Reggie Wayne officially announces retirement

The second greatest receiver in Colts history, Reggie Wayne, finally announced his retirement today.

At the end of the 2014 season, the Colts opted not to bring back longtime receiver Reggie Wayne. With Father Time catching up with Wayne, the Colts decided it was time to move on and find someone more effective at the position (that move didn’t exactly work out).

Today, speaking with Mike Chappell at CBS 4, Wayne said in a phone interview that he was going to retire.

"“I think so, bro, yeah,’’ Wayne said Friday in a phone interview. “Yeah, I’m done.“It was fun, but it’s time. It’s just time.’’"

Wayne spent 14 seasons in the NFL, all with the Colts. He attempted to play again, signing with the reviled Patriots in the preseason, but quit because he said he wasn’t enjoying his time with them.

The 37 year old receiver finishes second in receptions, yardage, and touchdowns in Colts history just behind Marvin Harrison. Wayne’s career numbers of 1,070 receptions and 14,345 receiving yards place in the top 10 all-time in the NFL. Wayne is seventh in the NFL in receptions and eighth in yardage. His 82 touchdowns are good for 23rd in the NFL.

Wayne spent a long time considering whether or not to walk away from the game. He stated that his mind was made up after attending the Colts game against the Buccaneers in November.

"“I finally turned into a fan, a real fan,’’ Wayne said. “You know me, I’ve got my adult beverage. I’m eating some popcorn. I’m watching fans’ reactions. I’m watching the Jumbotron.“I’m literally enjoying the game without having to do all the thinking.’’Wayne paused.“I thought that was the final notch for me,’’ he said. “I felt like I needed that to help get me over that hump. A lot of guys who go to games come away and say, ‘You know what? I can still do that.’ But I needed that to realize, ‘You know what? This ain’t half bad.’’’"

More from Horseshoe Heroes

Based on his numbers alone, Wayne should be a lock for the Hall of Fame. But considering how tough it has been for Harrison, it is far from a sure thing. Wayne has six Pro Bowls, one All-Pro in his career and was part of the Colts 2006 Super Bowl winning team.

Wayne was instrumental in the early success of the Andrew Luck-era. Wayne was a safety net for Luck in the latter’s rookie season and helped with the development of the team’s younger receivers, T.Y. Hilton and Donte Moncrief.

Injuries derailed the final two years of his career and dictated when Wayne would ultimately leave the game. His 2013 season was off to a great start before he tore his ACL in Week 8 and in 2014 he played through a sore knee and torn triceps.

Wayne is a sure lock for the Colts Ring of Honor and one of the best players to ever represent the Horseshoe.

Home/Colts News