Indianapolis Colts: All-time Indy Roster

Nov 30, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; San Diego Chargers defensive end Dwight Freeney (93) stretches on the sidelines during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

Left Defensive End: Dwight Freeney (2002-2012)

Second all-time in sacks in Colts history and a force to be reckoned with at his position. Freeney was one of the first of a new breed of defensive ends who have a singular purpose: sack the quarterback. During the late 2000s, most tackles said he was the toughest player to face. [Editors note: I believe Freeney looks mad it the above photo because he isn’t still in a Colts uniform, probably.]

Freeney might hold a patent on the spin, something he would teach to his counterpart on the opposite end of the Colts defensive line. Freeney had 107.5 sacks while he was with the Colts, and forced 43 fumbles on those plays. Pass rushers will often times use the chop motion that Freeney popularized to get the dreaded strip-sack.

Few players had his burst off the edge and wide range of moves to attack blockers. At his peak, Freeney was an absolute menace and his best season saw him record 16 sacks in 2004. Freeney wasn’t immune to injury, and his abscense in the 2007 playoffs led to a distinct lack of a pass rush and a loss.

Freeney was kept for the 2012 season, recording five sacks after moving to outside linebacker in the new 3-4 scheme. The Colts opted to not re-sign Freeney following the season, and he was forced to find employment elsewhere much to his disappointment. Just last week Freeney was able to seal a victory for the Cardinals with a strip-sack against the Vikings, proving he can still rush the passer.

Next: Defensive Tackle