Following the Los Angeles Rams’ disappointing 2019 season, veteran safety Eric Weddle announced his retirement from the NFL after accomplishing nearly everything but winning the final game of the year.
Two years later, he finally had a chance to complete that final goal as the Rams signed him out of retirement for their playoff run. The move worked out for both sides as the Rams once again returned to the Super Bowl.
This time, the Rams were set to play in their home stadium with a front office that was all-in and built a roster full of stars against an unexpected opponent, the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Rams and Bengals played a tight game, but the Rams scored a go-ahead touchdown in the final minutes and emerged as Super Bowl champions, giving Weddle the last thing he was chasing in his career: a Super Bowl champion ring.
However, the game didn’t come without a cost as Weddle tore his pec during the game and will need to undergo surgery on it soon. The 37-year-old safety also confirmed that he will re-retire this off-season but said it was all worth it in the end, via Pro Football Talk:
Weddle got checked out on the sideline after a hit on Joe Mixon early in the game and he told reporters after the win was in the books that he tore his pec during the game. He said he’ll have “surgery soon” and confirmed that he’ll be returning to life as a retired player.
“I’m re-retiring. I’ll go back to my daily life. Pretty banged up right now, but well worth it. Well worth the moment,” Weddle said.
The veteran defensive back made five total tackles in the game, including four solo tackles but perhaps his most important contribution to the team was the “infectious energy” he brought to the club.
Weddle now retires as a six-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro, but also most importantly as a Super Bowl champion.
Beckham believed to have torn ACL
The Rams’ Super Bowl LVI victory was a bittersweet moment for Odell Beckham Jr. In the midst of a potential Super Bowl MVP performance, Beckham suffered a non-contact knee injury in the same left knee that he tore during the 2020 season.
The injury occurred with 3:54 remaining in the second quarter. By that time, Beckham had already accumulated two catches for 52 yards and a touchdown. Beckham was quickly ruled questionable, and then out, signaling a larger and more serious issue.
Beckham was seen emotional on the sideline throughout the remainder of the game, and now it appears we have some clarity why, as it reportedly is a second torn ACL for him.
