Indianapolis Colts, wide receiver Reggie Wayne will not be returning. Grigson stated that Wayne, who wears the number 87 jersey, has a long history of greatness and that among the players who define the team, he is one of just a few.
By the time Grigson arrived in Indianapolis in 2012, Wayne was already well on his way to becoming a Hall of Famer. No one on the field or in the team’s building for that matter contributed as much as he did. As expressed by Grigson, Wayne was a key contributor to the growth of the Colts but also the team’s overall success.
During the team’s comeback against the Green Bay Packers in 2012, Wayne was the catalyst that kept the Colts motivated and fired up. Based on his performance and attitude for that one game alone, other team members quickly realized there was no obstacle that could not be overcome.
While his dedication and the way he led the team by example will be missed, Grigson and everyone associated with the Colts’ organization wishes him well.
In regular season games, Wayne is the franchise leader, having played 211 games and chalked up 143 wins. He also ranks number second with his 1,070 receptions, 14,345 receiving yards, 80 touchdowns, 43 100-yard games, and 134 consecutive games having completed a reception. In the history of the NFL, Wayne ranks seventh in career receptions and eighth for receiving yards.
Jim Irsay, owner of the Colts said that Wayne is without question one of the greatest men in history to ever wear the Colts’ horseshoe. For the past 14 years, he has been incredible to watch. While no one wanted to see the day come when Wayne would leave the team, owners and coaches new that one day that decision would be made.
While Irsay is sad to see Wayne leave, he also feels the decision is what is best for the team but Wayne himself. He will now have the decision of playing with another team if he wants.
He was drafted by the NFL in 2001 as 30th overall pick, chosen to play in six Pro Bowls, and in 2010, he was named Associated Press First Team NFL All-Pro. Wayne leaves behind an unrivaled legend with the Colts. His lack of presence on the field will be noticed.
