Colts Won’t Re-Sign Reggie Wayne

The Indianapolis Colts rocked the fanbase with news that they would not re-sign Reggie Wayne.

While we won’t know until Wayne makes an official statement, it is very likely that he will retire. Wayne is on record stating that he wanted to end his career with the Colts and said that after this year it would be another ride with his only team or hanging up his cleats.

Colts GM Ryan Grigson offered his thoughts on not re-signing Wayne:

"Everyone knows the greatness and history associated with number 87. He truly is one of a small handful of players who really define the Colts as an organization. He was already a Hall of Famer in the making when Chuck and I arrived in Indianapolis in 2012, but no one has contributed more, on the field and in this building, to our turnaround, our continued growth, and our overall success since then.  Reggie was the catalyst that sparked and ignited the team during our comeback against Green Bay in 2012.  His gritty performance that day and that entire challenging season infused us all with the belief we could overcome any obstacle. His dedication and the example he set are second to none. We wish him nothing but the best in whatever new endeavor he pursues."

Coach Chuck Pagano spoke highly of Wayne and has known him longer than anyone in the Colts organization:

"My relationship with Reggie goes back to my coaching days at the University of Miami. He is the epitome of what a coach looks for in a player. Hard work, dedication, and sacrifice are just a few ways I would describe him. He encompasses everything that is right about this game, on and off the field. I am so grateful I had the chance to coach Reggie again when I arrived in 2012. It was a blessing to see the impact that he made with this organization and Colts fans around the world. I wish him all the best in the future and thank him for representing the horseshoe in the most professional manner."

Team Owner Jim Irsay was clearly disappointed in the news, but knows he’ll have a great future:

"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."

It is always disappointing to see such a great player end his career, but Wayne left fans with a Hall of Fame caliber career. His final season was reminiscent of Colts great Marvin Harrison, both we cut short by injuries.

Wayne was an exceptional receiver with Peyton Manning throwing him the ball, but he was incredibly important for the 2012 rebuild of the franchise. Wayne was the safety net for Andrew Luck for the majority of the past three years.

Wayne has also been a great mentor to his fellow receivers T.Y. Hilton and Donte Moncrief.

Wayne will be remembered as one of the all-time great wide receivers in Colts history. He also carried on the “Reggie” legacy in Indianapolis following Pacers Hall of Famer Reggie Miller.

Wayne’s final season with the Colts produced 64 receptions, 779 yards, and two touchdowns. He struggled to find his explosiveness as he recovered from a torn ACL in 2013, and a torn triceps in Week 7.

Wayne finishes his career, at least with the Colts, with 1,070 receptions, seventh all-time in the NFL. He also had 14,345 receiving yards eighth all-time and just 235 yards behind Harrison. Wayne also had 82 receiving touchdowns.