Wes Welker downplays retirement talk

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Denver Broncos wide receiver Wes Welker addresses the media during press conference at the Cornucopia Majesty Ship. Mandatory Credit: Jim O

Denver Broncos slot wide receiver Wes Welker helped revolutionize the position while catching passes from Tom Brady during his incredible time with the New England Patriots, and Welker is also busy making memories with a different star quarterback while with the Broncos. With Peyton Manning, an incredible offensive line, and three of the best pass-catchers in the game around him, Welker has a chance to win his first Super Bowl ring. It’s crazy looking back and thinking that at one point, Welker wasn’t really even supposed to “make it” in this league. But Welker has proven that quickness, intelligence, and route-running (the most important trait for a receiver) make up for size and pure straight-line speed.

It seems like retirement is way off in the future for the 32-year-old, especially since Welker is still one of the most productive wide receivers in the game and had ten touchdowns and an average of 60 receiving yards per game this past season to prove it. However, there are a few people who have raised the question of retirement, since Welker has had a history of concussions and suffered a couple of them this year. Manning recently downplayed talk of his retirement, and Welker obviously did the same.

He said, via the Boston Herald’s Jeff Howe, “I’ve definitely been blessed with 10 more years than I ever thought I would play in the NFL. I’ll just keep on playing until they tell me I can’t anymore.”

Even if the Broncos win the Super Bowl, Welker isn’t going to simply ride off into the sunset, and it’s clear that he has plenty left in the tank and could honestly last another four or five years in this league if all goes well. But as well all know, concussions are tricky, and a serious injury is never too far away (Welker tore his ACL in a Week 17 game before the playoffs, so there’s one example). Welker is one of the toughest players in the league, and I think he’ll “last” for at least another few seasons.

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