Callaway enters Year Three of NFL career

NEW ORLEANS, La. — The journey to the NFL is a huge task in itself. To continuously prepare your body and mind, to compete at a high level is even harder.

Many of the most likeable athletes develop comfort ability; therefore results begin to diminish on the playing field. Even many first-round picks prove they cannot play the game of football at a high-level for a lengthy period of time.

As an undrafted free agent, the course is different. Having to prove yourself daily becomes second nature when there are little to no expectations.

For Marquez Callaway, his journey is just beginning. The Warner Robins native was a three-year starter in Knoxville. As a four-star recruit, Callaway attended Warner Robins High School.

As a member of the Demons gridiron, Callaway recorded 98 receptions during his high school career. According to the Robins football record books, these 98 receptions are first all-time in Warner Robins Demons Football history.

Callaway also had 1,361 yards receiving throughout his high school career, finishing high school as second all-time in this category.

After signing a letter of intent to become a Tennessee Volunteer, the polished student-athlete excelled. While in Knoxville, Callaway caught 92 passes for 1,646 yards and 13 touchdowns. During his senior season, he had 30 receptions and caught six touchdowns. Callaway finished 16th overall in Volunteer history in receiving yards.

The 6’2”, 205-pound wide out is 24 years old, entering his third year of training camp for the Saints in New Orleans. In his 2020 rookie season, Callaway played in 11 games and had a stat line of 21 receptions, 213 yards, averaging 10.1 yards per catch and a long of 27 yards.

Callaway missed five games during his rookie season with an apparent ankle injury. As a redemption year in 2021, Callaway looked very strong and team injuries forced the young receiver to step up early on.

In his second year, Callaway’s stat line was more impressive. Marquez Callaway came into the Saints rotation, early on.

In 17 games, he caught 46 receptions for 698 yards, averaged 15.2 yards per catch, a long of 58 yards and crossed into the end zone for six touchdowns.

November 2021 was perhaps Callaway’s best month of football since becoming a professional. He scored touchdowns on three consecutive weeks for the first and only time of his career to date.

In a Week Five win over the Washington Football Team (now Washington Commanders), Callaway was a force of energy. In the Saints’ 33-22 win, Marquez scored twice with four receptions for 85 yards, a long of 49 yards as well as scoring two touchdowns.

Callaway and the NOLA Saints will kick off their 2022 campaign against the Houston Texans on August 13 at 8 p.m. EST. This will be New Orleans’ first game of the NFL preseason.

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