The Indianapolis Colts will induct defensive end and linebacker Dwight Freeney into their Ring of Honor.
Honored and humbled to be inducted into the @Colts Ring of Honor. It was truly special being part of an incredible organization with amazing teammates and unbelievable fans. I loved every minute of my time there. pic.twitter.com/O0x4iHHnrW
— Dwight Freeney (@dwightfreeney) May 2, 2019
The Colts made the announcement on May 2. Team owner Jim Irsay sang Freeney's praises in a statement which Pro Fooball Talk's Charean Williams obtained on Thursday.
From the first day Dwight Freeney stepped on the field, we knew he was special.
Sixteen seasons later, Dwight exceeded every expectation we had and became one of the game's pass rushers ever. He was an artist and terror on the field, and his patented spin move was a nightmare for every offensive lineman he faced.
More importantly, he was a leader in the locker room and a gentleman off the field who represented the Horseshoe with honor. We are proud to have his name and legacy live alongside the greatest Colts to play this game.
According to Williams, Freeney becomes the 16h member of the Colts' Ring of Honor. He joins owner Robert Irsay, wide receiver Bill Brooks, head coach Ted Marchibroda, offensive lineman Chris Hinton, and quarterback Jim Harbaugh; “Colts Nation,” head coach Tony Dungy, wide receiver Marvin Harrison, and running backs Edgerrin James, Erick Dickerson, and Marshall Faulk; center Jeff Saturday, general manager Bill Polian, quarterback Peyton Manning, and wide receiver Reggie Wayne.
The next Indianapolis Colts Ring of Honor recipient will be Dwight Freeney, the team announced Thursday night in a town hall with season-ticket holders. https://t.co/iDX3rwtLVJ pic.twitter.com/datHW4Rfz0
— WISH-TV (@WISH_TV) May 2, 2019
The Colts made Freeney the 11th overall pick of the 2002 NFL Draft out of Syracuse University. He and retired Colts pass rusher Robert Mathis combined for more than 100 sacks in their careers. This prompted former Indianapolis general manager Bill Polian to dub them “great forces with that incredible pass rush,” per ESPN's Mike Wells.
Freeney signed a contract with Indianapolis to officially end his NFL career as a Colt on April 19, 2018. He also suited up for the San Diego Chargers, Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, Seattle Seahawks, and Detroit Lions.
Freeney concluded his 16-year NFL career with 322 tackles, 125.5 sacks, 47 forced fumbles, and four fumble recoveries.
The Colts will announce further details on Freeney's induction at a later time, per WTHR of Indianapolis.
Follow Us
Subscribe