True Indianapolis Colts fans will always remember Dwight Freeney as one of the best players ever to grace the white and blue. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2024, Freeney is a Super Bowl champion, was named seven times to the Pro Bowl, and was named First-Team All Pro three times.
During his time in Indianapolis, Freeney was one of the most feared defensive ends in the league. Selected by the Colts in the 2002 NFL Draft, Freeney immediately made a huge impact. He set an NFL rookie record with nine forced fumbles, was a runner-up for Defensive Rookie of the Year, and was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team. His career with the Colts ended in 2013, and he ended up retiring in 2018... but not until after he signed a one-day contract, allowing him to end his career as a Colt.
Now, less than one year after being inducted into the Hall of Fame, he is joining the staff at his alma mater - Syracuse - where he will work with the football team in player development.
Fran Brown announced at this NIL event today that Hall of Famer Dwight Freeney is joining his staff in a player development role. Freeney is still 2nd all-time in sacks at Syracuse and has remained closely connected with SU since being selected in the 1st round of the '02 Draft. https://t.co/TzxKJKXprZ
— Steve Infanti (@SteveInfantiNC9) April 11, 2025
Just as in Indianapolis, Freeney set records during his time at Syracuse. He played for the Orange from 1998 - 2001, and over 20 years later, still holds numerous records. Freeney still holds the Syracuse records for career tackles for loss, (50.5) and single-season tackles for loss (25.5 in 2001), single-season sacks record (17.5) and career forced fumbles (14). He also holds the NCAA record for career sacks per game (1.61). He is second only to College Football Hall of Famer Tim Green with 104 tackles and 34 sacks.
Freeney was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2023, and just as he has maintained close ties with the Colts, he has continued to participate with his alma mater, working out over the summer at Syracause and serving as a mentor to current players, even before taking this position.