This offseason, the Los Angeles Rams signed Eric Weddle to fill their need at their free safety position. The veteran free safety recently said who his childhood hero was and it may surprise some fans.

Recently, ESPN did a piece where they asked current NFL players who their childhood heroes or idols were. The Rams safety said Emmitt Smith was his childhood hero growing up.

“Emmitt Smith. … Luckily at my Pro Bowl last year, was able to meet him. I've met him before, crossing paths, but not really ever was able to tell him what I really felt about him and tell him that he was the reason why I played running back, why I wore No. 22, why I fell in love with the game. … I just stopped him. It was around the bar and he had walked by, and I was like I'm not going to miss my chance just to tell him what I feel about him, cause, the players that played before us paved the way and I wouldn't be where I am at without them that played the game and … gave a little kid from Rancho Cucamonga an opportunity to play the game.”

Smith came from the same area as Weddle and gave the veteran safety some motivation to be great. Furthermore, Weddle said Smith was the reason he fell in love with the game of football.

It's interesting that Weddle idolized Smith as they play two completely positions. Nonetheless, athletes and fans alike always have one player or person who they credit their love for something to. For Weddle, watching Smith run the ball for the Dallas Cowboys was what got him interested in football.