Eric Weddle! 🙌
Join us in honoring Weddle on September 12 when we take on Arkansas‼️
📰 https://t.co/Z61RbaZthr#GoUtes | #RSNB pic.twitter.com/N65F5JWD8n
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) July 22, 2026
One of Utah’s most accomplished players
Weddle played for the Utes from 2003-06 and became a central figure in the program’s transformation from a successful Mountain West team into a national contender.
Utah went 37-12 during his four seasons, won four bowl games and claimed two conference championships. Weddle was a freshman contributor during Urban Meyer’s first season and then helped the Utes complete their undefeated 2004 campaign, which ended with a Fiesta Bowl victory over Pittsburgh and a No. 4 national ranking.
His individual production was every bit as impressive.
Weddle finished his Utah career with 277 tackles, 22.5 tackles for loss, 10 sacks and 18 interceptions. He remains the program’s career leader with nine forced fumbles and ranks second in interceptions.
Those numbers only capture part of his impact.
Weddle played safety, cornerback and nickel during his career. He returned punts, carried the ball on offense, threw passes and served as a holder. During his senior season, Utah routinely found ways to get the ball into his hands because limiting him to defense would have meant leaving one of the team’s best playmakers on the sideline.
He rushed for 203 yards and five touchdowns in 2006, finishing the season with eight total scores. Against Air Force, Weddle played every defensive snap, led Utah with 73 rushing yards, scored both of the Utes’ touchdowns and held on the game-winning field goal.
Weddle earned Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year honors in consecutive seasons and became a consensus first-team All-American in 2006. His complete college résumé recently earned him selection to the 2026 College Football Hall of Fame class.
Eric Weddle’s career at the highest level
Weddle carried the same preparation, instincts and versatility into a 14-year NFL career.
The San Diego Chargers selected him in the second round of the 2007 NFL Draft. Weddle spent nine seasons with the Chargers before later playing for the Baltimore Ravens and Los Angeles Rams.
He earned six Pro Bowl selections, was twice named a first-team All-Pro and received second-team All-Pro honors three times. His NFL career appeared finished after the 2019 season, but Weddle returned to the Rams during the 2021 playoffs following injuries in their secondary.
After nearly two years away from football, Weddle started the NFC Championship Game and Super Bowl LVI, helping Los Angeles defeat Cincinnati despite suffering a torn pectoral muscle during the championship game.
He retired again—this time with a Super Bowl ring.
Weddle was inducted into the Utah Athletics Hall of Fame in 2022 and will officially enter the College Football Hall of Fame in December. His addition to Utah’s Ring of Honor completes another layer of recognition for a player whose career connects several important eras of the program.
The Weddle legacy could continue?
Weddle’s connection to Utah could eventually extend into another generation.
His son, Gaige Weddle, is a highly regarded 2028 prospect at Rancho Bernardo High School in San Diego. The two-way standout plays quarterback and safety, Utah has offered Weddle and remains actively involved in a recruitment that also includes Ohio State, Georgia, and many other major programs. Rivals has rated him among the top overall athletes in his class.
Gaige has visited Utah multiple times and has maintained strong interest through the program’s transition to Scalley. The family connection gives Utah an obvious advantage, but his recruitment will be competitive—and the younger Weddle has developed into a national prospect on his own merit.
Eric Weddle’s name will soon be permanently displayed inside Rice-Eccles Stadium. Utah is now working to give Gaige the opportunity to wear the same uniform and write the next chapter of the Weddle family’s history with the Utes.
The Bottom Line
Weddle was not simply one of Utah’s most productive defensive players. He represented the type of football intelligence, toughness and versatility that became central to the program’s identity.
He helped Utah break into the BCS, developed into one of the NFL’s premier safeties and finished his professional career as a champion. Now his name will join Smith, McBride and Jefferson inside Rice-Eccles Stadium.
For one of the most complete football players Utah has produced, the honor is an obvious fit.
