A Legacy Cemented in Salt Lake City
Former NFL standout and University of Utah legend Eric Weddle saw his name permanently added to Rice-Eccles Stadium on Saturday, as he was officially enshrined in the school’s Ring of Honor. The ceremony took place during halftime of the Utes’ game against Arkansas, marking a significant milestone for a player whose collegiate career from 2003 to 2006 transformed the program’s national standing.
Weddle, who enjoyed a nearly two-decade professional career including a Super Bowl title, described the recognition as equal to or greater than his professional accolades. According to the Deseret News, Weddle expressed that the honor was “humbling” and “emotional,” noting that he never imagined such a moment when he first stepped onto the Utah campus.
Reflecting on a Multi-Position Career
Weddle’s enshrinement recognizes a uniquely versatile tenure in Salt Lake City. After beginning his collegiate career as a cornerback, he transitioned to safety in 2004, playing a pivotal role in the Utes becoming the first non-Automatic Qualifying conference team to reach a Bowl Championship Series game. By 2006, under then-new head coach Kyle Whittingham, Weddle was utilized in virtually every capacity on the field. In his senior year alone, he recorded 65 tackles, seven interceptions, and two pick-sixes, while simultaneously contributing as a running back, punt returner, and even a holder for special teams.
The Scalley Connection
The ceremony served as a reunion for Weddle and current Utah head coach Morgan Scalley, who were teammates two decades ago. Weddle, who currently serves as head coach at Rancho Bernardo High in California, spoke highly of Scalley’s leadership. “Nobody was born to be the University of Utah head coach more than Morgan Scalley,” Weddle stated, emphasizing his confidence in the program’s trajectory under Scalley’s early tenure.
The event also functioned as a key recruiting opportunity. Weddle’s son, Gaige, a top-ranked safety prospect in the 2028 class, was in attendance. While Gaige is currently considering multiple major programs, including Georgia and Ohio State, the familial ties to the Utah program remain strong.
Future Coaching Prospects
Regarding his own coaching future, Weddle noted that while he is currently focused on his family and his role at the high school level, he has not ruled out a return to college coaching. He clarified that if he were to pursue a collegiate coaching career, it would exclusively be at the University of Utah, though he acknowledged that the demands of high-level college recruiting may not be a fit for his current lifestyle priorities.