Wes Welker
On September 9, 2007, Wes Welker made his New England Patriots debut in the season opener at the New York Jets, catching an 11-yard touchdown from Tom Brady on the game's opening drive — the first of the 75 touchdowns New England scored during a 16-0 regular season — in a 38-14 win, and chipping in on returns for a big all-around day. It was the payoff for years of rejection: the 5-foot-9 receiver was not invited to the 2004 NFL Combine, went undrafted for being "too small," and was cut by the San Diego Chargers, whose coach Marty Schottenheimer later called the release his biggest mistake. Welker rebuilt his value in Miami as a returner and slot receiver, then flourished in New England — three 100-catch seasons and five Pro Bowls — and in 2014, with Denver, passed Rod Smith for the most career receptions by any undrafted player in NFL history. (Note: exact reception total for the Sept. 9, 2007 debut game was not confirmed to a citable box score in research; the freeze-frame relies on the verified opening-drive touchdown and blowout result.)