Wes Welker facts for kids
Welker with the Denver Broncos in 2013
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| Washington Commanders | |||||||||||
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| Position: | Personnel analyst | ||||||||||
| Personal information | |||||||||||
| Born: | May 1, 1981 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, U.S. |
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| Height: | 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) | ||||||||||
| Weight: | 185 lb (84 kg) | ||||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||||
| High school: | Heritage Hall (Oklahoma City) | ||||||||||
| College: | Texas Tech (2000–2003) | ||||||||||
| Undrafted: | 2004 | ||||||||||
| Career history | |||||||||||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||||||||||
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Wesley Carter Welker (born May 1, 1981) is an American football coach and former wide receiver. He is currently a personnel analyst for the Washington Commanders in the National Football League (NFL).
Welker played in the NFL for 12 seasons. He is best known for his time with the New England Patriots. He holds an NFL record for the most catches by a player who was not drafted by a team. Welker played college football for the Texas Tech Red Raiders. There, he won the Mosi Tatupu Award and was a top player in his final year.
He spent three seasons with the Miami Dolphins in the mid-2000s. He set a team record for kickoff return yards. In 2007, he was traded to the Patriots. With them, he was chosen for the Pro Bowl five times. He also led the league in receptions three times. He set a Patriots record for most catches. Welker then played two seasons with the Denver Broncos. He was part of the 2013 team that set an NFL record for points scored in a season. His final playing season was in 2015 with the St. Louis Rams. Welker started his coaching career in 2017. He is also a member of the New England Patriots All-Dynasty Team.
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Early Life and High School Football
Wes Welker began his football journey at Heritage Hall High School in Oklahoma City. In his junior year, he helped his team win the 2A State Football championship. In that big game, Welker scored three touchdowns. He gained over 200 all-purpose yards. He also kicked a 47-yard field goal and made an interception.
During his high school career, he ran for 3,235 yards and scored 53 rushing touchdowns. He also caught 174 passes for 2,551 receiving yards and 27 receiving touchdowns. On defense, he made 22 interceptions and 581 tackles. He also recovered nine fumbles. Welker handled some kicking duties too. He made 165 extra points and 35 field goals. As a punt returner, he scored seven touchdowns. In 1999, he was named the Oklahoma State Player of the Year by USA Today.
After high school, many college teams did not recruit Welker. They thought he was too small for college football. However, a scholarship opened up at Texas Tech, and it was offered to Welker. He later said he couldn't have picked a better school.
College Football Career
While at Texas Tech University, Welker played for the school's Red Raiders football team. His signing was very helpful for the team. His recruiter, Art Briles, nicknamed him "The Natural." This was because of his many skills and great performances in big games.
Freshman Season (2000)
Welker played his first college game in 2000 against Utah State. He had an eight-yard punt return in their 38–16 win. Later, he returned a punt 63 yards for a touchdown against Louisiana–Lafayette. He also had his first college catch, a 37-yard play against Baylor. In a game against Kansas, he had five catches for 72 yards. He also scored a 42-yard rushing touchdown and a 66-yard punt return touchdown. As a freshman, he had 26 catches for 334 yards. He also returned kicks and punts for many yards.
Sophomore Season (2001)
In 2001, Welker caught his first college touchdown pass from quarterback Kliff Kingsbury. This happened in a 42–30 win over New Mexico. Against Kansas State, he had six catches for 102 yards and two touchdowns. In another game, he had an 85-yard kickoff return for a touchdown against Nebraska. He finished his sophomore year with 50 catches for 582 yards and five touchdowns.
Junior Season (2002)
Welker started the 2002 season strong. He had five catches for 112 yards and two touchdowns against Ohio State. In the next game, he had nine catches for 153 yards against SMU. He also returned a punt 71 yards for a touchdown against Ole Miss. Against Texas A&M, he had 10 catches for 120 yards and a touchdown. He also had an 88-yard punt return for a touchdown. In the 2002 Tangerine Bowl, he had a 59-yard punt return for a touchdown. As a junior, he had 86 catches for 1,054 yards and seven touchdowns. He also had 752 punt return yards and three punt return touchdowns. He was second in the NCAA for punt return yards.
Senior Season (2003)
In 2003, Welker continued to shine. He had a punt return touchdown against SMU. Against Ole Miss, he had 10 catches for 131 yards and a touchdown. He also had two touchdowns against Texas A&M. In his final college game, the 2003 Houston Bowl, he had seven catches for 107 yards. As a senior, he had 97 catches for 1,099 yards and nine touchdowns.
Over his four years, Welker had 259 catches for 3,019 yards and 21 touchdowns. He set an NCAA record with 1,761 punt return yards. He also returned eight punts for touchdowns, which ties him for second all-time in the NCAA. In 2003, Welker won the Mosi Tatupu Award. This award goes to the best special teams player in college football.
Professional Football Career
San Diego Chargers (2004)
Wes Welker was not chosen in the 2004 NFL draft. However, he signed with the San Diego Chargers as an undrafted free agent. He made the team but was released after the first game. The Chargers' coach later said letting Welker go was his "biggest mistake."
Miami Dolphins (2004–2006)
After leaving the Chargers, Welker joined the Miami Dolphins. He was mainly used on special teams. On October 10, 2004, Welker made history. He became only the second NFL player to return a kickoff and a punt, kick an extra point and a field goal, and make a tackle in one game. For this, he was named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week. He also had a 95-yard kickoff return touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens. In 2004, he had 1,415 kickoff return yards and 464 punt return yards.
In 2005, Welker became the third wide receiver for the Dolphins. He finished the season with 29 catches for 434 yards. He also continued to return many punts and kickoffs. In 2006, he led the Dolphins with 67 catches for 687 yards and one touchdown. He also returned over 1,000 kickoff yards.
New England Patriots (2007–2012)
In 2007, the New England Patriots traded for Welker. His first season with the Patriots was amazing. He quickly surpassed his previous bests in catches, touchdowns, and yards. In Week 1, he caught his first touchdown for the Patriots. This was as many as he had in three seasons with the Dolphins. He set new career highs for yards three times in 2007. In Week 17, he set a Patriots record with 112 catches in a season. He also set an NFL record for most catches in a first season with a new team. Welker finished 2007 with 1,175 yards and eight touchdowns. He was also named to the AP All-Pro Second Team.
In the playoffs, Welker had 16 catches and two touchdowns. He tied a Super Bowl record with 11 catches in Super Bowl XLII. However, the Patriots lost to the New York Giants.
Continued Success with the Patriots
In 2008, even after quarterback Tom Brady was injured, Welker kept catching many passes. He had six or more catches in the first 11 games. He broke the 1,000-yard mark for the second year in a row. He finished the season leading the league with 96 catches for 1,002 yards. He was the first Patriots player to have back-to-back 100-catch seasons. Welker was chosen for the 2009 Pro Bowl.
In 2009, Welker started with 12 catches. He missed two games due to a knee injury. But he came back strong. He caught 10 passes for 150 yards and two touchdowns against the Tennessee Titans. He set a new career high with 15 catches for 192 yards against the Jets. He reached 1,000 yards for the third straight season. Welker became only the fourth receiver in NFL history to catch 100 passes in three years in a row. He also set a record for most games with 10 or more catches in a single season. He finished 2009 leading the league with 123 catches, which was the second-highest total in NFL history. He was named to the All-Pro First Team.
Welker recovered from his knee injury and played in Week 1 of the 2010 season. He led the Patriots with eight catches for 64 yards and two touchdowns. He even kicked an extra point in one game after the team's kicker was injured. He finished 2010 with 86 catches for 848 yards and seven touchdowns. He was named to the 2011 Pro Bowl.
In 2011, Welker caught a 99-yard pass from Tom Brady. This tied the NFL record for the longest play from scrimmage. He had 16 catches for 217 yards and two touchdowns against the Buffalo Bills. This tied a Patriots record for catches and broke the record for yards in a game. He also set a Patriots record for consecutive games with a reception. He reached 100 catches for the fourth time, tying an NFL record. He set a Patriots record with 1,569 receiving yards in a season. Welker led the NFL in catches and receiving yards. He was named to the Pro Bowl and earned First Team All-Pro honors.
The Patriots reached Super Bowl XLVI in 2012. They faced the New York Giants again. Welker had seven catches for 60 yards, but the Patriots lost.
In 2012, Welker broke the Patriots' all-time record for receptions. He finished the season with 118 catches for 1,354 yards and six touchdowns. He earned his fifth Pro Bowl nomination. In the playoffs, he had eight catches for 131 yards against the Houston Texans. In his final game as a Patriot, he had eight catches for 117 yards and a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens.
During his time with the Patriots, Welker caught more passes than any other player in the league from 2007 to 2012. He reached 500 catches with the Patriots in just 70 games, an NFL record. He holds the Patriots' all-time record for receptions with 672. He played in two Super Bowls with New England, but lost both times to the New York Giants.
Denver Broncos (2013–2014)
On March 13, 2013, Welker signed with the Denver Broncos. In his first game with the Broncos, he had nine catches for 67 yards and two touchdowns. These were part of a record seven touchdowns thrown by quarterback Peyton Manning. By Week 11, Welker had more touchdowns than in any previous season with the Patriots. He caught a touchdown pass in eight of his first ten games in 2013.
Welker suffered a head injury in Week 14. He had a previous head injury in Week 11. He did not play for the rest of the regular season. Welker was part of the Broncos' amazing offense that had five players score at least ten touchdowns. He returned for the playoffs. He had six catches for 38 yards and a touchdown in a win over the San Diego Chargers. The Broncos reached Super Bowl XLVIII but lost to the Seattle Seahawks. Welker had eight catches for 84 yards in the loss. This was his third Super Bowl loss.
In 2014, Welker was suspended for the first four games for violating a league policy. His suspension was later lifted. He made his season debut in Week 3. In Week 5, Welker passed Rod Smith for the most catches by an undrafted player in NFL history. He finished the 2014 season with 49 catches for 464 yards and two touchdowns. He did not re-sign with the Broncos.
St. Louis Rams (2015)
On November 9, 2015, the St. Louis Rams signed Welker. He played in eight games and had 13 catches for 102 yards. The 2015 season was Welker's last as an NFL player. He confirmed his retirement in 2017.
NFL Career Statistics
| Legend | |
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| NFL record | |
| Led the league | |
| Bold | Career high |
Regular season
| Year | Team | Games | Receiving | Rushing | Kickoff return | Punt return | Fumbles | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | GS | Rec | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Att | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Ret | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Ret | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Fum | Lost | ||
| 2004 | SD | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 4 | 102 | 25.5 | 33 | 0 | — | — | — | — | — | 0 | 0 |
| MIA | 14 | 0 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 57 | 1,313 | 23.0 | 95 | 1 | 43 | 464 | 10.8 | 71 | 0 | 4 | 1 | |
| 2005 | MIA | 16 | 1 | 29 | 434 | 15.0 | 47 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 5.0 | 5 | 0 | 61 | 1,379 | 22.6 | 46 | 0 | 43 | 390 | 9.1 | 47 | 0 | 5 | 1 |
| 2006 | MIA | 16 | 2 | 67 | 687 | 10.3 | 38 | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | 48 | 1,064 | 22.2 | 46 | 0 | 41 | 378 | 9.2 | 47 | 0 | 3 | 1 |
| 2007 | NE | 16 | 13 | 112 | 1,175 | 10.5 | 42 | 8 | 4 | 34 | 8.5 | 27 | 0 | 7 | 176 | 25.1 | 33 | 0 | 25 | 249 | 10.0 | 35 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| 2008 | NE | 16 | 14 | 111 | 1,165 | 10.5 | 64 | 3 | 3 | 26 | 8.7 | 19 | 0 | 1 | 26 | 26.0 | 26 | 0 | 24 | 237 | 9.9 | 44 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| 2009 | NE | 14 | 13 | 123 | 1,348 | 11.0 | 58 | 4 | 5 | 36 | 7.2 | 11 | 0 | 2 | 45 | 22.5 | 27 | 0 | 27 | 338 | 12.5 | 69 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| 2010 | NE | 15 | 11 | 86 | 848 | 9.9 | 35 | 7 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 5 | 36 | 7.2 | 22 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| 2011 | NE | 16 | 15 | 122 | 1,569 | 12.9 | 99T | 9 | 4 | 30 | 7.5 | 19 | 0 | — | — | — | — | — | 8 | 82 | 10.3 | 25 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| 2012 | NE | 16 | 12 | 118 | 1,354 | 11.5 | 59 | 6 | 2 | 20 | 10.0 | 11 | 0 | 3 | 33 | 11.0 | 17 | 0 | 25 | 243 | 9.7 | 31 | 0 | 3 | 1 |
| 2013 | DEN | 13 | 13 | 73 | 778 | 10.7 | 33 | 10 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 10 | 70 | 7.0 | 27 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| 2014 | DEN | 14 | 8 | 49 | 464 | 9.5 | 39 | 2 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 11 | 74 | 6.7 | 19 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | STL | 8 | 0 | 13 | 102 | 7.8 | 14 | 0 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 2 | 23 | 11.5 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Career | 175 | 102 | 903 | 9,924 | 11.0 | 99T | 50 | 19 | 151 | 7.9 | 27 | 0 | 183 | 4,138 | 22.6 | 95 | 1 | 264 | 2,584 | 9.8 | 71 | 0 | 24 | 6 | |
Super Bowls
| Year | Date | Team | Opp. | Result | Receiving | Rushing | Punt Return | 2PA | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rec | Yds | Avg | TD | Att | Yds | Avg | TD | Ret | Yds | Avg | TD | ||||||
| 2007 | February 3, 2008 | NE | NYG | L 14–17 | 11 | 103 | 9.4 | 0 | — | — | — | — | 1 | 15 | 15.0 | 0 | — |
| 2011 | February 5, 2012 | NE | NYG | L 17–21 | 7 | 60 | 8.6 | 0 | 2 | 21 | 10.5 | 0 | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2013 | February 2, 2014 | DEN | SEA | L 8–43 | 8 | 84 | 10.5 | 0 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1 |
| Total | 26 | 247 | 9.5 | 0 | 2 | 21 | 10.5 | 0 | 1 | 15 | 15.0 | 0 | 1 | ||||
NFL Records and Honors
Welker holds several NFL records:
- Most seasons with 105+ receptions: 5
- Most seasons with 110+ receptions: 5
- Most seasons with 115+ receptions: 3
- Most seasons with 120+ receptions: 2 (tied with Cris Carter, Antonio Brown and Michael Thomas)
- Most consecutive seasons with 110 receptions: 3 (tied with Antonio Brown)
- Most games with 12+ receptions: 9
- Most games with 13+ receptions: 5 (tied with Antonio Brown)
- Most games with 15+ receptions: 2 (tied with Jason Witten, Brandon Marshall, and Antonio Brown)
- Most games with 10+ receptions in a season: 7 (tied with Andre Johnson)
- Fastest receiver to have 500 catches with one team (New England Patriots) (70 games)
- Longest touchdown reception: 99 yards (tied with 12 others)
- Most receptions by an undrafted free agent in NFL history: 903
- Most career punt returns without a touchdown: 264
- Most career punt return yards without a touchdown: 2,584
He also holds several team records for the Dolphins and Patriots:
- Dolphins Franchise Records:
- Most career kick return yards: 3,756
- Most career combined Kick and Punt return yards: 4,988
- Most all-purpose yards in a single season: 2,208 (2005)
- Most punt return yards in a single season: 464 (2004)
- Patriots Franchise Honors and Records:
- New England Patriots All-Dynasty Team
- New England Patriots All-2010s Team
- New England Patriots All-2000s Team
- Most career receptions: 672
- Most receptions in a single season: 123 (2009)
- Most receiving yards in a single season: 1,569 (2011)
- Most seasons with 100 receptions or more: 5
- Best receiving yards per game average (season): 98.1 (2011)
Coaching Career
Houston Texans (2017–2018)
On January 30, 2017, Welker started his coaching career. He was hired by the Houston Texans as an offensive assistant and special teams assistant coach. He worked under head coach Bill O'Brien.
San Francisco 49ers (2019–2021)
On February 27, 2019, Welker joined the San Francisco 49ers. He became their wide receivers coach under head coach Kyle Shanahan.
Miami Dolphins (2022–2024)
On February 18, 2022, Welker moved to the Miami Dolphins. He became the wide receivers coach for head coach Mike McDaniel's new coaching staff. He left this role on January 10, 2025.
Washington Commanders (2025–Present)
Welker joined the Washington Commanders on April 8, 2025. He now works as a personnel analyst. In this role, he helps both the personnel department and the coaching staff.
Personal Life
Wes Welker was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He is a Christian. He is also a citizen of the Cherokee Nation. His grandmother lives in Sequoyah County, Oklahoma, which is part of the Cherokee Nation's area.
While attending Texas Tech University, Welker was a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity. He earned a degree in Business Administration with a focus on Management in 2003.
In 2007, Welker started the 83 Foundation, named after his jersey number. It was later renamed the Wes Welker Foundation in 2009. Its goal is to help young people who are at risk. It encourages them to reach their full potential through sports and positive role models. The foundation mainly helps schools and groups in his hometown of Oklahoma City.
In 2012, Welker married Anna Burns. They have three children. Welker also owns a racehorse named Undrafted. This horse won a big race called the Diamond Jubilee Stakes in 2015.
