Phi Delta Theta Sports Hall of Fame Inductee

Welker is an American football wide receiver. He played college football at Texas Tech and was signed by the San Diego Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2004. Welker has also played for the Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, Denver Broncos and St. Louis Rams.

Despite being undrafted, Welker has had a successful career. Only one player in NFL history, Gale Sayers, had more all-purpose yards in his first three NFL seasons than Welker did with the Dolphins. Welker holds the Dolphins’ all-time records for total kickoff returns, kickoff return yardage and total punt returns. He also holds the record for most receptions by any undrafted player in NFL history, passing Rod Smith in 2014.

As a Patriot, Welker led the league in receptions in 2007, 2009, and 2011. He holds the four highest single-season reception totals in Patriots’ history, as well as four of the top 10 receiving yardage totals, including the franchise record. He also holds the franchise records for most receptions in a single game, most receiving yards in a single game, longest reception,and career receptions. Welker, who had three consecutive 110-reception seasons (and has five total), is the first receiver in NFL history with at least three 110-reception seasons, and the first with five 100-reception seasons. Welker was selected to the Pro Bowl, the All-Pro Team, or both, in every season of his Patriots career.