Eric Weems
refer to caption
Weems with the Falcons in 2016
No. 14
Position:Wide receiver
Return Specialist
Personal information
Born: (1985-07-04) July 4, 1985
Daytona Beach, Florida, U.S.
Height:5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)
Weight:195 lb (88 kg)
Career information
High school:Seabreeze (Daytona Beach)
College:Bethune–Cookman
Undrafted:2007
Career history
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Receptions:39
Receiving yards:358
Rushing yards:57
Return yards:5,354
Total touchdowns:6
Player stats at NFL.com · PFR

Eric Grimes Weems (born July 4, 1985) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver, special teamer, and return specialist in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Bethune–Cookman Wildcats and was signed by the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent in 2007. He also played for the Chicago Bears and Tennessee Titans.

Early years

Weems attended Seabreeze High School in Daytona Beach, Florida and was a letterman in football and basketball.[1] In football, as a senior, he was named the team M.V.P. and was an All-Area selection and an All-State selection. In basketball, he was an All-Area selection.

College career

While attending Bethune-Cookman University in his hometown of Daytona Beach, Florida,[2][3][4] Weems was a stand-out wide receiver/A-back for the Bethune–Cookman Wildcats football team. He played under head coach Alvin Wyatt from 2003 to 2007. Weems left with his name in the records for numerous receiving categories throughout his four-year career at Bethune-Cookman. In his senior year, he added special teams to his portfolio, serving as the kickoff and punt return specialist for the Wildcats.[5]

Professional career

Atlanta Falcons

2007 season

Weems saw action in the NFL for the first time in the season finale against the Seattle Seahawks.[6] He did not post any statistics.[7]

2008 season

Weems's first career reception came with a 4-yard catch in the first quarter of the Falcons' week 12 match-up against the Carolina Panthers. Later in the same game, Weems provided a key block for a 7-yard Harry Douglas touchdown run.[8] His first career fumble recovery came on a Minnesota Vikings muffed punt in week 16 of the 2008 season.[9]

2009 season

Eric Weems with Sam Baker, Michael Jenkins and Marty Booker.
Eric Weems playing against the Miami Dolphins in 2009.

Weems won a job with the Atlanta Falcons as a punt returner in 2009 when wide receiver Harry Douglas was placed on the injured reserved list with a season ending knee injury. Weems ended up returning both punts and kicks as the season progressed. Weems scored his first career touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 7 of the 2009 season, he caught a 30-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Matt Ryan.[10] Weems scored his second career touchdown against the New York Giants in Week 11 of the 2009 season, he had a 4-yard touchdown reception.[11]

On the night of November 16, 2009, Weems was arrested in DeKalb County, Georgia for suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. Shortly afterward, Weems released a statement saying “Unfortunately, I was involved in an incident on November 17, 2009. I am embarrassed about the situation and I sincerely apologize to the entire Atlanta Falcons organization and our great fans.”[12] No specific action was taken by the Atlanta Falcons or the NFL.

Weems finished the 2009 season with six catches for 50 yards and two touchdowns. He rushed eight times for 53 yards. Weems returned 48 kicks for 1214 yards and 27 punts for 270 yards, fumbled three times and losing two, and recorded 10 tackles.[13]

2010 season

Weems had a career-high of four catches against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first week of the 2010 season.[14] He had his first career start as a wide receiver against the Arizona Cardinals in week 2.[15] Weems returned his first career kickoff return for a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on week 13 of the season. The 102 yards was a franchise record for the Atlanta Falcons.[16] He also returned his first career punt return for a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers on week 17 of the season.[17] The 55 yards was a career-high. Weems was selected to the 2011 Pro Bowl as a special teams member.[18] Weems finished the 2010 season with six catches for 61 yards. He returned 40 kickoffs for a 1,100 yards with one touchdown. Weems returned 18 punts for 230 yards with one touchdown.[19] He was the only player in the NFC to return a kick and a punt for a touchdown.[20] Weems had a notable contribution for the Atlanta Falcons in the 2010-2011 NFC Divisional Round against the Green Bay Packers. Early in the second quarter, Weems fielded a kickoff two yards deep in his team's own end zone and ran virtually untouched for 102-yard kickoff return touchdown.[21] The 102-yard return was the longest play in NFL postseason history.[22]

2011 season

The Atlanta Falcons re-signed Weems to a one-year contract on July 31, 2011.[23] He appeared in all 16 games with the Atlanta Falcons, He made two starts at the wide receiver position. Weems caught a career-high 11 catches for a career-high 90 yards. Weems returned 24 kicks for 563 yards. He also returned 32 punts for 315 Yards. Weems also recorded 12 tackles on special teams. He did not score any touchdowns.[24]

Weems was selected as a first-team alternate for the 2012 Pro Bowl as a special teams player.[25]

Weems returned four kickoffs for an average of 20 yards per kickoff and a long of 27 yards in the NFC Wild Card Round game against the New York Giants. He did not record any receptions in the 24–2 loss.[26]

Chicago Bears

Weems at Bears training camp in 2014

On March 14, 2012, Weems signed a three-year contract with the Chicago Bears as an unrestricted free agent.[27] Weems played in all 16 games with one start at the wide receiver position. Weems caught 2 balls for only 27 yards. He returned 13 kickoffs for 231 yards and 1 punt for no yards. Weems fumbled once and recovered 2 fumbles during the season. He also made 8 tackles.[28] The Bears finished the season with a record of 10-6 and did not make the playoffs.[29]

Weems appeared in all 16 games with the Bears in 2013. He recorded only one reception for eight yards. Weems returned five kickoffs for 57 yards. Weems recorded nine tackles in the season and forced one fumble.[30]

After the Bears signed Santonio Holmes, Weems was released by the team on August 16, 2014.[31]

Atlanta Falcons (second stint)

On August 21, 2014, Weems signed with the Atlanta Falcons.[32] Weems appeared in all 16 regular season games with the Atlanta Falcons in 2014.[33] On October 5, Weems forced a fumble and recovered a fumble on separate occasions against the New York Giants.[34][35] He caught his first touchdown of the season against the Green Bay Packers on December 8.[36] He then caught his second touchdown two weeks later on December 21, against the New Orleans Saints.[37] Weems caught 10 passes for a career-high 102 yards and two touchdowns. On special teams, he recorded thirteen tackles, two fumble recoveries, a forced fumble, and returned two kicks for 34 yards.[38]

Weems signed a two-year extension with the Falcons on March 6, 2015.[39][40] Weems saw action in all 16 games. He had one reception for 11 yards. Weems returned 15 kicks for 403 yards. He also returned 19 punts for 221 yards.[41]

In the 2016 season, Weems was part of a record-breaking Falcons team.[42] On September 18, 2016, he returned a punt for a career-long 73 yards against the Oakland Raiders.[43] Weems and the Falcons reached Super Bowl LI, where they faced the New England Patriots. In the Super Bowl, Weems had two kick returns for 25 total yards and one punt return for no yards. the Falcons fell in a 34–28 overtime defeat.[44]

Tennessee Titans

Weems with the Titans in 2017

On March 10, 2017, Weems signed with the Tennessee Titans.[45] He was released on September 2, 2017, but was re-signed the next day.[46][47] In the 2017 season, Weems mainly played on a special teams role for the Titans.[48]

On March 9, 2018, Weems was released by the Titans.[49]

NFL career statistics

Year Team GP Receiving Punt Return Kick Return Fumbles
RecTgtYdsAvgLngTDFDAttYdsTDFCLngAttYdsTDFCLngFumLost
2008ATL 61144.040000000119001900
2009ATL 1666508.330232727001428481,214006200
2010ATL 16666110.218031823011955401,1001010200
2011ATL 161114908.21805323150194224563003700
2012CHI 16242713.518021001013231002700
2013CHI 161288.080100010557001900
2014ATL 16101110210.2402500000234001700
2015ATL 16111111.01101192210164115403005000
2016ATL 160000.0000242730217317391004200
2017TEN 161255.05002150013218001800
Total15039473589.2404201231,324191731674,0301010200

References

  1. ↑ "Remorse earns break for player". Orlando Sentinel. May 30, 2007. Retrieved May 21, 2023.
  2. ↑ Dean, Zach (January 12, 2018). "Ex-Seabreeze, B-CU star Eric Weems embracing new role, searching for first ring". Daytona Beach News-Journal Online. Retrieved May 21, 2023.
  3. ↑ Kernan, Sean (September 26, 2011). "Falcons Pro-Bowl returner Eric Weems keeps everything in perspective". Daytona Beach News-Journal Online. Retrieved May 21, 2023.
  4. ↑ "Eric Weems Signs Free Agent Contract with Atlanta Falcons". Bethune-Cookman University Athletics. May 2, 2007. Retrieved May 21, 2023.
  5. ↑ "Eric Weems NCAA FB Stats - Season & Career Statistics". Fox Sports. Archived from the original on January 2, 2018. Retrieved January 1, 2018.
  6. ↑ "Seattle Seahawks at Atlanta Falcons - December 30th, 2007". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on January 2, 2018. Retrieved January 1, 2018.
  7. ↑ "Eric Weems 2007 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on June 30, 2017. Retrieved May 21, 2023.
  8. ↑ "Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons - November 23rd, 2008". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on November 17, 2020. Retrieved January 1, 2018.
  9. ↑ "Atlanta Falcons at Minnesota Vikings - December 21st, 2008". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on January 2, 2018. Retrieved January 1, 2018.
  10. ↑ "Atlanta Falcons at Dallas Cowboys - October 25th, 2009". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on December 24, 2017. Retrieved January 1, 2018.
  11. ↑ "Atlanta Falcons at New York Giants - November 22nd, 2009". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on January 2, 2018. Retrieved January 1, 2018.
  12. ↑ "More trouble for Falcons: Weems was arrested for DUI last month". NFL.com. December 16, 2009. Archived from the original on August 12, 2022. Retrieved May 21, 2023.
  13. ↑ "Eric Weems 2009 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on January 2, 2018. Retrieved January 1, 2018.
  14. ↑ "Atlanta Falcons at Pittsburgh Steelers - September 12th, 2010". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on November 11, 2017. Retrieved January 1, 2018.
  15. ↑ "Arizona Cardinals at Atlanta Falcons - September 19th, 2010". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on December 24, 2017. Retrieved January 1, 2018.
  16. ↑ "Atlanta Falcons at Tampa Bay Buccaneers - December 5th, 2010". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on January 2, 2018. Retrieved January 1, 2018.
  17. ↑ "Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons - January 2nd, 2011". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on December 24, 2017. Retrieved January 1, 2018.
  18. ↑ "2010 NFL Pro Bowlers". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on March 16, 2018. Retrieved May 21, 2023.
  19. ↑ "Eric Weems 2010 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on January 2, 2018. Retrieved January 1, 2018.
  20. ↑ "2010 NFL Kick & Punt Returns". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on November 30, 2022. Retrieved May 21, 2023.
  21. ↑ "Divisional Round - Green Bay Packers at Atlanta Falcons - January 15th, 2011". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on November 10, 2017. Retrieved January 1, 2018.
  22. ↑ "Weems' 102-yard kick return sets NFL playoff mark". Twin Cities. January 15, 2011. Retrieved May 21, 2023.
  23. ↑ Choate, Dave (July 31, 2011). "Eric Weems Returns To The Falcons Special Teams". TheFalcoholic.com. Archived from the original on August 19, 2014. Retrieved August 17, 2014.
  24. ↑ "Eric Weems 2011 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on January 2, 2018. Retrieved January 1, 2018.
  25. ↑ Birchfield, Evan (July 4, 2019). "Falcons Throwback Thursday: WR Eric Weems". The Falcoholic. Archived from the original on March 24, 2023. Retrieved May 21, 2023.
  26. ↑ "Wild Card - Atlanta Falcons at New York Giants - January 8th, 2012". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on August 14, 2017. Retrieved January 1, 2018.
  27. ↑ Dickerson, Jeff (March 14, 2012). "Bears agree to deal with Eric Weems". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on September 4, 2014. Retrieved August 17, 2014.
  28. ↑ "Eric Weems 2012 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on January 2, 2018. Retrieved January 1, 2018.
  29. ↑ "2012 Chicago Bears Statistics & Players". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on August 5, 2013. Retrieved January 1, 2018.
  30. ↑ "Eric Weems 2013 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on January 2, 2018. Retrieved January 1, 2018.
  31. ↑ Patra, Kevin (August 16, 2014). "Santonio Holmes, Chicago Bears reach contract". NFL.com. Archived from the original on August 17, 2014. Retrieved August 16, 2014.
  32. ↑ Adams, Jay (August 21, 2014). "Falcons Bring Back WR, Specialist Weems". AtlantaFalcons.com. Archived from the original on August 23, 2014. Retrieved August 24, 2014.
  33. ↑ "Eric Weems 2014 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on January 2, 2018. Retrieved May 21, 2023.
  34. ↑ "WR Preston Parker fumbles kickoff return". New York Giants. October 5, 2014. Archived from the original on March 31, 2018. Retrieved March 31, 2018.
  35. ↑ "Quintin Demps fumbles on interception return". New York Giants. October 5, 2014. Archived from the original on March 31, 2018. Retrieved March 31, 2018.
  36. ↑ Jackson, Kendall (December 9, 2014). "Falcons come up short, lose 43-37 to Packers". The Falcoholic. Archived from the original on March 31, 2018. Retrieved March 31, 2018.
  37. ↑ Freeman, Aaron (December 22, 2014). "Defense Leads Falcons to Sweep Saints in 30-14 Win". FalcFans.com. Archived from the original on March 31, 2018. Retrieved March 31, 2018.
  38. ↑ "Eric Weems Titans Bio" (PDF). Tennessee Titans. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 31, 2018. Retrieved March 31, 2018.
  39. ↑ Adams, Jay (March 7, 2015). "Falcons Sign Weems to Contract Extension". AtlantaFalcons.com. Archived from the original on April 2, 2015. Retrieved July 23, 2015.
  40. ↑ McClure, Vaughn (March 6, 2015). "Eric Weems agrees to return to Falcons". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on July 24, 2015. Retrieved July 23, 2015.
  41. ↑ "Eric Weems 2015 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on January 2, 2018. Retrieved January 1, 2018.
  42. ↑ "2016 Atlanta Falcons Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on August 7, 2017. Retrieved May 21, 2023.
  43. ↑ Durkin, Jimmy (September 19, 2016). "Grading the Raiders' 35-28 loss to the Atlanta Falcons". The Mercury News. Archived from the original on April 1, 2018. Retrieved March 31, 2018.
  44. ↑ "Super Bowl LI - New England Patriots vs. Atlanta Falcons - February 5th, 2017". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on August 7, 2017. Retrieved August 6, 2017.
  45. ↑ Gantt, Darin (March 10, 2017). "Falcons wideout Eric Weems heading to Tennessee". ProFootballTalk.NBCSports.com. Archived from the original on March 11, 2017. Retrieved March 11, 2017.
  46. ↑ Wyatt, Jim (September 2, 2017). "Titans Down to 53 Players: A Position-by-Position Look". TitansOnline.com. Archived from the original on February 6, 2018.
  47. ↑ Wyatt, Jim (September 3, 2017). "Titans Add Eric Weems, Place Harry Douglas on IR". TitansOnline.com. Archived from the original on May 15, 2018. Retrieved May 21, 2023.
  48. ↑ "Eric Weems 2017 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved May 21, 2023.
  49. ↑ Wyatt, Jim (March 9, 2018). "Titans Plan to Release Cassel, Searcy, Weems". TitansOnline.com. Archived from the original on February 22, 2019. Retrieved May 21, 2023.
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