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Colts Offensive Lineman Joe Reitz Announces his Retirement from Football

By Luke Schultheis

Dec 13, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Indianapolis Colts guard Joe Reitz (76) looks on against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second quarter at EverBank Field. The Jaguars won 51-16.Mandatory Credit: Jim Steve-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Indianapolis Colts guard Joe Reitz (76) looks on against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second quarter at EverBank Field. The Jaguars won 51-16.Mandatory Credit: Jim Steve-USA TODAY Sports /
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On Tuesday, Indianapolis Colts offensive lineman Joe Reitz announced his retirement from football, as the veteran offensive lineman is hanging up the cleats:

The 31 year old appeared in 13 games (6 starts) for the Colts this past season, but battled re-occurring neck and back injuries, as well as a concussion. As a result, his play dipped from his 2015 form, when he was an invaluable member of the Colts offensive line.

Dec 6, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle Joe Reitz (76) prepares to block Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker James Harrison (92) at the line of scrimmage during the second quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 45-10. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle Joe Reitz (76) prepares to block Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker James Harrison (92) at the line of scrimmage during the second quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 45-10. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Reitz was set to enter the last year of his Colts contract with a $2.4 million cap hit, which will now be wiped off of the books.

Originally signed by the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2008, Reitz also spent time with the Miami Dolphins organization before joining the Colts in 2010.

The 6’7″, 325 pound veteran offensive lineman appeared in 73 games (44 starts) over his 6-year career for the Colts, serving as a valuable ‘swing tackle’ in recent seasons.

When one considers that Reitz played at local Hamilton Southeastern High School as a ‘hoops’ standout, Reitz’ professional football career is pretty impressive when one realizes that he never actually played collegiate football–having starred at Western Michigan and earning All-MAC honors in basketball.

With Reitz’ retirement, the Colts lose some of their veteran depth at both offensive guard and tackle, meaning the team could be looking at a veteran starter to ‘plug and play’ along the starting right side of their offensive line in free agency even more so.

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Reitz will also be sorely missed in the Colts locker room and off-the-field, as he was recently the team’s ‘Walter Payton Man of the Year Award‘ nominee for 2016.

That being said, we wish Reitz well in his future non-football endeavors, as he represented ‘The Horseshoe’ very well.

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