The Eric Weddle Mess is All My Fault

I'm going to go ahead and let the cat out of the bag and just say it's my fault.

It's all my fault.

It started a few years back when the San Diego Chargers switched to the new white helmet uniforms. I was super excited to start a new section of jerseys in my closet and so I went out and bought me a #83 Vincent Jackson white-home jersey. It coincided with Jackson beginning to make a name for himself in the league and so you could imagine that I wore that jersey proudly to such places as the Black Hole and Candlestick Stadium.

Jackson was becoming a household name. And he was also nearing the end of his rookie contract. So Jackson was franchised tagged one year and then the next he would walk away in free agency to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Just like that, favorite player gone!

This happened around the time that I also bought a #24 Ryan Mathews powder-blue jersey. As the story goes, this offseason Mathews found greener pastures and signed as a free agent with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Other favorite player.... Gone!

Now is where I confess that I also have a #32 Eric Weddle Navy Blue jersey. And we see how this is playing out. And it's very similar to the way V.J's last years with San Diego played out.

And it's got me feeling a little guilty. Because Weddle has been my second favorite player since he's been with the team.

Of course, me purchasing a players jersey having an effect on their future security with the team has about the same amount of effect as me always having to stand in front of my giant TV. when San Diego has the ball on offense.  But it sure feels that way.

The real problem the Chargers have in building and maintaining their cornerstone players is a simple case of stinginess. The front office has seemingly put a ceiling of keeping their own premium free agents. We can blame G.M's A.J Smith or Tom Telesco for being unable to spend on their own talents, but this trend has happened under the same owner too. Perhaps, that's where the blame should be laid.

Yet somehow I'm still feeling guilty. Because I have another confession to let you know: I have a #13 Keenan Allen jersey.

And I'm seriously thinking of getting a #28 Melvin Gordon jersey too.

Get back to me in 4 or 5 years. I guess then we will really find out if it's really my fault.