Wes Welker Comments on NFL Future, Addresses Retirement Rumors

Rumors of Wes Welker's retirement are apparently greatly exaggerated.

Welker offered a public response to speculation that he was considering walking away from the game. In a text message to The Denver Post, via Post writer Mike Klis, the Denver Broncos wide receiver revealed that he's "just getting ready for 2015" and that the idea of retirement "never ever came out of my mouth."   

Fox Sports' Mike Garafolo reported last Tuesday that Welker was weighing whether he will continue playing in 2015.

"One of the sources said no final decision has been made, though Welker has told concerned friends, family members and associates he's at least giving serious thought to walking away," Garafolo wrote.

Welker posted his worst receiving numbers since 2005 this past year, catching 49 passes for 464 yards and two touchdowns. Making matters worse, before the season, he had suffered a concussion in August, which was his third in a 10-month span.

ESPN The Magazine's Kevin Van Valkenburg wondered back in December if by continuing to play football, Welker is jeopardizing his future health in a serious way. In his report, Garafolo cited head injuries as a reason Welker was mulling retirement.

However, the 33-year-old remains confident that he can continue playing at a high level in 2015 and that he isn't physically putting himself into a more perilous position.   

Welker will become an unrestricted free agent on March 10 if he and the Broncos don't work out a new deal. Whether it's with the Broncos or another team, it sounds like Welker is preparing to return to the field for at least another season.