Colts Matt Overton Shines Outside of Snapping

Every now and then, Horseshoe Heroes gets the unique opportunity to cover something about the Indianapolis Colts completely unrelated to their gridiron performances on the football field. It’s a true joy to see such a warm heart and a soft spot in our modern-day Sunday gladiators every now and then.

Jan 4, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts long snapper Matt Overton (45) celebrates the victory against the Kansas City Chiefs during the 2013 AFC wild card playoff football game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Indianapolis defeats Kansas City 45-44. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Colts longsnapper Matt Overton is one that routinely exhibits one and gives back to the community. We saw around Christmas time when several Colts players (including Overton) and cheerleaders visited Riley’s Children Hospital to sing carols and make well wishes. However, Overton may earn yet another “gold star” for his off-the-field contributions.

It’s worth noting that Matt Overton is one of the premier longsnappers in the NFL as a 2013 Pro Bowler. While he doesn’t always get the recognition he truly deserves playing one of the more unglamorous positions in the NFL, there’s no doubt he’s exceptionally talented at his craft.

However, his special performance goes beyond the football field. Despite earning a relatively meager NFL salary of a typical longsnapper, Overton promised to donate $1 last night to Ball State Dance Marathon in order to benefit Riley’s Children Hospital for every new Twitter follower he obtained:

He delivered on his promise and even more so:

 In an offseason that has been littered with off-the-field trouble for the Colts, it’s refreshing to talk about the positive contributions that some of the team’s players are doing with their free time like Overton. In fact, it’s nothing short of a breath of fresh air to talk about the tremendous impact that an NFL player like Overton is able to make on those around him.

A lot of players can check in-and-out and do just enough to collect a paycheck and go on with their private lives, being “just another guy”. However, other special players and more importantly, special people like Overton take advantage of their gifts, the NFL platform, and ultimately try to make the world a better place.

Even if he may need to work on his math…

Dec 8, 2013; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Indianapolis Colts long snapper Matt Overton (45) watches punter Pat McAfee (1) warm up before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports