Brandon Stokley, brief recap of his career
Brandon Stokley (80) is defended after a reception by Denver Broncos defensive back Tony Carter (32) in the fourth quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Ravens 49-27. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Brandon Stokley played in the NFL for 15 seasons, which is honestly an uncommonly long time for a wide receiver in this league. It speaks volumes to his toughness, and I consider Stokley to be the original Wes Welker. You know, the not-that-athletic, but tough-as-nails, heady, slot receiver who always seemed to get the job done. While Stokley’s wasn’t as good as Welker, he forged a solid career for himself, with his 2004 season with the Indianapolis Colts constituting his high-water mark in the NFL.
Stokley spent his final season in the career in 2013 with the team that drafted him in the fourth round of the 1999 NFL Draft, and he chipped in with 13 receptions in six games for the Baltimore Ravens. His season ended with a trip to the injured reserve after a Week 14 concussion against the Minnesota Vikings, and Stokley decided to hang up the spikes yesterday. He realized that his body just couldn’t take the constant punishment, and he expressed happiness with his decision to play this year. Why? Because playing this year allowed him to realize that it was time to call it quits.
His career ends with 397 receptions for 5,339 yards, which is an average of 13.4 yards per reception. He also averaged 2.6 receptions and 35.1 yards per game, along with five seasons with at least 40 receptions.
In 2004, Stokley took full advantage of Peyton Manning’s first record-breaking year with 68 receptions for 1,077 yards and a whopping ten touchdowns, and the interesting thing is that the 6’0″ receiver had six seasons with at least three receiving touchdowns. It’s safe to say that Stokley had a nice career as a No. 3 receiver, made an impact for a few very good teams, and will be remembered by those who watched him play.