During his time with the New England Patriots, Wes Welker was one of the most productive wide receivers in the NFL. In six seasons with the team, he caught 741 passes for 8,145 yards and 41 touchdowns. He was voted to five Pro Bowls while being part of five AFC East championship teams and two squads that reached the Super Bowl.
In short: Welker knows a thing or two about playing a big role on a successful team. And now it seems he wants to help others be successful; namely the University of Tennessee. According to WNML’s Jimmy Hyams, Welker (who Hyams incorrectly named "Wealker" in his original tweet) is eyeing a job on the Volunteers’ staff:
Former NFL WR Wes Welker has met with UT coach Butch Jones about quality control coaching job. Welker played in Denver with Peyton Manning
Welker, a former star with New England and Texas Tech, was one of the players UT WR Josh Smith studied when he moved to slot last year
Welker last played an NFL game in 2015, when he was with the St. Louis Rams for eight weeks. While he has not yet officially retired, him showing interest in becoming quality control coach in Tennessee pretty much means that the 35-year old’s playing days are over.
After 188 games over the course of 12 years and the physical toll it took on him – Welker suffered multiple concussions during his stint with the Denver Broncos – it is certainly a smart move to hang up the cleats. And, who knows, maybe his next career will be as successful as his last. Whether it starts in Tennessee remains to be seen, though.