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New Orleans Saints receiver Marques Colston making history -- even if no one notices

It's no surprise that Marques Colston set the New Orleans Saints' career receiving record in the 23-17 win over the Atlanta Falcons and hardly anyone noticed. The only thing the Saints' star receiver has failed to catch during his stellar career is people's attention.

Colston's 25-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter was his 533rd catch in eight seasons, moving him ahead of Eric Martin on the club's all-time list.
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Colston now is the Saints' career leader in receptions, touchdowns and touchdown receptions. Yet, he remains the most underrated star on the roster, the least appreciated great player in Saints history and the most overlooked receiver in the NFL.

He is only the seventh player to have 1,000 receiving yards in six of their first seven NFL seasons. His 7,462 career receiving yardage total is the ninth-highest total in the NFL since 2006. He joins Calvin Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald and Brandon Marshall as the only wideouts age 30 and younger to rank among the Top 20 active players in receptions, receiving yards and touchdown receptions. Yet, the aforementioned high-profile trio has combined for 14 Pro Bowl appearances and four first-team All-Pro honors. Incredibly, Colston still awaits his first Pro Bowl appearance.

There are plenty of reasons for the snubs. Colston's quiet, understated demeanor conspires against him in today's celebrity society.

He maintains a low profile away from the field. He rarely ventures out in public and shies from the media spotlight, despite being a polite and thoughtful interview subject.

He only recently joined social media. Since opening his Twitter account in April, he's tweeted 11 times. His last tweet was July 17.

The only time Colston tries to get noticed is when he's running a pass route on the field.

His historic reception against the Falcons epitomized his understated style. He celebrated the milestone by pointing to the heavens and flipping the ball to the turf. No dance. No self-centered histrionics. About the only thing Colston did to call attention to the achievement was making a point to quickly retrieve the ball and tote it to the sideline for posterity.

"That was vintage Marques Colston," Brees said.

The play earned no special recognition. There was no game stoppage or public announcement.

Afterward, his reaction to the record-breaking grab was equally understated. "It feels pretty good," he said.

Colston also is a victim of bad timing. He has played in the same conference as Fitzgerald, Johnson and Marshall -- three of the best young receivers of this era -- for most of his career.

Still, one would think the best receiver in one of the most prolific offenses in NFL history would be recognized for his consistent excellence and production.

Colston is to Brees what Michael Irvin was to Troy Aikman and Jerry Rice was to Joe Montana. He's the go-to guy, especially in the clutch. Of his 537 career receptions, 384 (72 percent) have resulted in a first down. He's ranked among the league's leading receivers on third down the past two seasons. Brees and Colston have connected for 59 touchdowns, making them the seventh-most prolific receiver-quarterback scoring combination ever.

"He came in here eight years ago as a seventh-round draft pick (out of Hofstra)," Brees said. "He didn't know if he was going to make the team coming out of OTAs. After training camp, he was our No. 1 receiver and he hasn't looked back since."

While Colston's numbers speak for themselves, his intangible qualities are less conspicuous. Despite his quiet, understated demeanor, he's one of the toughest, most durable players on the roster.

He might lead the league in catches after big hits. He absorbed a couple of knockout shots by Falcons safeties Thomas DeCoud and William Moore on Sunday and held on each time.

And despite taking some brutal, bell-ringing hits over the years, he's missed just 10 games in eight seasons.

"He's been the same guy every day," Brees said. "He comes in ready to work. He's a playmaker, and I have the utmost confidence in him. He knows the ball is coming to him, and he will make that play."

Instead, Colston will continue to be known as the best receiver never to be named to a Pro Bowl. Hopefully, he buries that ignominious moniker this season.

While other receivers make headlines, he'll continue making history.

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