New England Patriot’s Wes Welker shared personal stories about the hurdles he had to overcome to make it to the NFL. His hope was that he would help inspire kids to achieve their dreams. Although he amassed huge numbers in high school playing offense, defense and special teams, he was unrecruited by colleges who felt he was too small but ultimately received a scholarship from Texas Tech when another recruit backed out.
Welker was extremely successful in college but didn’t get an invite to the NFL combine and went undrafted when he graduated in 2003. He was later signed as a free agent by San Diego and then spent a few years in Miami before the New England Patriots traded for him in 2007.
“It’s been fun being out here with these kids. Any time you put your name on something, you want to make sure it’s a great camp. I’m here from start to finish,” said Welker. He worked with the kids throughout the day who came from all over, even Canada.
While he was speaking to the kids about their dreams he had one of his own – a 2011 season.
“I’m kind of at the same point a lot of the fans are. I’m definitely frustrated. I want to be out there playing. No one ever thought that something like this was going to be an issue,” said Welker I’m sure a lot of guys feel that way. “
With his characteristic humility he added, “since growing up and not having much, I’ve probably made more money than I thought I ever would in my lifetime. Hopefully we can work it all out, cooler heads prevail and we can go out there and play ball.”
“Everybody just wants to be able to play football. Everybody wants to see football,” Welker said.
Hopefully, we’ll be able to see Welker and the rest of the NFL players back on the football fields soon.
ProPlayerInsiders caught up with Welker at the annual Wes Welker Camp which was held this past weekend at Bishop Fenwick High School in Peabody, Massachusetts. The camp had about 400 attendees with ages ranging from 7 to 14, along with hundreds of parents, volunteers and fans. The camp benefits the Wes Welker Foundation .
The Foundation is focused on providing a positive influence for at-risk youth, encouraging them to reach their full potential through athletics and positive role models. The Foundation organizes sports camps and provides grants to schools and youth organizations for equipment, uniforms, fields and other needed equipment (www.weswelkerfoundation.org).
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