6 most under-appreciated Boston sports stars

Robert Parish

It’s Brady Week here at WEEI, a chance to reflect on some of the greatest contributions of the greatest player in Patriots if not NFL history (I’m starting to think 12 was pretty good). One of the highlights was a chance to interview former Pats receiver Wes Welker, who was very candid about his time in Foxborough, and his relationships with Belichick and Brady.

Speaking with The Artist Formerly Known As Welkah, who was an absolute machine and mainstay in Boston for over half a decade, got me wondering if he’s under-appreciated. Sure, there was a time his jersey was as omnipresent as a Pats 12 or a Sox 34. But does he get the love he deserves? Do fans realize just how good he was, and how much the Pats offense depended on him during what became the bridge years between championship runs of the double dynasty? This led me to brave the waters of twitter to ask the masses who they thought were Boston’s most under-appreciated sports stars...

During their time they were somewhat heralded if not temporary local legends. Perhaps they felt some love during their playing days, but lack that all-time something, you know, for the effort? So, I sifted through the hundreds of responses from social media, socially distanced conversations at the radio station and salty text threads with friends and decided that these are the six most under-appreciated Boston sports stars (one for every beer I enjoy as part of my daily “quarantine lunch”).

Robert Parish

6 most under-appreciated Boston sports stars 1

Dwight Evans

6 most under-appreciated Boston sports stars 2

Dennis Johnson

6 most under-appreciated Boston sports stars 3

Rick Middleton

6 most under-appreciated Boston sports stars 4

Nomar Garciaparra

6 most under-appreciated Boston sports stars 5

Wes Welker

6 most under-appreciated Boston sports stars 6