Report: Welker Considering Retirement

It was reported on Tuesday that the former Patriots wide receiver is contemplating retiring from pro football after 11 seasons in the NFL. AP

By Jeff Pini

February 10, 2015

1 minute to read

After 11 seasons in the NFL, Wes Welker may be thinking of calling it a career.

Citing unnamed sources, Fox Sports’ Mike Garafolo reported Tuesday that the former Patriots wide receiver is contemplating retiring from pro football. Welker, 33, is set to become a free agent next month after two seasons with the Denver Broncos.

Welker put together five 100-catch seasons with the Patriots from 2007 through 2012, totaling 7,459 yards and 37 touchdowns. After signing a two-year deal with the Broncos in March 2013, Welker became a favorite target of Peyton Manning, catching 10 touchdowns in his first season in Denver.

Welker, who suffered three documented concussions during two seasons time in Denver, started just eight of the 14 games he appeared in during the 2014 campaign. His 49 receptions during the season represented his lowest total since 2005, as his role decreased in Broncos’ receiving corps that featured Demaryius Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders, and tight end Julius Thomas

A five-time Pro Bowl selection during his time in New England, Welker holds the Patriots’ franchise records for receptions (672), receptions per game (7.1), and yards per game (79.4). Welker was also a highly productive punt returner, totaling 2,561 return yards in his career at an average of 9.8 yards per return.