February 4, 2008
GLENDALE, Ariz. — As the clock ticked down in the fourth quarter, when the Patriots
needed a reception, quarterback Tom Brady scanned the field for the little guy with
the No. 83 jersey streaked with red paint.
Welker was regarded as too small and too slow as a high school senior and went begging for a college football scholarship. He secured one at Texas Tech a week after signing day because another player backed out.