INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – The Colts announced Friday they will not re-sign veteran wide receiver Reggie Wayne, one of the most revered players in franchise history.
The longtime standout has been part of a club-record 143 wins and ranks second in franchise history in receptions (1,070), yards receiving (14,345) and touchdown catches (80). He was Indy’s first-round draft pick in 2001 and has never played for another team. But after tearing the ACL in his right knee in October 2013 and injuring his left elbow in October 2014, Wayne didn’t look the same.
Wayne will become an unrestricted free agent on Tuesday.
General manager Ryan Grigson called Wayne the “catalyst” to the Colts’ turnaround. Team owner Jim Irsay tweeted that it was a “sad day in Colts Nation,” but said the decision was made in the “best interests of the team.”
“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,” Irsay said in a statement.