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Colts: 3 most underrated Colts of the Peyton Manning era

By Jerry Trotta

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 08: Quarterback Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts passes the ball in the first quarter against the New York Jets during their 2011 AFC wild card playoff game at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 8, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 08: Quarterback Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts passes the ball in the first quarter against the New York Jets during their 2011 AFC wild card playoff game at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 8, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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Colts DE Robert Mathis (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

1. Robert Mathis

It’s pretty wild to think that Robert Mathis qualifies as an underrated player, but he was grossly overlooked not only by Colts fans, but by the national media as well.

If we had to compare the former five-time Pro Bowler’s situation to the present day, we’d say that he was to Dwight Freeney as Everson Griffen was to Danielle Hunter in Minnesota for so many years. Both are great players, but, as is often the case, one outshined the other outside of the locker room from a recognition standpoint.

From 2003-2010, Mathis averaged a ridiculous 9.3 sacks per season. He also led the NFL in forced fumbles on two separate occasions.

The former fifth-round pick out of Alabama A&M helped Indianapolis win their lone Super Bowl of the Manning era, and was the team’s most important defensive player for long stretches. He came out of absolutely nowhere, and became a Colt for life, agreeing to join the team’s coaching staff as an assistant the minute he left the active roster following the 2016 season.

He didn’t want to leave, and we didn’t want to let him. Give Mathis the props he deserves, Colts Nation!

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