John David Mercer – USA Today
Since being drafted into the NFL in 2006, he has been one of the most reliable wide receivers that an elite quarterback can have. This NFL wide receiver has only had one season where he accumulated under 1,000 yards for the season. He can go across the middle with no fear, he can play the slot, he can block and most importantly, he doesn’t cause nor get into trouble. In fact, he veers away from the spotlight that some NFL players, in particular, wide receivers, seem to thrive on. But, this player hasn’t been voted to even one Pro Bowl. Who is that player? That player, ladies and gentlemen, is Marques Colston. Some people may frown and say, “Who is Marques Colston? Oh, that big, tall guy that plays for the New Orleans Saints. What about him?” Allow me to school you on a few things.
Colston was drafted in the seventh round, 252 overall coming out of Hofstra University in Hempstead, NY. Just three picks away from being “Mr. Irrelevant.” He doesn’t say too much, hence “The Quiet Storm” nickname. He has what some call a “lunch pail mentality”. He comes to work everyday and outworks people. He is great after the catch and extremely tough. He is hard for most cornerbacks to tackle and when he catches a pass in the middle of the field against linebackers, you better watch out! He isn’t the fastest guy on the field, but he will eat your linebacking corps alive.
He was shoved into the starting lineup his rookie year, where he had 70 receptions, 1,038 yards and eight TDs. Again, it was his rookie year! His second season with the Saints proved to be his best, with 98 receptions, 1,202 yards and 11 TDs. Last season, Colston struggled with drops and fumbles, but he still tallied 1,154 yards and 10 TDs. On Oct. 7, 2012, Colston broke Joe Horn’s record for most touchdown catches by a Saints receiver, catching three touchdowns to make 52 for his career. On Nov. 11, 2012, he tied Deuce McAllister’s team record for total touchdowns with his 55th career touchdown. For his career, he has tallied 532 receptions, 7,394 yards and 58 TDs. No wonder Saints Head Coach Sean Payton and General Manager Mickey Loomis made him the first priority during the 2012 offseason to sign him to a long term deal.
In 2011, Jon Gruden had the pleasure to recognize Colston as the 53rd Top NFL Player in 2011. Gruden was the Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach at the time Colston was drafted and Gruden said in the Top 100 NFL Players video, “I wish I had the brains to draft Marques Colston. . .and I had 7 rounds to do it.” I know many other teams have said the same thing who have to face Colston. Colston isn’t a small fry. He stands at 6’4, 225 pounds. He is big and he plays big. He doesn’t poke out crocodile arms when he is going across the middle, he doesn’t cry and whine when QB Drew Brees spreads the love around to the other dynamic players like RB Darren Sproles, WR Lance Moore and TE Jimmy Graham. So why hasn’t he been voted into the Pro Bowl?
Maybe it’s because he isn’t in the spotlight. Maybe it’s because people don’t really know anything about him. He isn’t the typical “wide receiver diva”. He just loves to play football, which is why some have coined him “Mr. Consistency.” NFL fans may not know who he is, but NFL players and coaches sure do. To be honest, I don’t think Pro Bowls really matter to Colston. Maybe it does, who knows. Regardless, I believe he is the most underrated player who rightfully deserves to go to a Pro Bowl. Wake up fans! Let’s give Colston the respect he deserves.
Erica Blackburn is a writer for the New Orleans Saints on Rant Sports. “Like” her on Facebook and add her to your network on Google.
