Weddle is the leader of a San Diego defense currently ranked ninth overall. The Chargers are sixth in scoring, allowing 19.2 points per game. They’re also sixth in passing yards allowed (222.4) and tied for 12th with Dallas, allowing 109 rushing yards per game.

“Great player,” Rams offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer said about Weddle. “He drives everything. They do a really good job of disguising coverages, moving pieces around. He’ll be in the middle of the field and then come running down on a blitz. He drives the whole defense in terms of getting them set up, getting them lined up and letting them be multiple.”

Weddle did a little of everything in college at Utah, starting games at right corner, left corner, strong safety and nickel back. He returned punts and served as an emergency punter. He even took some snaps at quarterback, completing two of six passes for 43 yards with a touchdown and an interception while rushing 52 times for 259 yards and six scores. One opposing coach touted Weddle as a Heisman Trophy candidate while another kidded that Weddle was being cheated and deserved two scholarships.

Still, Weddle has always seen himself as somewhat of an underdog. In fact, he was the fifth safety drafted in 2007.

“I’ve always been told I can’t do this or I’m not as good as this player, or he’s faster than me,” the 5-11, 200-pounder said. “It’s just added motivation. As you get older, you block most of it out, but you still need that little kick in the pants to keep you going and keep striving to be great. It’s helped me over the years to continue to show people, not only people on the outside, but my peers and (guys on) other teams, what kind of player I am and what I stand for. I’ll continue to do that, hopefully at a high level.”