The worst fears of Colts fans regarding the future of Anthony Castonzo have unfortunately been realized.
When you consider just how many positions the Indianapolis Colts have locked up for the future, they really only have a few objectives to tackle heading into the offseason. From re-signing key free agents, adding a certified No. 1 wideout and addressing quarterback Philip Rivers’ future, there really wasn’t a sense of urgency regarding the roster compared to other teams.
Unfortunately for GM Chris Ballard, however, his task just became significantly more challenging, as he now must find a new left tackle.
After injuries limited him to just 12 games this season, 10-year veteran Anthony Castonzo has shockingly announced his retirement from the NFL, with a lengthy rehab ahead of him.
To call this crushing and entirely unexpected news would be an understatement, and it sparks burning questions about perhaps the most important position on Indianapolis’ stout offensive line.
BREAKING: Colts veteran left tackle Anthony Castonzo has announced his retirement. Huge news.
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) January 12, 2021
"“As a kid, it was my dream to play in the NFL,” Castonzo said in a statement, via Colts.com. “I played my first full season of tackle football in second grade. Now I have played my last. As I sit here now, after a 10 year NFL career, I am extremely proud of all the hard work and sacrifice that allowed me to evolve that dream into a goal, and ultimately into a reality unlike anything I could have even imagined.”"
We’re not sure what it is about the Colts and losing players to early retirement — look no further than Andrew Luck’s earth-shattering decision during the 2019 preseason — but this trend is becoming far too routine for our liking.
With that being said, however, we fully respect Castonzo’s decision, as it couldn’t have been an easy one.
In the grand scheme of things, perhaps fans should have considered him calling it a career more of a possibility after he was placed on injured reserve to close the year with an ankle injury. This designation came after he combatted a lingering knee issue for several weeks and fought like hell just to be active most games.
Anthony contemplated retirement at this time last year. Asked for some time to mull it over and ultimately decided to give it one more run. He signed a TWO-year contract and GM Chris Ballard said Castonzo was onboard for both years. But Castonzo obviously had a change of heart.
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) January 12, 2021
Given his growing proneness to injury over the last couple of seasons, the Colts were likely already kicking the tires on finding a new long-term left tackle, whether it be through the draft, free agency or simply shifting Quenton Nelson over from right guard. This news just confirms they won’t get a head start in that search.
We’re not sure what the future holds for Castonzo — perhaps he’ll return to the franchise in a coaching capacity at some point — but for now we wish him nothing but the best in retirement. By every measure, he deserves recognition as one of the organization’s greatest ever players for both his durability and consistency at left tackle over the last decade.
Shifting Quenton Nelson to LT could help Colts use first-round pick on quarterback
If the Indianapolis Colts lose Anthony Castonzo to retirement this offseason, the team could look to move Quenton Nelson to left tackle.