According to ESPN’s Mike Wells, former Indianapolis Colts wideout Reggie Wayne has no intentions to hang up the cleats just yet and plans to resume his NFL career this season:
Reggie Wayne said teams have been calling and he plans to play this season
— Mike Wells (@MikeWellsNFL) July 17, 2015
Wayne returned to his old stomping grounds in Indianapolis, as he was presented a key to the city by Mayor Greg Ballard during Indiana University’s Pacers Sports and Entertainment luncheon today as part of the Indiana Black Expo:
Former @Colts WR #ReggieWayne holds up the Key to the City he received from @MayorBallard @INBlackExpoInc luncheon pic.twitter.com/Wh7BAa4App
— Charlie Nye (@CharlieNyePhoto) July 17, 2015
The 36-year old wideout will have to find a new team to play for, having spent his previous 14 seasons all with the Colts. The only NFL team he has ever known decided to go in a younger direction this offseason and ultimately opted to sign longtime Houston Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson (34) instead of re-signing Wayne.
Jan 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne (87) celebrates as he leaves the field following the game against the Denver Broncos in the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Colts defeated the Broncos 24-13. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
However, Wayne still remains one of the greatest Colts to ever play, as he ranks not only 2nd all-time in franchise career receptions (1,070), 2nd all-time in franchise career receiving yards (14,345), and 2nd all-time in franchise career touchdowns (82), but also has the most Colts career games played (211) and most Colts career wins (143).
The beloved wideout simply struggled last season, and whether it was because of a combination of age or injuries, Wayne caught just 64 receptions for 779 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns. He had a handful of uncharacteristic drops and at times, was clearly laboring on the field through injuries. He failed to show much explosion, and even his normal sure-handedness had faded.
That being said, always a veteran leader and high character player for the Colts, Wayne could still theoretically help a team as a mentor on a young receiving corps, even if he is in the twilight of his career. However, any team expecting a Pro Bowl caliber wideout anymore may be sadly disappointed. Wayne had nothing short of a great career as a Colt, but his best days are clearly behind him.
Whether other NFL teams are genuinely interested or Wayne is simply talking to gauge teams’ potential interest remains to be seen; however; the future Hall of Fame wideout and longtime Colts great still apparently wants to play. That much is clear.
Jan 4, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne (87) waves to the crowd after the 2014 AFC Wild Card playoff football game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
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