Ex-Patriot Welker Thinks Deflated Footballs Have No Real Benefits

Thursday, June 04, 2015

Joseph Calabro, GoLocalWorcester Sports Contributor

"Wes Welker" by Jeffrey Beall - Own work.

On Tuesday, GoLocal had the opportunity to speak with former New England Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker to discuss Deflategate, concussions, and where he may end up next season.

Welker, a free agent searching for a new team, spent the past two seasons with the Denver Broncos. Last season, Welker caught 49 passes for 464 yards and two touchdowns, a major drop off from the 2013 season where he hauled in 73 balls for 778 yards and ten touchdowns.

While Welker searches for a new team, his former team, the New England Patriots are once again surrounded by controversy due to Deflategate and the Wells Report that came with it. The Wells Report found that the Patriots and Quarterback Tom Brady intentionally deflated footballs or at least had general knowledge of the process.

"For me personally. I didn't see too much of a difference. I don't see the real benefits of it. It's just part of the game I guess," Welker said about deflated footballs.

The Patriots were docked two draft picks, a first rounder in 2016 and a fourth round pick in 2017 and the organization was fined $1 million.

Quarterback Tom Brady has been suspended for the first four games of the season but is appealing his suspension. Brady's appeal will be heard starting on June 23.

"Its just something I don't want to comment on at this time. I wish him the best of course. I really just don't have much thought on it," Welker said about his former quarterback.

Time in New England

While Welker has moved on from his days with the Patriots, even helping to beat them in the 2013 AFC Championship game in Denver, he still looks back at his time with New England positively.

"I think I learned a lot, as far as about the game, about game planning for different teams. I think just the game in general and how the NFL works. I think I will take a lot from it as far as how things are done here. But I think that you take a piece from everywhere you go, what works what doesn't work and I'll take a lot from my time in New England," Welker said.

While with New England, Welker was a key part of the Patriots offense, pulling in at least 100 receptions and netting over 1,000 yards receiving in every season except 2010.

Concussions

During his time in Denver, Welker was plagued by concussions. Last season, Welker played 14 games for the Broncos, missing the first two games of the season In 2013, Welker missed the first three games before joining Denver for a playoff run which saw them go to the Super Bowl.

Welker's multiple concussions had rumors of his retirement swirling.

"That never entered my mind. I was just trying to recover, get ready and get back on the field as soon as I could. Guys have been playing with concussions for over 50 years and have done some great stuff in life after having concussions. Now it's coming to light and is a big deal. Unfortunately for me I guess," said Welker.

Over the last couple of seasons, the NFL has taken several steps to prevent concussions, including coming down hard on head shots and cutting back kick returns as well as ramping up concussion testing during games and the weeks leading up to them.

"I think it's much better, I do. I think you do have to protect the players and everything else. I think its much better. We have a good deal in place and the main thing is protecting the players," Welker said.

Now 34, Welker is currently a free agent, looking for a fifth team to play for in his career.

"I know I want to be in a good situation with a good team. A winning team and a good situation. That's probably the most important thing for me," Welker said of his future.

In a career that has seen 890 catches for 9,822 yards and 50 touchdowns, a healthy Welker sits on the free agent market hoping to play another season.

"I'm feeling good, feeling really good, definitely want to play another season if someone will have me."

Welker was in the area to help promote his hair doctor, Doctor Robert Leonard of Leonard Hair Transplant Associates.