Rams SB LVI legend Eric Weddle gives surprising endorsement for this FA signing

When the Los Angeles Rams inked inside linebacker Troy Reeder for another season, the reception thrown by Rams fans was not exactly warm and positive. Some view Reeder as one of the key reasons for the Rams' 1-4 start to the 2024 NFL season. Others see Reeder as an impediment to the opportunities of young linebackers like Omar Speights. Still others simply put plenty of vitriol on someone they do not appreciate on social media, for no other reason than to troll the guy.

But Rams Super Bowl LVI legend Eric Weddle is having none of it. He stepped into the discussion on social media to run interference for his former teammate, ILB Troy Reeder. And he was not the only NFL player to shut down the trash-talking about Reeder.

Baltimore Ravens veteran linebacker Kyle Van Noy stepped into the social media exchange to endorse the Rams veteran. This was not simply NFL players defending one of their own. This was two savvy NFL veterans with years of pro football experience and expertise giving an unlimited endorsement for the Rams' latest free agency signing:

Whoa. The narrative changed quickly on social media as soon as Eric Weddle and Kyle Van Noy waded into the discussion. Have fans gotten it wrong? Is Troy Reeder better at what he does than Rams fans are willing to give credit for? We saw signs of that questionable rhetoric with former Defensive Coordinator Raheem Morris, who was often the scapegoat by irate fans after a humbling loss.

I'm not convinced that much of that vitriol was warranted either.

Do we get locked into an opinion about a player too quickly and permanently? Perhaps. But it's not as though fans have a say in the personnel transactions over a team. And fans rely upon the optics created during the football game, optics which the NFL team is solely responsible for. After all, fans cheer and boo based on what they see, not on what statement they want to make at the game.

Still . . .

When terms like 'baller' and 'pros pro' are tossed around, it's time for fans to hit the pause button. What might Rams fans be blind to that NFL veterans see clearly? Here are some facts that do not often get considered when levying insults at Troy Reeder.