Detroit Lions vs atLanta faLcons JOHNSON'S Mega-PURSUIT 2012 ...

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 Detroitlions.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 released by the lions March 12, 2012 and re-signed by hte lions
March 22, 2012.
¾ signed with the Detroit lions as an unrestricted free agent Mar. 16,
2009 to a one-year deal.
¾ re-signed with the lions 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 lions’ offense, and
he proved himself as an effective receiver in the first year with the club.
¾ Career totals include: 132 games played (34 starts), 86 receptions for
719 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.
2012:
¾ Caught two passes for 19 yards, his longest going for 14 yards in the
lions’ 27-23 season home opener win over st.louis (9/9).
¾ Caught a seven-yard pass in the lions’ 27-19 loss at san francisco
(9/16) in Week 2.
¾ Caught a five-yard pass in Week 13 vs. indianapolis (12/2).
¾ surpassed the 700-yard mark for career receiving yards with a fourcatch,
21-yard performance in Week 14 at Green Bay (12/9). His four
catches against the Packers tied his career high set at Minnesota
on 11/15/09.
¾ earned his third start of the season in Week 15 at arizona (12/16),
catching two passes for 18 yards.
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 lions 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.
PERSONAL
earned all-DeKalb County honors at Marist High.
¾ Played tight end, split end and defensive back.
PLayer ProfiLes
Detroitlions.com
Media.Detroitlions.com
¾ also lettered in basketball.
¾ Majored in civil engineering.
HELLER’S SINGLE-GAME BESTS
receptions: .............................................................................................................4 (twice) last at GB 12/9/12
receiving yards: .........................................................................................................................53 at Chi 10/4/09
receiving Touchdowns:.......................................................................................................... 2 vs. 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
2012 Det 14 3 11 87 7.9 14 0
Totals 132 34 86 719 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
2012 (Det) RECEIVING
Date Opp G S Rec Yds Avg Lg TD
9/9 sTl 1 0 2 19 9.5 14 0
9/16 at sf 1 0 1 7 7.0 7 0
9/23 at Ten 1 1 0 0 -- - 0
9/30 MiN 1 0 0 0 -- - 0
10/14 at Phi 1 0 0 0 0.0 - 0
10/22 at Chi 1 0 0 0 0.0 - 0
10/28 sea 1 0 0 0 0.0 - 0
11/4 at Jax 1 0 0 0 0.0 - 0
11/11 at Min 1 0 0 0 0.0 - 0
11/18 GB 1 0 1 17 17.0 17 0
11/22 HoU 1 1 0 0 -- - 0
12/2 iND 1 0 1 5 5.0 5 0
12/9 at GB 1 0 4 21 5.3 8 0
12/16 at ari 1 1 2 18 9.0 12 0
12/22 aTl
12/30 CHi
Totals 14 3 11 87 7.9 14 0