Reggie Wayne has enjoyed a fantastic 14-year run with the Indianapolis Colts, but that has come to an end. On Friday, the franchise announced it will not retain Wayne, allowing him to hit the market as a free agent.
Colts announce they will not retain Reggie Wayne
Wayne is an all-time great, but should he plan next year it will be in another uniform.
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Wayne is one of the most prolific players to ever step on a football field. The 30th overall pick of the 2001 NFL Draft out of the University of Miami, Wayne amassed 14,345 receiving yards and 82 touchdowns. The yardage total ranks eighth on the all-time list, directly behind former teammate Marvin Harrison, who finished his career with 14,580 yards. Wayne has amassed three All-Pro teams and six trips to the Pro Bowl.
During his tenure with the Colts, Wayne won a Super Bowl in 2006. The 6'0, 203-pounder totaled eight 1,000-yard seasons, including seven consecutive. Wayne also had four 100-catch years, the last coming in 2012. Wayne never missed a game from 2002-2012, before tearing his ACL on a Sunday Night Football contest against the Denver Broncos. Wayne returned to play 15 games in 2014, catching 64 passes for 779 yards and tow touchdowns.
Owner Jim Irsay released a statement about Wayne on Friday, speaking highly of the prolific talent:
“Reggie is one of the greatest men to ever wear the horseshoe, and we have been blessed to watch him play for the past 14 years. When he first took the field with us in 2001, we knew this day would eventually arrive. That reality is one of the things that makes pro football such a tough business. We feel this decision is in the best interests of the team and for Reggie as it will allow him to seek a better opportunity for playing time elsewhere if he so chooses. Reggie is beloved by the Colts organization and our fans and he will always be a part of the Colts family. I look forward to the day in the near future when our great number 87 enters the Colts Ring of Honor and the Pro Football Hall of Fame.”
Wayne has not announced whether he will play another season or simply retire. Wayne is recovering from surgery this offseason to repair a torn triceps.
SB Nation presents: The best bargains in NFL free agency
See More:
