Marques Colston

Marques Colston is an American former professional American football wide receiver who played eight seasons for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL). Known for his productive combination of size, hands, and route-running, he rose from a late-round draft pick to become one of the franchise's leading receivers during the team's transformation under head coach Sean Payton and quarterback Drew Brees. Colston's career included a key role in the Saints' Super Bowl XLIV championship and several franchise records.

Early life and education

Born in New Orleans, Colston attended Loyola College Prep in Shreveport, Louisiana, where he played high school football and competed in track and field. During his youth he came under the coaching influence of local high school coaches and regional recruiting networks that included connections to Louisiana State University and other Southeastern Conference programs. After high school he enrolled at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York, a private university with a football program that competed in the NCAA Division I FCS and produced NFL talent such as Wayne Chrebet.

College career

At Hofstra, Colston developed as a two-way athlete competing for the Hofstra Pride football team in the Atlantic 10 Conference and later the Colonial Athletic Association. He posted receiving statistics that attracted NFL scouts despite Hofstra's smaller profile compared with Alabama Crimson Tide, Ohio State Buckeyes, and USC Trojans. Colston's collegiate career overlapped with teammates and opponents who would later reach the NFL, and he participated in postseason combines and pro days that drew representatives from franchises including the New Orleans Saints, New York Giants, Pittsburgh Steelers, and New England Patriots. Hofstra discontinued its football program in the mid-2000s, a decision reported alongside trends affecting programs like Boston University and Villanova University.

Professional career

Selected near the end of the 2006 NFL Draft by the Saints, Colston overcame the expectations often associated with late-round picks and joined an offense led by quarterback Drew Brees and head coach Sean Payton. He contributed immediately as a rookie and emerged as a primary target in offenses featuring coordinated game plans against teams such as the Atlanta Falcons, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Carolina Panthers, and San Francisco 49ers. Colston's production peaked in seasons that coincided with the Saints' postseason runs, including the 2009 campaign culminating in Super Bowl XLIV against the Indianapolis Colts in which the Saints defeated the Colts, coached by Tony Dungy and led offensively by Peyton Manning. Over his career Colston compiled receiving yardage and touchdown totals that placed him among Saints franchise leaders alongside names like Joe Horn and Eric Martin. He played through coaching transitions and roster changes involving personnel such as Trent Richardson, Jimmy Graham, and Mark Ingram II before finishing his NFL tenure in 2013.

Playing style and achievements

Colston combined size and body control reminiscent of receivers who transitioned from college programs to NFL roles, drawing comparisons in style to receivers who emphasized contested-catch ability such as Terrell Owens and reliable possession receivers like Hines Ward. He excelled on intermediate and deep crossing routes, red zone targets, and contested catches against defensive backs from teams including the New York Jets, Dallas Cowboys, and Green Bay Packers. Colston earned recognition through Pro Bowl consideration in seasons where statistical leaderboards featured peers like Calvin Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald, and Andre Johnson. His achievements include setting Saints franchise records for career receptions and receiving yards at the time, earning a place in the franchise narrative alongside Saints veterans and contributors inducted into team honor rolls.

Off-field activities and personal life

Off the field, Colston engaged in philanthropy, business ventures, and community initiatives in the Greater New Orleans region and beyond, collaborating with local charities, youth programs, and civic organizations that operate in partnership with NFL community outreach programs. He invested in business interests and development projects in metropolitan areas such as New Orleans, and maintained relationships within NFL alumni circles including former teammates and contemporaries like Drew Brees, Jermon Bushrod, and Scott Fujita. Colston's personal life has included family connections and post-career pursuits that intersect with sports ownership, mentoring programs, and appearances at events tied to collegiate and professional institutions.

Category:1983 births Category:Living people Category:American football wide receivers Category:New Orleans Saints players Category:Hofstra Pride football players