Wes Welker of the New England Patriots has spent a good deal of his NFL and college football career constantly striving to convince others of his ability. At 5'9" and 185 lbs and relatively slow footed, he had a hard time getting on a Division I college team. Texas Tech was the only Division I college to offer him a scholarship and it was only after another player backed out on his commitment. Welker had to convince the Texas Tech coaching staff that his All-State performance as a senior at Heritage Hall High School in Oklahoma City, could translate into college success. He went on to set NCAA records with 1,761 punt return yards and 8 touchdowns and really stood out as a receiver with 259 catches for 3,069 yards and 21 touchdowns to go with 559 yards.

When it came time for the NFL draft in 2004 every team passed on Welker. Welker has not been discouraged too many times. He says, "Once you start thinking you're not big enough, you're not this, you're not that, you start believing that...then you're kind of done. You keep doing the things you have to do on a daily basis." The San Diego Chargers did sign him in spring 2004 and he stuck with them for one regular season before he was released and was then signed by the Miami Dolphins 1 week later. He then proceeded to show the Dolphins and everyone else what he could do. He got his real opportunity when Miami Dolphin, Olindo Mare injured his calf while warming up for the October 10, 2005 game against the New England Patriots. Welker was put into service and became the first football player in NFL history to kick off, kick a field goal and boot an extra point while returning a kick and a punt in the same game. As a Dolphin, Welker made a lasting impression with Patriots Coach Belichick every time he played against the New England Patriots. Finally Belichick signed him. Welker immediately bonded with superstar quarterback Tom Brady.  The rest is history.  The "undersized " Welker has played big in big games. He still has that unshakable work ethic and self-confidence.