Wes Welker should count his Rings before talking

by mgrex03 on Jul 1, 2008 3:13 PM EDT in Trash Talk

Patriots WR Wes Welker was speaking at a youth football camp on Friday about his experiences in the NFL, the "dagger" that was Super Bowl XLII, among other things. It's a great thing that NFL players get out in there communities (this was in his hometown of Oklahoma City). He also talked about his former teammate Asante Samuel, who signed a $57 million deal with the Eagles in the offseason. Says Welker:

Welker expressed disappointment that the Patriots weren't able to re-sign Asante Samuel, an All-Pro and Pro Bowl selection last season who won two Super Bowls with New England. Samuel instead signed a six-year, $57 million contract with the Philadelphia Eagles.

"Asante's a great player, so it hurts not to have a guy like that. But then again, it's part of the business of the game," Welker said. "He chose money over championships, and that's the way it goes sometimes."

Here's a stat that even Terry can agree with:

Asante Samuel: 2 Championships

Wes Welker: 0 Championships

Welker has played for New England for 1 season, after spending the beginning of his career with the lowly Dolphins. He was helped immensely by having a great QB throwing to him, and a great WR on the other side of the ball constantly drawing the defense's best defender(s). And he didn't win a championship last season, and while they are the favorite in '08, there is no guarantee the Patriots will ever win a championship with Welker on the team. Samuel has won 2 of them already. And Philadelphia isn't some bottom dwelling team either. They are a very good team stuck in a tough division. They could easily make a run like the Giants did last season.

Samuel is reached the pinnacle of the sport twice. It may make some players not worry so much about winning a title than others. New England runs their franchise a certain way, and you can't really fault them for doing it the way they do. They've had moderate success over the past decade. Samuel wanted to make more than what New England would pay him, so he left.

When Welker actually wins a championship, maybe then he can criticize people for "choosing money over championships."

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He's a slot WR with a 5 year $18 million contract

He didn’t exactly take one for the team in contract talks before last year.

I got Summer hatin' on me cuz I'm hotter than the sun
Got spring hatin' me cuz I ain't never sprung
Winter hatin' on me cuz I'm colder than y'all
And I will never, I will never, I will never fall
-Lil' Wayne "Mr. Carter"

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by shake n bake on Jul 1, 2008 3:44 PM EDT reply actions

Get Paid

Samuel is an outstanding cornerback and I wish him all the best in Philly, but Welker didn’t say anything to ruffle any feathers—especially Asante Samuel’s, who has a tattoo that reads “Get Paid”.

And how can anyone blame any player for wanting to high-tail it out of Miami?

Keep the faith!

by Marima on Jul 1, 2008 4:04 PM EDT reply actions

I just found it funny he was talking about winning Championships

Like it was a forgone conclusion. I think it was also a slap at Philly, probably unintentional, but still a slap. Philly is a good team that could get hot like the Giants. They are not the Cardinals or Dolphins.

And I’m not blaming him for leaving Miami at all. It was obviously a sinking ship, and he got paid. Definitely cannot blame him for that.

by mgrex03 on Jul 1, 2008 4:26 PM EDT up reply actions

you know

i didn’t even think of that. but hey, i guess you want all of your players counting on getting a ring, especially in the pre-season when anything is still possible! : )

Keep the faith!

by Marima on Jul 1, 2008 5:24 PM EDT up reply actions

In New England

..that would probably be considered as “bulletin-board material” :)

by jocre on Jul 2, 2008 2:59 PM EDT up reply actions

I think the argument should be made

That New England has had a bit more than just “moderate success”. They have been very successful.

by yellowsnow on Jul 1, 2008 4:50 PM EDT reply actions

It was an attempt at humor

I should stick to stats.

by mgrex03 on Jul 1, 2008 4:57 PM EDT up reply actions

lol

Well it’s not your fault. Hard to judge someone’s demeanor and tone with text :P

by yellowsnow on Jul 1, 2008 6:21 PM EDT up reply actions

The title says it all

..yeah, Welker should not comment on others personal decisions - Like it was said, Samuel 2 Welker 0. I was bummed when Asante left but I have to tip my hat to him, he played well for the Pats and has capitalized on his success. In a sport where the average player is “retired” in their mid to late 30s, Asante has secured his future by “going for the money”. I think it was a smart move on his part. Who knows when an injury will force you out of the game. Alot of players capitalize on free agency contracts after winning seasons - NBA, MLB, NFL—it’s the nature of the beast.

If a kid asks where rain comes from, I think a cute thing to tell him is 'God is crying.' And if he asks why God is crying, another cute thing to tell him is 'Probably because of something you did.'
- Jack Handey

by OneMore on Jul 2, 2008 9:25 AM EDT reply actions

Samuel

I can’t blame Samuel in the least. He’s got his rings. Now he’s getting paid. Talk is cheap; win a championship, and see which is more important: a mega contract that will leave you financially secure for the rest of your life, or another ring at a reduced price. Welker needs to shut the hell up.

Bob Sanders eats a forest on Friday so he can lay the wood on Sunday.

by MonkeyBusiness on Jul 2, 2008 10:03 AM EDT reply actions

I also think that Samuel realizes the Patriots aren’t going anywhere but downhill from here on out. The best chance the Patriots will ever have or ever had at winning a championship was in February. Problem is they laid down the biggest choke job in the history of sports. I say good for Samuel, screw the Pats.

Go Colts!

by KingRichard on Jul 3, 2008 4:18 PM EDT reply actions

dream on king dick

as long as Brady is under center and Belichick is running the show, the Pats will be tough.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Jul 7, 2008 3:59 PM EDT up reply actions

As far as I’m concerned, Welker and Samuel both have zero championships. After all, Samuel did get his rings with the cheating Patriots, right? Who knows what would have happened if they didn’t cheat. So, I don’t recognize their championships as valid.

by drlove on Jul 4, 2008 9:09 AM EDT reply actions