Eric Weddle accomplished many of his goals during the 2016 season.
He found a new home in Baltimore, played at a high level for a full 16-game season, made the Pro Bowl and showed people around the league that he's still one of the NFL's best safeties.
But as Weddle reflected on his past year during some down time at the Pro Bowl, the veteran safety emphasized that he thinks he'll be even better next season.
"I know 2017 is going to be my best year yet," he said.
Weddle is going into his 11th year in the NFL, and has shown no signs of slowing down. He led the Ravens with four interceptions last season, and also added 48 tackles and a sack.
He's also a little superstitious about why he thinks he'll have a great year in 2017.
"I look at the little things," he said. "I turned 32 years old, and I get to play my number. I look at all the little weird stuff, and it all lines up, so why not have a special season for the Ravens."
Something that was clear with Weddle from the time he signed in Baltimore was that he relished the opportunity. He continued his tireless work ethic and seemed to enjoy every moment on the field.
He also got back to having fun playing football, which was a stark contrast to his final year with the San Diego Chargers where the organization made it clear that his time was coming to an end.
"It was a fun year for me," Weddle said. "That's how I was my whole career in San Diego, except for my last season there. It was nice to get back to playing with guys that love you, and doing whatever you can to help the team. You get older, and you know what you can bring to a team, how you're valued, and that's what the Ravens gave me.
"Every day you wake up, I was just trying to let them know and show by my play and how I act towards everybody that I am who they thought I was. And I want to continue that as long as I'm here."
Weddle is going into the second season of a four-year deal he signed with the Ravens. He has established himself as the leader in the secondary, and the Ravens plan to lean on him heavily as they look to make significant improvements and return to playoffs next season.
"When it's all said and done, when this deal is up, I'm done. I'm just trying to relish every day, to continue to grind and look for ways to improve," Weddle said. "It was a great year for me. I wish our team had more success, but that's why we're getting back to work and I think that we can have a special season next year."
