Drafted in 5th Round of 2007 NFL Draft - WR/KR - Michigan Wolverines - 6′0″ 189 lbs
At the Big House in Ann Arbor Michigan, Steve Breaston flashed some big-play capability. The area where he really shined was on special teams though, owning school records for punt return and kick-off return yards, with 5 touchdowns to add into that mix. His 156 career receptions are fifth most in Michigan history. He also owns the Rose Bowl record which was set on January 1, 2005 with 316 all purpose yards.
When Steve Breaston was drafted by the Cardinals, you and I were probably thinking the same thing, all purpose kind of player, a utility guy, jack of all trades. The Cardinals were probably thinking the same thing. But sometimes fortunes have a funny way of turning and changing quickly, and that’s what occurred with Steve Breaston, it happened to be called an opportunity. In all professional sports, sometimes a player has to wait for an opportunity to really showcase his talents, sometimes it may be due to another players injury, it could be another players contract, it could be a host of reasons.
Steve Breaston - Super Bowl 43
Some players really never get that opportunity to shine. Steve Breaston had an opportunity last season to shine and he jumped at it, made the most of it. He did it in big time fashion, I never thought, and I don’t even think the Cardinal coaching staff thought Steve Breaston could be that accomplished of a receiver in only his second year. Make no mistake he was drafted to come in and give the special teams a spark with his return abilities, but not to come in and play an integral part at receiver, no way. He exhibited fantastic hands with good body control, even his route running was good. He was actually considered to be a bit raw for wide receiver at the NFL level when he was drafted.
He also displayed some incredible downfield catches, he wasn’t burner fast, but provided Kurt Warner with a bona-fide downfield threat. I think it was that 40 yarder he caught when he hooked up with KW for the sideline pass against the 49ers in the first game of the season that set the tone. It gave him confidence and it gave KW confidence in Steve Breaston. Right now Steve is the closest thing we have to a deep threat, with the All World tandem of Fitzgerald and Boldin not known as being speedy. With the unexpected growth and development of Steve Breaston at the third receiver spot, makes the Cardinals depth at the position deadly on opposing defenses.
He enjoyed a fantastic year last year and ended up with 77 catches for 1006 yards and had three touchdown catches. Not bad for the tall skinny kid who once electrified the Big House in Ann Arbor. Thank you Steve, just keep us rocking at the University of Phoenix Stadium.
