In 1981, one of the most intense and grinding wide receivers that I have ever witnessed in this city was brought into this world. His name is Wes Welker.

Wes attended Heritage Hall High School in Oklahoma City where he played running back and defensive back. He was later named the Oklahoma Player of the Year as a senior by an abundance of media personalities and was an all-state selection at running back. In his high school career, Welker carried the rock 495 times for 3,235 yards and 53 touchdowns with 174 catches for 2,551 yards and 27 touchdowns. Plus, Welker hit a 57-yard field, returned seven punts for touchdowns and hauled in 22 interceptions over his high school career.

As Welker moved forward, he accepted what was his only Division 1 scholarship offer from Texas Tech. He later graduated from the institution with a degree in management. Welker finished his career at Tech with 259 receptions for 3,069 yards and 21 touchdowns. In addition, Welker carried the ball 79 times for 559 yards and a score. He also returned 152 punts for 1,761 yards and eight touchdowns. Welker departed Tech with three All-Big 12 Conference first-team selections, a school record in receptions and receiving yards, an NCAA record for punt returns and punt return yards and the nickname “The Natural”.

In 2004, Welker began his professional career as an undrafted rookie with the San Diego Chargers. For the Chargers, he participated in one game in where he returned four kicks for 102 yards. He was later waived by the Chargers in early September only to be grabbed by the Miami Dolphins a week later. For the Dolphins, Welker participated in 14 games and returned 57 kicks for 1,313 yards and score. Plus, he returned 43 punts for 464 yards. But, the highlight of his rookie campaign was when he became the first National Football League player to have a kick return, a punt return, a field goal, a successful PAT and kickoff in the same game. Truly unreal!

In 2005, Welker participated in 16 games and recorded 29 catches for 434 yards and no touchdowns. He also returned 61 kicks for 1,379 yards and returned 43 punts for 390 yards. Welker was just starting to mature into what he is today.

In 2006, Welker led the Dolphins with 67 catches and totaled 687 receiving yards with one touchdown. In addition, Welker fielded 48 kicks for 1,064 yards and 41 punt returns for 378 yards. At the end of the season, as we all know, Welker was dealt to the Patriots, a trade that would prove monumental to New England’s quest for perfection.

This season, Welker has recorded 96 receptions for 1,004 yards and eight touchdowns, all career highs. His duties on special teams have shrunk to microscopic totals due to his insurmountable importance to the lethal offense that the Patriots possess. The Patriots’ roll is a team effort, but the little things that Welker has done this season are so crucial that without them, I don’t think the Pats would be unbeaten. Let the good times roll!

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