Reggie Wayne understands that answering questions from reporters is part of his job. He knew that as a player, too. But like anyone else having to answer questions a lot, the Indianapolis Colts' wide receivers coach doesn't always enjoy the Q&A. Some of the questions are obviously meant to give rise to tension.
One such question was asked of Wayne recently after Indy had traded for two-time All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner. The coach might not directly oversee Gardner, but he does appreciate the talent that the cornerback brings to an Indianapolis defense that has struggled at times.
Still, Wayne doesn't like to see his direct reports leave. One of the players involved in the Gardner deal was wide receiver Adonai Mitchell, who had been on the outs with the team ever since he had two terrible gaffes in Week 4, which led directly to the Colts losing the game. Mitchell immediately took the blame for what he did, but Wayne knew the young receiver was not a bad person.
Reggie Wayne sums up Adonai Mitchell's time with the Indianapolis Colts perfectly
So, when Reggie Wayne was asked how it felt that Mitchell was moved to the New York Jets, as well as two first-round draft picks, in exchange for Gardner, Wayne answered in his normal way. He was a bit miffed by the wording of the question, but gave a completely honest answer.
The receivers coach said, "It sucks. I think everybody knows how much I respect AD and his game, but that’s the way the business goes. One day, you’re 7-2, and the next day, you’re 1-7."
To be sure, many Colts fans might have felt some ill will toward AD Mitchell because he had underperformed since he was chosen in the second round of the 2024 NFL draft. He had caught only 41 percent of his targets as a rookie, was buried on the depth chart in 2025, and when he finally had a chance to prove he should get more snaps, he failed in the worst way.
But Mitchell wasn't a bad guy. He just hadn't done his job as well as many hoped. Those are two different things.
It would have been great had the second-year player eventually found his way to being a player the Indianapolis Colts could count on every week, but that didn't seem to be likely. Hopefully, he does well for the Jets, as long as New York isn't playing Indy.
To go from arguably the best team in the NFL to arguably the worst is a tough pill to swallow, but Mitchell should have more opportunities on a terrible New York team. Maybe he will finally prove to be worth his draft value while remaining a solid citizen.