Countdown To Kickoff: T.Y. Hilton

Aug 24, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver T.Y. Hilton (13) reacts to scoring a touchdown against the Cleveland Browns at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Anticipation for the Colts’ 2013 season opener at home vs. the Oakland Raiders is growing by the day, and with 13 days remaining, today we take a look at second-year wide receiver T.Y. Hilton.

Part of the inaugural draft class under new general manager Ryan Grigson in 2012, the Colts selected the smallish 5-9 receiver out of Florida International in the third round.

Hoping to form a young nucleus around quarterback Andrew Luck with fellow rookie wide receiver LaVon Brazill, Hilton had a memorable debut season, seeing action in 15 games and leading all rookies with seven touchdowns. He also recorded a Colts rookie-record five 100-yard receiving games, and his 861 total receiving yards were the second-most by a rookie in franchise history.

Hilton has continued his strong play in the preseason by leading the Colts with three touchdowns, which likely solidifies his spot as the team’s No. 2 receiver behind Reggie Wayne heading into 2013.

#13 Honorable Mention

Mike Vanderjagt (1998-2005): After spending four years in the Canadian Football League, Vanderjagt joined the Colts in 1998 and was the team’s placekicker until 2005.

The most accurate kicker in NFL history, Vanderjagt became most known for his missed kicks in the playoffs, particularly in 2005 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Vanderjagt was also noted for running his mouth. Following the team’s 41-0 blowout playoff loss to the New York Jets, Vanderjagt criticized then-Colts coach Tony Dungy and quarterback Peyton Manning in an interview on a Toronto area cable network. A couple seasons later, he was at it again, telling reporters that the team’s next playoff opponent, the New England Patriots, were “ripe for the picking.”

After his miss against Pittsburgh in the 2005 playoffs, Vanderjagt became a free agent and the Colts elected not to re-sign him.

Countdown To Kickoff Archive

Aug 21: Peyton Manning
Aug 22: Austin Collie
Aug 23: Ryan Leaf
Aug 24: LaVon Brazill
Aug 26: T.Y. Hilton
Aug 27: Andrew Luck
Aug 28: Donnie Avery
Aug 31: Matt Hasselbeck
Sept 1: Curtis Painter
Sept 2: Dan Orlovsky
Sept 3: Kerry Collins
Sept 4: Adam Vinatieri
Sept 5: Matt Stover
Sept 7: Pat McAfee