detroit lions vs. st. louis rams the season begins consistency up front ...

wiLL heLLer
Tight End
Georgia Tech 10th Year
Ht: 6-6 Wt: 275
Born: 2/28/81 Dunwoody, Ga.
Draft: ‘03, FA-TB Acquired: ‘09, UFA-Sea
Complete biographical information available on Detroit<strong>lions</strong>.com.
MANE FACTS
¾ While Heller wasn’t a big football fan growing up, he was a huge
Duke basketball fan, his father’s alma mater. The 1992 team with
Bobby Hurley and Grant Hill were some of his favorite players that
he watched growing up.
¾ in the offseason, Heller enjoys relaxing and playing golf and enjoys
fishing in Tampa, florida.
¾ after his career, he would like to utilize his civil engineering degree and
get into the construction industry close to home.
TRANSACTIONS
¾
¾ released by the <strong>lions</strong> March 12, 2012 and re-signed by hte <strong>lions</strong>
March 22, 2012.
¾ signed with the Detroit <strong>lions</strong> as an unrestricted free agent Mar. 16,
2009 to a one-year deal.
¾ re-signed with the <strong>lions</strong> Mar. 8, 2010 to a three-year deal.
¾ signed with the seattle seahawks Mar. 24, 2006.
¾ re-signed with the club Mar. 5, 2007.
¾ released Nov. 5, 2005 by the Miami Dolphins and re-signed with the
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Dec. 20, 2005
¾ released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers sept. 4, 2005
¾ acquired via waivers by the Miami Dolphins sept. 4, 2005.
¾ signed as an undrafted rookie free agent with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
apr. 28, 2003.
PRO
Heller adds another strong blocking presence to the <strong>lions</strong>’ offense, and
he proved himself as an effective receiver in the first year with the club.
¾ Career totals include: 118 games played (31 starts), 75 receptions for
632 yards and 11 touchdowns.
¾ Prior to joining Detroit in 2009, he had spent the three seasons (2006-
08) with seattle. Prior to playing in seattle, Heller spent two seasons
with Tampa Bay (2003-04), before being waived at the end of the 2005
preseason and claimed by Miami.
¾ He played in the first seven games for the Dolphins, recording one
catch for a 1-yard score at Buffalo (10/9), but was released November
5. Heller re-signed with Tampa Bay December 20, 2005 and finished the
season on their inactive list.
2011: Part of strong tight end trio. added strong locking presence and
receiving skills. Played in all 16 games (7 starts)
¾ finished season with 6 catches for 42 yards on the year.
¾ Caught only touchdown pass of season in <strong>lions</strong> playoff game at New
orleans (1/7/12) on a 10-yard grab from QB Matt stafford.
COLLEGE
Played in 39 games with 10 starts at Georgia Tech. Had 17 career receptions
for 185 yards (10.9 avg.) with one touchdown.
¾ started seven of 11 games his senior year and was used primarily as a
blocker with six catches for 49 yards.
PLayer ProfiLes
Detroit<strong>lions</strong>.com
Media.Detroit<strong>lions</strong>.com
PERSONAL
earned all-DeKalb County honors at Marist High.
¾ Played tight end, split end and defensive back.
¾ also lettered in basketball.
¾ Majored in civil engineering.
HELLER’S SINGLE-GAME BESTS
receptions: .................................................................................................................................4 at Min 11/15/09
receiving yards: .........................................................................................................................53 at Chi 10/4/09
receiving Touchdowns:.......................................................................................................... 2 <strong>vs</strong>. stl 10/21/07
long reception:.......................................................................................................................25 at Car 12/16/07
HELLER’S CAREER STATISTICS
Year Tm G S Rec Yds Avg Lg TD
2003 TB 9 1 2 15 7.5 11 1
2004 TB 10 2 12 98 8.2 22 1
2005 Mia/TB 7 0 1 1 1.0 1 1
2006 sea 16 0 4 32 8.0 12 1
2007 sea 16 6 13 82 6.3 25 3
2008 sea 12 0 4 29 7.3 14 0
2009 Det 16 9 29 296 10.2 24 3
2010 Det 16 6 4 37 9.3 13t 1
2011 Det 16 7 6 42 7.0 12 0
Totals 118 31 75 632 8.4 25 11
POSTSEASON
Year Team G S Rec Yds Avg Lg TD
2006 sea 2 1 3 20 6.7 10 0
2007 sea 2 1 0 0 0.0 - 0
2011 Det 1 1 1 10 10.0 10 1
Totals 5 3 4 30 8.35 20 1
2011 (Det)
Date Opp G S Rec Yds Avg Lg TD
9/11 at TB 1 1 0 0 0.0 - 0
9/18 KC 1 0 1 2 2.0 2 0
9/25 at Min 1 0 0 0 0.0 - 0
10/2 at Dal 1 1 0 0 0.0 - 0
10/9 CHi 1 0 1 1 1.0 1 0
10/16 sf 1 0 1 9 9.0 9 0
10/23 aTl 1 0 1 8 8.0 8 0
10/30 at Den 1 0 0 0 0.0 - 0
11/13 at Chi 1 1 0 0 0.0 - 0
11/20 Car 1 1 1 12 12.0 12 0
11/24 GB 1 0 0 0 0.0 - 0
12/4 at No 1 1 1 10 10.0 10 0
12/11 MiN 1 0 0 0 0.0 - 0
12/18 at oak 1 1 0 0 0.0 - 0
12/24 sD 1 1 0 0 0.0 - 0
1/1 at GB 1 0 0 0 0.0 - 0
Totals 16 7 6 42 7.0 12 0
Postseason
Date Opp G S Rec Yds Avg Lg TD
1/7 at No 1 1 1 10 10.0 10 1
Totals 1 1 1 10 10.0 10 1