Wayne & Wes

Wes Welker is coming down to a a final three week period where the Pats can negotiate a long-term contract. After that date, he will play the 2012 season for his franchise tag of $9.5 million. I think the team is somewhat reluctant to give more than two years to a player who takes a tremendous physical beating when he plays. I often wonder how Welker gets up after some of the hits he takes. He must have sustained concussions along the way.

Long before Welker, Wayne Chrebet of the Jets was the consummate slot receiver. Considered too small, he had a walk-on tryout with the Jets. On his first day of camp, security guards would not let him on the grounds because they thought he was too small to be a player.

He fought has way onto the roster with his tenacious and gutsy play. He was never one to back off at any time when going over the middle. He became a fan favorite of the Jets and any fan who appreciates great players.

He sustained a number of concussions, st least six by his count. The final play of his career ended with a concussion. On November 6, 2005, he caught a pass on 3rd and one against the San Diego Chargers.  The legal hit he took left him unconscious on the field for several minutes. In true Chrebet style, he maintained possession of the ball, but his playing career was over a the age of 31. He had 580 career receptions for 7,365 yards.

He is now a financial analyst with Morgan Stanley and reluctant to talk about his medical condition. He is very aware of his potential life-altering injuries, but soldiers on.

Welker reminds me too much of Chrebet. He seems destined to follow the steps of the former Jet. I hope his career doesn't end the same way. I fear that it might.