Indianapolis Colts not bringing back Reggie Wayne

The Indianapolis Colts announced Friday that Reggie Wayne will not return to the team in 2015. 

Reggie Wayne is arguably one of the greatest players in Indianpolis Colts franchise history, having donned the “horseshoe” for 15 years. That run has come to end, as the Colts announced Friday he will not be brought back in 2015.

Wayne is the only core member of the Colts who spanned two eras of Colts football, while succeeding in both. He was part of the amazing wide receiver duo that Peyton Manning relied so heavily upon while Tony Dungy and Jim Caldwell patrolled the sidelines–Marvin Harrison of course being the other.

And when the Colts shifted from Peyton Manning to Andrew Luck in 2012, Wayne was the constant peg bridging the two eras. Said general manager Ryan Grigson, “He was already a Hall of Famer in the making when Chuck (Pagano) 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.”

More from Indianapolis Colts

• Colts get trolled for new black helmet, looking like Duke wannabes
• NFL’s running back revolt has begun after Saquon Barkley drama
• 3 running backs who will be the next Saquon Barkley with contract disputes
• NFL Power Rankings: Who is the best quarterback in each division?
• Philip Rivers can soon play QB with a full offense of his kids

Since 2012 Chuck Pagano has been the Colts’ head coach, but also has a long-forged bond with Wayne as he coached at Miami (FL) when Wayne was a collegiate player there. He described Wayne as “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. He epitomizes everything that is right about this game, on and off the field.”

Wayne was in uniform for more wins than any other Colt in franchise history (143) while playing in more games than any other Colts player ever (211). He trails only Harrison in franchise marks with 1,070 receptions, 14,345 receiving yards, 80 receiving touchdowns, 43 100-plus yard games and most consecutive games with a reception (134).

Coincidentally he ranks seventh in NFL history in career receptions and eighth in receiving yardage.

As such long-time Colts owner Jim Irsay was already looking forward to Wayne’s induction into the Colts’ ring of honor, “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.”

That last caveat is debatable given the nature of modern football where so many receivers put up incredible numbers. Most of the leaders in receiving statistics have played in the past 25 years. Thus Hall of Fame voters are reticent to include any modern receivers, though that will inevitably change over time.

It is unknown whether Wayne will seek to continue his playing career at this time. But if he does, it will not be with the only professional organization he’s ever known.

2014 was Wayne’s most difficult as a pro, as he clearly lost a step and was no longer the Colts’ go-to receiver.

Next: Ted Bruschi doesn't think Vince Wilfork returns to Pats

More from FanSided

• Joe Burrow owes Justin Herbert a thank you note after new contract
• Chiefs gamble at wide receiver could already be biting them back
• Braves-Red Sox start time: Braves rain delay in Boston on July 25
• Yankees: Aaron Boone gives optimistic return date for Aaron Judge
• MLB Rumors: Yankees-Phillies trade showdown, Mariners swoop, India goes to Seattle