Reggie Wayne has played his entire 14-season career with the Colts, but there won’t be a 15th season in Indianapolis.
The Colts announced Friday they won’t bring back the franchise’s all-time leader in regular-season games played (211) and wins (143).
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“Reggie is one of the greatest men to ever wear the horseshoe, and we have been blessed to watch him play for the past 14 years,” Colts owner Jim Irsay said. “When he first took the field with us in 2001, we knew this day would eventually arrive. That reality is one of the things that makes pro football such a tough business. We feel this decision is in the best interests of the team and for Reggie, as it will allow him to seek a better opportunity for playing time elsewhere if he so chooses.
"Reggie is beloved by the Colts organization and our fans and he will always be a part of the Colts family. I look forward to the day in the near future when our great number 87 enters the Colts Ring of Honor and the Pro Football Hall of Fame.”
Sad day in Colts Nation http://t.co/O77qnpnwEW
— Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) March 6, 2015Wayne finished his Colts career ranked second in receptions (1,070), receiving yards (14,345), receiving touchdowns (80), 100-yard games (43) and consecutive games with a reception (134).
“Everyone knows the greatness and history associated with number 87,” Colts general manager Ryan Grigson said. “He truly is one of a small handful of players who really define the Colts as an organization.
"He was already a Hall of Famer in the making when Chuck and I arrived in Indianapolis in 2012, but no one has contributed more, on the field and in this building, to our turnaround, our continued growth, and our overall success since then … His gritty performance that day and that entire challenging season infused us all with the belief we could overcome any obstacle. His dedication and the example he set are second to none. We wish him nothing but the best in whatever new endeavor he pursues.”
A former first-round draft pick, the 36-year-old Wayne played 15 games last season and recorded 779 yards and two touchdowns — one of his lowest outputs since his rookie season in 2001.
“He is the epitome of what a coach looks for in a player. Hard work, dedication, and sacrifice are just a few ways I would describe him,” Colts head coach Chuck Pagano said of Wayne. “It was a blessing to see the impact that he made with this organization and Colts fans around the world. I wish him all the best in the future and thank him for representing the horseshoe in the most professional manner."