Marques Colston, a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL), is best known for his tenure with the New Orleans Saints. Born on June 5, 1983, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Colston attended Susquehanna Township High School, where he excelled in both football and track. His athletic prowess earned him a scholarship to Hofstra University, a school with a modest football program that has produced a few NFL talents.
At Hofstra, Colston developed his skills as a wide receiver, finishing his college career with impressive statistics. Despite his achievements, he was not widely recognized by major college football programs, which contributed to his being overlooked in the early rounds of the NFL Draft. In 2006, the New Orleans Saints selected Colston in the seventh round, 252nd overall, a decision that would prove to be astute.
Colston quickly made an impression in the NFL, defying expectations for a seventh-round pick. In his rookie season, he became a favorite target for quarterback Drew Brees, amassing over 1,000 receiving yards and scoring eight touchdowns. His performance earned him a spot on the NFL All-Rookie Team, and he finished second in voting for the Associated Press Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Throughout his career with the Saints, Colston was known for his reliability and consistency. Standing at 6 feet 4 inches and weighing 225 pounds, he possessed the physical attributes that made him a challenging matchup for defenders. His ability to make difficult catches in traffic and his knack for finding the end zone were hallmarks of his playing style.
Colston's partnership with Drew Brees was a cornerstone of the Saints' offensive strategy. Together, they formed one of the most productive quarterback-receiver duos in the league. Colston's contributions were instrumental in the Saints' journey to their first Super Bowl victory in the 2009 season. In Super Bowl XLIV, he recorded seven receptions for 83 yards, helping the Saints secure a 31-17 win over the Indianapolis Colts.
Over the course of his career, Colston consistently posted impressive numbers. He recorded six 1,000-yard receiving seasons and became the Saints' all-time leader in several categories, including receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns. His ability to perform at a high level year after year made him a reliable option in the Saints' passing game.
Despite his achievements, Colston maintained a low profile, often shying away from the spotlight. He was known for his professionalism and work ethic, earning the respect of teammates and coaches alike. His quiet demeanor and focus on the game made him a respected figure in the locker room.
Injuries began to take a toll on Colston in the latter part of his career, leading to a decline in his on-field production. After the 2015 season, the Saints released him, marking the end of his NFL career. Colston retired with 711 receptions, 9,759 receiving yards, and 72 touchdowns, all franchise records at the time of his departure.
Beyond his playing days, Colston ventured into business and entrepreneurship, applying the same focus and determination that characterized his football career. He has been involved in various ventures, including sports technology and health and wellness initiatives.
🏈