Sean Weatherspoon Named 2026 SEC Football Legend
The former Mizzou linebacker earned the honor after an standout career at the collegiate and professional levels.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Football
The SEC named former Mizzou linebacker Sean Weatherspoon to its 2026 class of Football Legends. He joins a storied group of former players being honored for their contributions to the sport.
Why it matters
This recognition celebrates Weatherspoon's legacy as a dominant defensive force during his time at Mizzou and his subsequent tenure in the professional ranks.
Weatherspoon recorded 413 tackles, 43.5 tackles for loss, and 13 sacks during his tenure at Mizzou. He also played seven seasons in the NFL for the Falcons and Cardinals, including an appearance in Super Bowl LI.
The players
Sean Weatherspoon
He is a former linebacker who starred at Mizzou and played seven seasons in the NFL for the Falcons and Cardinals.
SEC
The Southeastern Conference is a collegiate athletic conference that sponsors many varsity sports teams at universities in the United States.
The details
Weatherspoon played for Mizzou from 2006 to 2009 before embarking on a seven-season career in the NFL. He was previously inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 2023.
Timeline
Sean Weatherspoon played for Mizzou from 2006 to 2009.
He was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 2023.
The SEC announced his selection as a 2026 Football Legend on October 8, 2026.
The SEC Legends Celebration is scheduled for December 4, 2026.
He will be recognized before the SEC Football Championship Game on December 5, 2026.
The Big Picture
The SEC Football Legends designation follows a pattern set by the College Football Hall of Fame by codifying the legacy of historic collegiate players. This honor serves to maintain the historical continuity of the conference as it evolves in the modern era.
Weatherspoon will be honored during the SEC Football Weekend of Champions in Atlanta this December. The formal recognition will take place at the College Football Hall of Fame on December 4 and at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 5.
The takeaway
The selection of Weatherspoon highlights the enduring connection between Mizzou and the broader history of the Southeastern Conference. Fans of collegiate football can look forward to the upcoming December ceremonies that recognize the legendary careers of former standouts.
Further reading
For more on local gridiron history, visit Columbia Football.
