Wes Welker: Finally Somebody Did Their Homework

An Official Miami Dolphins Podcast

Wes Welker has been underestimated for most of his life…and what a mistake that has been! Despite a spectacular high school career for which he was named the Oklahoma State Player of the Year as a senior, the 5-9 Welker did not receive a single college offer until a Texas Tech recruit backed out of his scholarship at the last minute. As a Red Raider, Welker quickly earned the nickname “The Natural” and over four years, hauled in 21 receiving touchdowns, two rushing TDs, and set then-NCAA records for punt return yards (1,761) and punt return touchdowns (8), but did not receive an invite to the NFL combine, and went undrafted in 2004. Welker signed with the San Diego Chargers as a free agent and made the team’s final 53-man roster, only to be released after the first game of the season. The Miami Dolphins signed Welker and he became an immediate cult hero in South Florida. Initially shining as a special teams standout (and still holding several team records in the kicking game), Welker quickly became a valuable contributor to the Dolphins offense as well. The New England Patriots traded for Welker prior to the 2007 season, and he rewarded them by becoming one of the most productive wide receivers in NFL history, leading the league in receptions in 2007, 2009, and 2011, earning five Pro Bowl nods, and finishing his career with 16,797 all-purpose yards and nearly 15 NFL records.

Wes dove in with OJ and Seth prior to the 2021 NFL Draft and discussed his Cherokee heritage, explains a helmet-sized initiation into the Dolphins locker room, fondly recalls attending an outrageous bar mitzvah with Jason Taylor and Zach Thomas, shares how he pulled Tom Brady and Bill Belichick into an epic prank of fellow former Dolphin Larry Izzo, and reveals his thoughts on whether or not he deserves a bust in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Contributors to this episode include Sean “DJ Prec” Todd and Dolphins Productions.

Theme song created and performed by The Honorable SoLo D.

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