New England Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker is now a member of the Denver Broncos after a crazy offseason saga that basically causes some people to skew the facts towards either direction (depending on which side they favor). I personally take an “it is what it is” and “football business” approach to what happened, and I’ll choose to fondly look at Welker for all that he did for this organization instead of focusing on drops or trying to antagonize him over leaving.
New England Patriots receiver Wes Welker (83) during the AFC Divisional Round playoff game against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Texans 41-28. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports
Welker, Peyton Manning, Eric Decker, and Demaryius Thomas graced the cover of Sports Illustrated, and he did an interview as part of a feature on the Broncos offense. Welker spoke about the Patriots last season and made some interesting comments that drew the ire of several fans. I’m not going to copy down what he said in this piece, since you can click on the WEEI link above and check it out for yourself. I didn’t view the comments he made as harmful to Bill Belichick, although they could be seen that way or as whining. I like how Welker was willing to tell it like it is, and I don’t think his comments reflect poorly on Belichick or Welker. He came off as a bit too soft with his comments, and that’s really the only thing that somewhat bothers me. Welker was a great player for this franchise, and I’m not going to kill him for being honest.
I don’t blame others for doing so, though, and here’s a look at tweets from Patriots fans who follow me or the page on Twitter. It’s always fun interacting with you guys, and I’ve always wanted to do one of those “What are the fans saying on Twitter?” kind of thinks. We always have our agreements and disagreements, and there are some interesting points and perspectives presented in these tweets. And there will be no editorializing from me; these tweets will chirp for themselves.
It still makes me sick the way some people talk about Wes welker like he didn't catch 100 balls every year come on now
— Joey (@joey_motley) August 7, 2013
So apparently Wes Welker when answering to the media, stills thinks to himself, "What would Belichick want me to say?" #PatriotWay #Patriots
— Matt Wincherauk (@TheMattyWin) August 7, 2013
Manning-Welker might be even better than Brady-Welker? That's cute @SInow, Brady-Amendola will be better than both! #Patriots
— Matt Wincherauk (@TheMattyWin) August 7, 2013
Poor Welker says he had to "put up with" and "endure" Belichick. Wes banked $30m from BB when no other team would even match Miami's tender.
— Patriots 7th Ring 🇺🇸 (@Patriots7thRing) August 7, 2013
Welker gave @FelgerAndMazz some red meat. Get ready for 3-hours of #Patriots bashing. ("I completely agree, Mazz!")
— Patriots 7th Ring 🇺🇸 (@Patriots7thRing) August 7, 2013
So it begins... Already? #Patriots fans turning on Welker and week 1 hasn't even started yet. Impressive. Finger pointing from fans and Wes.
— Derek Havens (@PatriotsHaven) August 7, 2013
Ray Allen and Wes welker are Very alike
— Matt (@matt_1287) August 7, 2013