# Markus Wheaton > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Markus_Wheaton > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Markus_Wheaton.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Markus_Wheaton > Source revision: 1344336574 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) {{Short description|American football player (born 1991)}} {{Use mdy dates|date=October 2023}} {{Infobox NFL biography | name = Markus Wheaton | image = Markus Wheaton.jpg | alt = | caption = Wheaton with the [Pittsburgh Steelers](/source/Pittsburgh_Steelers) in 2013 | number = 11, 12, 80 | position = [Wide receiver](/source/Wide_receiver) | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1991|2|7}} | birth_place = [Phoenix, Arizona](/source/Phoenix%2C_Arizona), U.S. | death_date = | death_place = | height_ft = 5 | height_in = 11 | weight_lbs = 185 | high_school = [Chandler](/source/Chandler_High_School_(Arizona)) ([Chandler, Arizona](/source/Chandler%2C_Arizona)) | college = [Oregon State](/source/Oregon_State_Beavers_football) (2009–2012) | draftyear = 2013 | draftround = 3 | draftpick = 79 | pastteams = * [Pittsburgh Steelers](/source/Pittsburgh_Steelers) ({{NFL Year|2013}}–{{NFL Year|2016}}) * [Chicago Bears](/source/Chicago_Bears) ({{NFL Year|2017}}) * [Philadelphia Eagles](/source/Philadelphia_Eagles) ({{NFL Year|2018}}) | highlights = * First-team [All-Pac-12](/source/List_of_All-Pac-12_Conference_football_teams) ([2012](/source/2012_All-Pac-12_Conference_football_team)) | statlabel1 = [Receptions](/source/Reception_(gridiron_football)) | statvalue1 = 110 | statlabel2 = [Receiving yards](/source/Receiving_yards) | statvalue2 = 1,559 | statlabel3 = [Receiving touchdowns](/source/Touchdown) | statvalue3 = 8 | pfr = WheaMa00 }} '''Markus Levonte Wheaton''' (born February 7, 1991) is an American former professional [football](/source/American_football) player who was a [wide receiver](/source/wide_receiver) in the [National Football League](/source/National_Football_League) (NFL). He played [college football](/source/college_football) for the [Oregon State Beavers](/source/Oregon_State_Beavers_football) and was selected by the [Pittsburgh Steelers](/source/Pittsburgh_Steelers) in the third round (79th overall) of the [2013 NFL draft](/source/2013_NFL_draft). He also played for the [Chicago Bears](/source/Chicago_Bears) and [Philadelphia Eagles](/source/Philadelphia_Eagles). ==Early life== Wheaton was born in [Phoenix, Arizona](/source/Phoenix%2C_Arizona).{{Cite web |last=Benesch |first=Brian |date=May 7, 2018 |title=Ahwatukee players figured prominently in past NFL drafts |url=https://www.ahwatukee.com/feeds/az_sports_local/article_02f282e2-4e36-11e8-b64c-c3e8e3efcf3c.html |access-date=October 29, 2023 |website=Ahwatukee Foothills News |language=en}} He attended [Mountain Pointe High School](/source/Mountain_Pointe_High_School), and played for the Mountain Pointe Pride [high school football](/source/high_school_football) team from 2005–2007.{{Cite web |date=October 2, 2012 |title=Wheaton continues to make an impression |url=https://www.ahwatukee.com/sports/sports_briefs/article_51e6eeaa-0cde-11e2-bc41-001a4bcf887a.html |access-date=October 29, 2023 |website=Ahwatukee Foothills News |language=en}} He had 23 receptions for 476 yards and six touchdowns as a junior, and added 49 tackles on defense. He also attended [Chandler High School](/source/Chandler_High_School_(Chandler%2C_Arizona)),{{Cite web |last=Sorenson |first=Eric |date=2013-02-24 |title=Former Chandler High star’s speed catching attention at NFL Combine |url=https://sports360az.com/former-chandler-high-stars-speed-catching-attention-at-nfl-combine/ |access-date=2025-09-10 |language=en-US}} and played for the Chandler Wolves high school football team.{{Cite web |last=Pheifer |first=Todd |date=April 26, 2013 |title=Markus Wheaton: 5 Things You Need to Know About the Oregon State WR |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1607713-markus-wheaton-5-things-you-need-to-know-about-the-oregon-state-wr |access-date=August 8, 2021 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}} He recorded 736 yards receiving on 37 receptions with four touchdowns as a senior. He was a three-time first-team all-region and honorable mention all-state selection. Considered a three-star recruit by [Rivals.com](/source/Rivals.com), he was rated the No. 41 athlete in the nation. He committed to Oregon State.{{Cite web |title=Markus Wheaton, 2009 Athlete, Oregon State |url=https://rivals.com/content/athletes/markus-wheaton-31124?view=pv |access-date=October 29, 2023 |website=Rivals.com |language=en-US}} Wheaton was also a standout sprinter for the [Chandler High School](/source/Chandler_High_School_(Chandler%2C_Arizona)) track team. He won both the 200-meter dash (21.42s) and 400-meter dash (47.38s) at the 2009 Chandler Invitationals. He also ran a season-best time of 10.81 seconds in the 100 meters at the 2009 5AI State Championships.{{Cite web |title=Markus Wheaton |url=http://www.athletic.net/TrackAndField/Athlete.aspx?AID=313132 |website=Athletic.net}} ==College career== thumb|left|Wheaton with Oregon State Beavers in 2012 While attending [Oregon State University](/source/Oregon_State_University), Wheaton played for the [Oregon State Beavers football](/source/Oregon_State_Beavers_football) team from 2009 to 2012. As a senior in 2012, he was a first-team [All-Pac-12 Conference](/source/List_of_All-Pac-12_Conference_football_teams) selection.{{Cite web |date=January 30, 2013 |title=Crichton, Poyer, Jenkins and Wheaton Earn Pac-12 First Team - OREGON … |url=http://www.osubeavers.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/112612aaa.html |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20130130222341/http://www.osubeavers.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/112612aaa.html |archivedate=January 30, 2013}} During his college career, he recorded 227 receptions for 2,994 yards and 16 touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=Markus Wheaton College Stats, School, Draft, Gamelog, Splits |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/markus-wheaton-1.html |access-date=October 29, 2023 |website=[Sports Reference](/source/Sports_Reference) |language=en}} Wheaton was also on the [Oregon State University](/source/Oregon_State_University) track team. He ran a career-best time of 46.80 seconds in the [400 meters](/source/400_meters) at the prelims of the 5A Fiesta Regional Championships. He finished 2nd in the 100 meters at the 2012 Oregon Twilight Meet, with a time of 10.58 seconds. He was also timed at 10.35 seconds in the [100 meters](/source/100_meters).'''{{Citation needed|date=August 2022}}''' ==Professional career== {{NFL predraft | height ft = 5 | height in = 11 | weight = 189 | dash = 4.45 | ten split = 1.60 | twenty split = 2.63 | shuttle = 4.02 | cone drill = 6.80 | vertical = 37 | broad ft = 10 | broad in = 0 | bench = 20 | wonderlic = | arm span = 32 3/4 | hand span = 9 1/8 | note = All values from the [NFL Combine](/source/NFL_Combine).{{Cite web |title=Markus Wheaton Draft and Combine Prospect Profile |url=https://www.nfl.com/prospects/markus-wheaton/32005748-4512-0992-3db9-f1a7d0faabbb |access-date=November 2, 2023 |website=NFL.com}}{{Cite web |title=2013 NFL Draft Scout Markus Wheaton College Football Profile |url=https://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=91144&DraftYear=2013 |access-date=November 2, 2023 |website=DraftScout.com}} }} ===Pittsburgh Steelers=== ====2013 season==== The [Pittsburgh Steelers](/source/Pittsburgh_Steelers) picked Wheaton in the third round, with the 79th overall pick, of the [2013 NFL draft](/source/2013_NFL_draft).{{Cite web |title=2013 NFL Draft Listing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2013/draft.htm |access-date=May 14, 2023 |website=[Pro Football Reference](/source/Pro_Football_Reference) |language=en}} He signed a 4-year contract for $2.81 million with $591,000 guaranteed.{{Cite web |last=Bryan |first=Dave |date=May 23, 2013 |title=Steelers Sign Third-Round Draft Pick WR Markus Wheaton On Thursday |url=https://steelersdepot.com/2013/05/steelers-sign-third-round-draft-pick-wr-markus-wheaton-on-thursday/ |access-date=October 29, 2023 |website=Steelers Depot |language=en-US}} thumb|Wheaton with the Steelers in Jan. 2016 Wheaton made his NFL debut on September 8, 2013, against the [Tennessee Titans](/source/Tennessee_Titans). On September 29, 2013, Wheaton made his first career start and made 3 catches for 26 yards in a 34–27 loss to the [Minnesota Vikings](/source/Minnesota_Vikings). During a Week 11 matchup with the [Detroit Lions](/source/Detroit_Lions), he made a season-high 3 receptions for 38 yards. He finished his rookie season with 6 catches for 64 yards in 12 games and 1 start.{{Cite web |title=Markus Wheaton 2013 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WheaMa00/gamelog/2013/ |access-date=October 29, 2023 |website=[Pro Football Reference](/source/Pro_Football_Reference) |language=en}} ====2014 season==== During the 2014 offseason, the Steelers lost veteran wide receiver [Emmanuel Sanders](/source/Emmanuel_Sanders) to the [Denver Broncos](/source/Denver_Broncos) via free agency. With the loss of Sanders, Wheaton was given a larger role in the offense. On September 7, 2014, he started the season opener against the [Cleveland Browns](/source/Cleveland_Browns) and ended the game with a season-high 6 receptions and 97 yards. In Week 8, Wheaton made 5 catches for 56-yards and caught his first career touchdown in a 51–34 victory over the [Indianapolis Colts](/source/Indianapolis_Colts). The next game, he caught 2 passes for 62 receiving yards and scored a 47-yard touchdown in a win over the [Baltimore Ravens](/source/Baltimore_Ravens). He played in his first career postseason game on January 3, 2015, and made 5 receptions for 66-yards in a 17-30 loss to the Ravens. He finished his second season with 53 receptions, 644 receiving yards, and 2 touchdowns in 11 starts and 16 games.{{Cite web |title=Markus Wheaton 2014 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WheaMa00/gamelog/2014/ |access-date=October 29, 2023 |website=[Pro Football Reference](/source/Pro_Football_Reference) |language=en}} ====2015 season==== Wheaton began appearing more in the slot position as [Martavis Bryant](/source/Martavis_Bryant) emerged last season. With Bryant becoming more solidified in the offense, Wheaton was poised to become a full-time receiver during 2015.{{Cite web |last=Patra |first=Kevin |date=June 19, 2015 |title=Markus Wheaton embraces slot receiver role |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/steelers-wr-markus-wheaton-embraces-slot-role-0ap3000000497985 |access-date=June 19, 2015 |website=[NFL.com](/source/NFL.com)}} Wheaton began the season starting against the [New England Patriots](/source/New_England_Patriots) and caught 3 passes for 55-yards in a 28–21 loss. On October 12, 2015, he caught a 72-yard touchdown pass from Michael Vick in a 24–20 victory at the [San Diego Chargers](/source/San_Diego_Chargers). During a Week 12 loss at [Seattle](/source/Seattle_Seahawks), Wheaton made a career-high 9 catches for 201-yards and scores on a 69-yard touchdown.{{Cite web |title=Pittsburgh Steelers at Seattle Seahawks - November 29th, 2015 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201511290sea.htm |access-date=October 29, 2023 |website=[Pro Football Reference](/source/Pro_Football_Reference) |language=en}} On December 20, 2015, he continued to make progress as he made 6 receptions for 62-yards and a touchdown in a 34–27 victory over the [Denver Broncos](/source/Denver_Broncos). Wheaton finished the regular season with 44 receptions for 749 yards and five touchdowns, and his 17.0 yards per reception was ninth among NFL wide receivers in 2015.{{Cite web |title=Markus Wheaton 2015 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WheaMa00/gamelog/2015/ |access-date=October 29, 2023 |website=[Pro Football Reference](/source/Pro_Football_Reference) |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=2015 NFL Receiving |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2015/receiving.htm |access-date=October 29, 2023 |website=[Pro Football Reference](/source/Pro_Football_Reference) |language=en}} ====2016 season==== Wheaton played in three games in the 2016 season with two starts recording four catches for 51 yards and a touchdown before suffering a shoulder injury.{{Cite web |title=Markus Wheaton 2016 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WheaMa00/gamelog/2016/ |access-date=October 29, 2023 |website=[Pro Football Reference](/source/Pro_Football_Reference) |language=en}} He was placed on injured reserve on November 19, 2016.{{Cite web |last=Varley |first=Teresa |date=November 19, 2016 |title=Dupree activated; Heyward, Wheaton to IR |url=https://www.steelers.com/news/dupree-activated-heyward-wheaton-to-ir-18109687 |access-date=October 29, 2023 |website=Steelers.com}} ===Chicago Bears=== On March 10, 2017, Wheaton signed a two-year contract with the [Chicago Bears](/source/Chicago_Bears).{{Cite web |last=Mayer |first=Larry |date=March 10, 2017 |title=Bears sign receiver Markus Wheaton |url=https://www.chicagobears.com/news/bears-sign-receiver-markus-wheaton-18639066 |access-date=October 29, 2023 |website=ChicagoBears.com}} On March 14, 2018, Wheaton was released by the Bears after recording only three receptions for 41 yards in 2017.{{Cite web |last=Mayer |first=Larry |date=March 14, 2018 |title=Roster moves: Bears release Glennon, Wheaton, Cooper |url=http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-rostermoves/Roster-moves-Bears-release-Glennon-Wheaton-Cooper/762e8dd4-5a1a-42ab-87fc-598fdda7e657 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180315133603/https://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-rostermoves/Roster-moves-Bears-release-Glennon-Wheaton-Cooper/762e8dd4-5a1a-42ab-87fc-598fdda7e657 |archive-date=March 15, 2018 |website=ChicagoBears.com}} ===Philadelphia Eagles=== On May 2, 2018, Wheaton signed a one-year contract with the [Philadelphia Eagles](/source/Philadelphia_Eagles).{{Cite web |last=Gowton |first=Brandon Lee |date=May 2, 2018 |title=Markus Wheaton, Eagles officially agree to contract |url=https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2018/5/2/17312730/eagles-markus-wheaton-joe-callahan-packers-steelers-bears-chicago-green-bay-packers-free-agency-nfl |access-date=October 29, 2023 |website=Bleeding Green Nation|publisher=SB Nation}} He was released by the team on September 12, 2018.{{Cite web |last=Foley |first=Graham |date=September 12, 2018 |title=Eagles Bring Back Kamar Aiken, Release Markus Wheaton |url=https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/eagles-bring-back-kamar-aiken-release-markus-wheaton |access-date=October 29, 2023 |website=PhiladelphiaEagles.com}} He retired on January 22, 2019.{{Cite web |last=Popejoy |first=Curt |date=January 22, 2019 |title=Former Steelers WR Markus Wheaton says he'll retire |url=https://steelerswire.usatoday.com/2019/01/22/markus-wheaton-retirement-eagles-bears-2019/ |access-date=October 29, 2023 |website=Steelers Wire|publisher=USA Today |language=en-US}} ==Career statistics== ===NFL=== ==== Regular season ==== {| class= "wikitable" style="text-align:center;" |- ! rowspan="2"| Year ! rowspan="2"| Team ! colspan="2"| Games ! colspan="5"| Receiving ! colspan="5"| Rushing ! colspan="2"| Fumbles |- ! GP !! GS !! Rec !! Yds !! Avg !! Lng !! TD !! Att !! Yds !! Avg !! Lng !! TD !! Fum !! Lost |- ! [2013](/source/2013_NFL_season) !! [PIT](/source/2013_Pittsburgh_Steelers_season) | 12 || 1 || 6 || 64 || 10.7 || 21 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 |- ! [2014](/source/2014_NFL_season) !! [PIT](/source/2014_Pittsburgh_Steelers_season) | '''16''' || '''11''' || '''53''' || 644 || 12.2 || 47 || 2 || '''4''' || '''19''' || '''4.8''' || '''12''' || 0 || 0 || 0 |- ! [2015](/source/2015_NFL_season) !! [PIT](/source/2015_Pittsburgh_Steelers_season) | '''16''' || 8 || 44 || '''749''' || '''17.0''' || '''72''' || '''5''' || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 |- ! [2016](/source/2016_NFL_season) !! [PIT](/source/2016_Pittsburgh_Steelers_season) | 3 || 2 || 4 || 51 || 12.8 || 30 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 |- ! [2017](/source/2017_NFL_season) !! [CHI](/source/2017_Chicago_Bears_season) | 11 || 0 || 3 || 41 || '''17.0''' || 22 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 |- ! colspan="2"| [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WheaMa00.htm Total] || 58 || 22 || 110 || 1,549 || 14.2 || 72 || 8 || 4 || 19 || 4.8 || 12 || 0 || 0 || 0 |} ==== Postseason ==== {| class= "wikitable" style="text-align:center;" |- ! rowspan="2"| Year ! rowspan="2"| Team ! colspan="2"| Games ! colspan="5"| Receiving ! colspan="5"| Rushing ! colspan="2"| Fumbles |- ! GP !! GS !! Rec !! Yds !! Avg !! Lng !! TD !! Att !! Yds !! Avg !! Lng !! TD !! Fum !! Lost |- ! [2014](/source/2014_NFL_season) !! [PIT](/source/2014_Pittsburgh_Steelers_season) | 1 || 0 || 5 || '''66''' || '''13.2''' || 17 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 |- ! [2015](/source/2015_NFL_season) !! [PIT](/source/2015_Pittsburgh_Steelers_season) | '''2''' || '''2''' || '''7''' || 53 || 7.6 || '''24''' || 0|| 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 |- ! colspan="2"| [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WheaMa00/gamelog/post/ Total] || 3 || 2 || 12 || 119 || 9.9 || 24 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 |} ===College=== {| class=wikitable style="text-align:center;" |- ! rowspan="2"| Season ! rowspan="2"| GP ! colspan="6"| Receiving ! colspan="4"| Rushing |- ! Rec !! Yds !! Avg !! Lng !! 100+ !! TD !! Att !! Yds !! Avg !! TD |- ! [2009](/source/2009_Oregon_State_Beavers_football_team) | 12 || 8 || 89 || 11.1 || 25 || 0 || 0 || 11 || 79 || 7.2 || 1 |- ! [2010](/source/2010_Oregon_State_Beavers_football_team) | 12 || 55 || 675 || 12.3 || 48 || 2 || 4 || 27 || 220 || 8.1 || 2 |- ! [2011](/source/2011_Oregon_State_Beavers_football_team) | 12 || 73 || 986 || 13.5 || 69 || 4 || 1 || 25 || 190 || 7.6 || 0 |- ! [2012](/source/2012_Oregon_State_Beavers_football_team) | 13 || 91 || 1,244 || 13.7 || 51 || 5 || 11 || 20 || 142 || 7.1 || 2 |- ! colspan="2"| [https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/markus-wheaton-1.html Total] !! 227 !! 2,994 !! 13.2 !! 69 !! 11 !! 16 !! 83 !! 631 !! 7.6 !! 5 |} ==Personal life== Wheaton's cousin, [Kenny Wheaton](/source/Kenny_Wheaton), played defensive back for the [Dallas Cowboys](/source/Dallas_Cowboys).{{Cite web |last=Buker |first=Paul |date=August 18, 2009 |title=Injury forces Oregon State's Markus Wheaton - cousin of famous Duck Kenny Wheaton - into spotlight |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/behindbeaversbeat/2009/08/the_force_feeding_of_osus_mark.html |access-date=October 29, 2023 |website=OregonLive |language=en}} ==References== {{Reflist}} ==External links== {{commons category}} {{footballstats|pfr=W/WheaMa00}} *[https://web.archive.org/web/20121119104033/http://www.osubeavers.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/wheaton_markus01.html Oregon State Beavers bio] {{Steelers2013DraftPicks}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Wheaton, Markus}} Category:1991 births Category:Living people Category:American football wide receivers Category:Oregon State Beavers football players Category:Players of American football from Chandler, Arizona Category:Pittsburgh Steelers players Category:Chicago Bears players Category:Philadelphia Eagles players Category:Chandler High School (Arizona) alumni --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Markus Wheaton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Markus_Wheaton) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Markus_Wheaton?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.