Anthony Becht: A Consummate All-Pro Tight End

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Anthony Becht: A Consummate All-Pro Tight End

Introduction

Anthony Becht, born February 15, 1981, is a former American football tight end who left an indelible mark on the gridiron during his illustrious career. Known for his exceptional athleticism, sure hands, and unwavering determination, Becht amassed numerous accolades and made a significant impact on every team he played for.

College Career

anthony becht

Becht's football journey began at the University of West Virginia, where he quickly emerged as a dominant force. He caught 87 passes for 1,445 yards and 15 touchdowns, earning All-American honors as a senior.

anthony becht

NFL Career

1. New York Jets (2000-2006)

Anthony Becht: A Consummate All-Pro Tight End

Becht was selected by the New York Jets in the second round of the 2000 NFL Draft. He quickly became a key contributor, establishing himself as a reliable target for Chad Pennington. In 2004, he set a career high with 76 receptions for 682 yards and 5 touchdowns.

Anthony Becht: A Consummate All-Pro Tight End

2. St. Louis Rams (2007-2009)

Becht joined the St. Louis Rams in 2007 and played a pivotal role in their high-octane offense led by Marc Bulger. He recorded 59 receptions for 605 yards and 3 touchdowns in his first season with the Rams.

Introduction

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2010-2012)

Becht signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2010 and became a valuable asset to Josh Freeman. He played a key role in the Buccaneers' run to the NFC South championship in 2010, posting 53 receptions for 581 yards and 3 touchdowns.

4. Arizona Cardinals (2013)

Introduction

Becht joined the Arizona Cardinals for one season in 2013, where he reunited with Bruce Arians, his former offensive coordinator with the Colts. Becht made 15 receptions for 166 yards and a touchdown in his final NFL season.

Accolades and Recognition

Throughout his career, Becht earned numerous accolades, including:

Pro Bowl selection (2004)
All-American (2000)
Consensus All-Big East (2000)
West Virginia Athletic Hall of Fame (2017)

Physical Attributes

Becht possessed an impressive physical frame, standing at 6'6" and weighing 260 pounds. His exceptional athleticism, combined with his sure hands and ability to block, made him a complete tight end.

Character and Leadership

Beyond his physical abilities, Becht was known for his strong character and leadership qualities. He was a vocal leader on the field and a respected member of every locker room he entered.

Legacy

Anthony Becht retired from the NFL in 2013 after a successful 14-season career. He finished his NFL career with 463 receptions for 5,089 yards and 37 touchdowns. Becht is remembered as one of the most underrated and reliable tight ends of his generation.

Contributions to the Game

1. Elite Blocking Ability

Becht was not only a superb receiver but also an exceptional blocker. He was known for his ability to clear the way for running backs and provide protection for quarterbacks.

2. Versatile Receiving Threat

Becht's versatility as a receiver made him a dangerous threat. He could line up in various formations and run a wide range of routes, making him a valuable target in any offensive scheme.

3. Consistent Production

Throughout his career, Becht was a model of consistency. He caught at least 50 passes in 9 of his 14 seasons, highlighting his reliability and productivity.

4. Team-Oriented Attitude

Becht was a team player who always put the success of the team above his individual statistics. He was willing to do whatever was asked of him, whether it was blocking, receiving, or playing on special teams.

5. Mentoring Young Players

Becht was known for mentoring young players and helping them reach their potential. He shared his knowledge and experience, both on and off the field, to help develop the next generation of tight ends.

Defining Moments

1. 2004 Season

Becht had his best season in 2004 with the Jets. He set career highs with 76 receptions for 682 yards and 5 touchdowns. His performance earned him a Pro Bowl selection and helped the Jets win the AFC East championship.

2. 2010 NFC South Championship

Becht played a crucial role in the Buccaneers' run to the NFC South championship in 2010. He caught 53 passes for 581 yards and 3 touchdowns, helping the Buccaneers secure their first division title in 10 years.

3. Retirement

Becht announced his retirement from the NFL in 2013 after a 14-season career. He left the game as one of the most respected and underrated tight ends of his era.

Transition to Broadcasting

After retiring from the NFL, Becht transitioned into broadcasting. He currently serves as an NFL analyst for SiriusXM NFL Radio and Fox Sports. He has also worked as a sideline reporter for ESPN and NFL Network.

Personal Life**

Becht is married to Kristen Becht and has three children. He is actively involved in charitable work, particularly through his Becht Foundation, which supports various community initiatives.

Tables**

Table 1: Statistical Highlights

| Season | Team | Receptions | Yards | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Jets | 76 | 682 | 5 |
| 2007 | Rams | 59 | 605 | 3 |
| 2010 | Buccaneers | 53 | 581 | 3 |

Table 2: Pro Accolades

Award	Year
Pro Bowl	2004
All-American	2000
Consensus All-Big East	2000

Table 3: NFL Draft Information

Round	Pick	Team
2	53	New York Jets

Stories**

Story 1: The Blocking Mastermind

In a game against the Miami Dolphins in 2004, Becht put his exceptional blocking ability on full display. He was tasked with blocking Jason Taylor, one of the most feared pass rushers in the NFL at the time. Becht neutralized Taylor throughout the game, allowing Chad Pennington to have a clean pocket and leading the Jets to a crucial victory.

Lesson Learned: The importance of elite blocking in a tight end's arsenal.

Story 2: The Versatile Threat

In a game against the Atlanta Falcons in 2010, Becht showcased his versatility as a receiver. He lined up in various formations and ran a variety of routes, keeping the Falcons defense on their toes. Becht finished the game with 7 receptions for 102 yards, including a 25-yard touchdown reception.

Lesson Learned: The value of having a versatile tight end who can be a threat in multiple ways.

Story 3: The Mentor

Throughout his career, Becht was known for mentoring young players and helping them reach their potential. Jeremy Shockey, the former Pro Bowl tight end, credits Becht with helping him develop his game. Shockey has said, "Anthony was like a big brother to me. He taught me so much about the position and what it takes to be successful in the NFL."

Lesson Learned: The importance of mentorship in the development of young players.