wes welker

Wes Welker

INDIANAPOLIS — Wes Welker’s family arrived in Indianapolis last night and they told 7News what they do before every football game and what Wes was like growing up.

“you know boys are full of energy,” said Shelly Welker.

Shelly and Leland Welker were soccer parents, taking their boys around the country for tournaments.

“My dad would load us up in their minivan,” said Lee Welker, Wes’ brother.

Lee never dreamed his brother would grow up to play in the NFL.

“It’s surreal, I think all of us are still pinching ourselves. He’s been doing it for eight years in the NFL and we’re still just dumbfounded by what he’s accomplished,” said Lee.

“he didn’t play football until he was in the sixth grade,” said Leland.

After so much success in his career, Welker’s parents saw a new level of perseverance after his 2010 knee injury.

“That’s a hard experience for him and to see how much work he put in to it, I knew he’d be back,” said Leland.

Welker will be a free agent after the season but his parent’s hope he stays in New England.

“it has been a nice ride and I’d hate to see it end,” said Leland.

Welker’s family commented on Wes’ now famous mustache and the ‘Wear it like Wes’ campaign.

“I never could grow a mustache and I don’t think his looks that great either,” said Leland.

Proceeds from the ‘Wear it like Wes’ merchandise benefit his foundation which his brother and sister-in-law helped start.

on Super Bowl Sunday Welker’s parents will do the same thing they do every game day.

“Leland and I always go off in a room and say a prayer together. when you have God on your side, that’s all you need,” said Shelly.

“And I think we’re going to need it this trip,” said Leland.

this will be the family’s second Super Bowl and Wes’ father said it makes him appreciate how hard it is to get there.