INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - A man charged with auto theft for stealing Reggie's Wayne's Bentley and driving drunk was sentenced Thursday.

Gunner Belcher pleaded guilty to operating while intoxicated and criminal conversion. He was sentenced to 60 days in jail, 58 days suspended, and two days served.

He will be on probation for 363 days.

According to a police report, Belcher was pulled over and tried to stop the vehicle in the middle of the road. Police say he smelled of alcohol and told officers he was Indianapolis Colts' Reggie Wayne's "cousin by marriage."

The next morning, Wayne attempted to pick up his Bentley from the Westin Hotel when he was informed that valet staff had no idea where the Bentley was.

The car was later returned to Wayne.


(wishtv.com)

Colts receiver Reggie Wayne will turn 35 this season, and he’s hoping to add his name to the short list of players who have had 1,000 receiving yards while old enough to be president.

Wayne told the Indianapolis Star that he has the list of all players who have managed that feat — 12 players have topped 1,000 yards at age 35 or older, a total of 16 times — and he plans to join that select group in 2013.

“I’m going to put that list in my locker,” he said. “I strive off that. That’s what fuels me, motivates me. Not everybody can do that.”

Last year Wayne had 1,355 receiving yards, which was the second-best total ever for a 34-year-old — second only to his old teammate Marvin Harrison, who had 1,366 receiving yards the year he was 34. If Wayne were to equal last year’s total this year, it would be the best season ever for a 35-year-old receiver, topping Irving Fryar’s total of 1,316 yards in 1997, when he was 35.

Wayne needs several good years to top Jerry Rice for the crown of the best receiver ever after the age of 35, but we already know Rice was a freak of nature: Rice tore his ACL in Week One of the season when he turned 35, and not only did he return the next year to go over 1,000 yards at age 36, but he also had 1,000-yard seasons in the years when he turned 39 and 40, and 800-yard seasons in the years when he was 37, 38 and 41.

We’ll probably never see another receiver do what Rice did and gain 6,480 yards after his 35th birthday. But Wayne doesn’t look like he’s slowing down as he closes in on 35.


(profootballtalk.com)

Reggie Wayne fully expects to play through the duration of his contract, which expires after the 2014 season.

This season, Wayne is aiming to become the 13th receiver to ever record 1,000 yards or more at age 35-plus. It shouldn't be a problem. Although he hasn't topped 12.8 YPC in any of the last four campaigns, Wayne's precise route-running led to 106 catches for 1,355 yards and five touchdowns last year. The apple of Andrew Luck's eye, he tied for second in the entire league with 194 targets. Wayne isn't a sexy pick, but he's on the WR2 radar.


(rotoworld.com)

Reggie Wayne relaxed in front of his locker room cubicle, occasionally dabbing at perspiration on his face from the Indianapolis Colts’ latest offseason work.
He held a couple of sheets of paper in his hand. His eyes scanned the list of names, and he pointed to this one (Jerry Rice), that one (Joey Galloway) and yet another (Jimmy Smith).

Motivation comes in different forms.

At least a portion of Wayne’s motivation heading into his 13th season is the exclusive list of NFL receivers who have compiled at least 1,000 yards at age 35. It will be within arm’s length the rest of the year.

“I’m going to put that list in my locker,” he said. “I strive off that.

“That’s what fuels me, motivates me. Not everybody can do that.”

The 1,000-yard mark has been breached only 16 times by 12 players 35 years or older. The trailblazing list includes Hall of Famers Jerry Rice (on three occasions), Cris Carter and James Lofton.

Wayne turns 35 in November. He’s on the downside of a career teeming with Pro Bowl selections (six), receptions (968), yards (13,063) and touchdowns (78).
But at a time when many begin showing signs of the aging process, Wayne refuses to yield. He fully intends to play at his established high level through the duration of his contract, which expires after the 2014 season.

Backup quarterback Matt Hasselbeck has been around Wayne for only a few days this offseason, but he has a firm understanding of Wayne’s pedigree.
“Around the league there is a real healthy respect for what he has done and the level he’s still at,” Hasselbeck said.

“It said a lot when he decided to come back.”

Wayne became a free agent after the Colts’ 2-14 season in 2011. After exploring his options and considering at least one offer that was more lucrative than what the Colts had on the table, Wayne accepted the Colts’ three-year, $17.5 million deal.

“It surprised everyone around the league,” Hasselbeck said. “He had a lot of pride in what he had already helped build here and he wanted to see that through even though it was a new regime.”

To do so, though, required Wayne to remain committed and motivated.

As it did when the Colts selected him with the 30th overall pick in the 2001 draft, the end result can be traced to how Wayne attacks the offseason.

“I still train the same way I did as a rookie,” he said.

It began in Miami in mid-March. Up at 6:30 in the morning, four days a week, for two hours of pushing his body.

Wayne is in town this week for the start of the team’s on-field work but plans to return to south Florida and follow his own agenda. At some point, quarterback Andrew Luck, receiver T.Y. Hilton and a few others are expected to join Wayne in Miami for a few days of concentrated passing drills.

Wayne has been one of the Colts’ most durable players. He has missed only three of a possible 192 regular-season games, all during his rookie season. He leads active receivers with 182 consecutive games played and consecutive 161 starts.

Preparation has been key. So have been lessons gleaned from watching former teammate Marvin Harrison.

“The name of this game is longevity,” Wayne said. “There were times I would see Marvin catch a pass and take a nose dive. I was like, ‘What are you doing? You’ve got 3 more yards (to get).’

“But if you sit back and think about it, that’s a lot less hits he’s taking. You’ve got to pick your battles.”

So, Wayne has. He’s aiming to join that short list of aging receivers who’ve defied Father Time and put up big numbers.

“There are some special guys on that list,” he said. “That’s why I want to keep that list in my locker.

“I want to compare myself to those guys.”


(indystar.com)

Regardless of how you may personally feel about homosexuality and homosexuals in general, the reality is we are living in very transformative times.
The right to be openly and proudly gay has always been inalienable. The greater U.S. population accepting that right is a different story. In recent years however, more and more people have grown to accept openly gay individuals as colleagues, friends, and family members.

With the historic news released on Monday that current NBA player Jason Collins is gay, having openly admitted his sexual orientation to Sports Illustrated, a firestorm of debate has erupted across all media. In general, most people working in media, or working as high-level executives in leagues like the NFL and the NHL, have come out in support of Collins. Several professional athletes have also expressed their support as well.

One of those pro athletes that's in Collins' corner: Colts veteran wide receiver Reggie Wayne. When asked about Collins' decision to come out by an ESPN producer, Wayne responded (via Tom James' Twitter handle):

Wayne was asked about Jason Collins. Says that doesn't know him but supports his decision. Says it wouldnt be a problem in Colts locker room

On a personal note, it's outstanding to see a veteran NFL star like Wayne come out in support of Collin's decision. It's also great to hear him say that if one of his teammates were gay, the team would have no issue.

Leadership, folks.

Open-minded, all-inclusive leadership.

Also, it just makes good common sense.

I mean, forget how you feel personally for a moment: Do we fans honestly care if someone on the Colts roster is gay? As long as the guy can tackle, sack, punt, kick, catch, run, and/or throw, who cares who he likes to sleep with in his spare time?

None of my business. None of anyone's.

Also, if someone like Wayne is saying that a gay teammate wouldn't be a problem in the Colts locker room, that's a not-so-subtle message to anyone who would have a problem with it to basically STFU.

If you want me to explain why it's such a big deal for an active player like Collins to openly come out, I can only offer this: For years, I've watched close friends and family members privately express fear to me that if their loved ones or employers found out they were gay, they'd be retaliated against. For someone of my upbringing, I always found it disgusting that anyone would attack someone else simply for being gay, or black, or a woman, or a gay black woman.

With Collins admitting his sexual orientation, and with professional athletes like Wayne publicly supporting that decision, it makes it that much harder for bigots and homophobes to retaliate against people simply for being what they are.

In my mind, I call that progress.

Reggie Wayne was always high on my "Greatest Colts Of All Time" list. He just went up another notch.


(stampedeblue.com)

INDIANAPOLIS--Reggie Wayne’s message for the newest member of the Colts receiving corps was succinct.

Three words were all that was needed for Darrius Hewyard-Bey’s ears to perk up.

“Come to work,” the 13-year Colts receiver said to Heyward-Bey.

Heyward-Bey has watched Wayne from afar since entering the league in 2009 and now he gets a first-hand look of what it takes to become a Pro Bowl receiver.
“I know he’s going to be that vet that’s going to lead the way in our receiver room and I’m just going to watch and try to (take) it all in,” Heyward-Bey said of Wayne on The Last Word.

Along with getting the opportunity to be under the tutelage of Wayne, Heyward-Bey is joining a team that is used to the postseason.

In Heyward-Bey’s four seasons in Oakland, the Raiders did not finish over .500. The electric receiver is hoping the move to Indianapolis increases the chance to reach the game’s highest peak.

“The only frustrating part was not going to the playoffs,” Heyward-Bey said of his time in Oakland. “Every player in this league wants to win the Super Bowl. The only way you get a chance to get there is to get into the tournament.”

This offseason was Heyward-Bey’s first experience as an NFL free agent.

The five-year NFL veteran compared the process to being recruited out of high school and after evaluating the pros and cons, the Horseshoe outweighed the competition.

“You definitely want to feel wanted in this process,” Heyward-Bey said. “It felt good but I understand that I still have to go to work and I need to get better each and every day.”

“My confidence will carry me through the spring training, training camp and I’m looking forward to the season. I know that we’ve got one goal and that’s to win a Super Bowl and that’s all I need.”


(colts.com)

Reggie Wayne exuded maturity when he walked into the St. Regis Resort Ballroom on Saturday night. Accompanied by his family and holding one of his young sons, Wayne didn't look like a receiver who had caught 106 passes for 1,355 yards this past season. He looked like a regular dad.

The Athletes First Classic, a charity event hosted by David Dunn's powerhouse agency Athletes First, honored Wayne, the six-time Pro Bowler, and local philanthropist Stephanie Argyos, raising more than $1 million for the Orangewood Children's Foundation in the process.

With behemoths like Ray Lewis, Clay Matthews, Von Miller, Nate Solder and Terrence Cody in attendance, the thing that stood out most about Wayne was his relatively normal stature at 6-0 and 198 pounds. At 34, he's coming off one of his most prolific seasons, which made it fitting that the young quarterback who helped him bounce back, Andrew Luck, was the one to present Wayne with the award.

When asked to describe Wayne's game, many of his colleagues praised his consistency. Considering he's only had one season below 1,000 receiving yards since 2004 (two years ago when he caught for 960), Wayne's mastery of the wide receiver position continues to set the bar high for young receivers such as Ryan Broyles, Michael Floyd and USC standout Robert Woods, all of whom were in attendance.

Fox Sports' Jay Glazer served as Master of Ceremonies while veterans Matt Schaub and Chris Cooley, up-and-comers Doug Martin and Shane Vereen, as well as prospects Woods, TJ McDonald, and Mike Glennon, attended the gala in support of Irvine-based Athletes First's charity event.

"Our mission with Athletes First is that we put the athletes first," Athletes First president Brian Murphy said. "You're not just helping the athletes on the field, but as people. One way is to give back to the community, using your resources to make a difference in the world. We started the Classic to give back ... Charity is really high on our list and it's important to us. It's part of our joy to help."

The night was a rousing success, not only for the Orangewood Foundation, which will use the seven figures worth of donations to help Orange County-based children in the foster care system, but for Wayne as well.

Consistency often goes overlooked in professional sports, but for Wayne, the night was a toast to reliability. The future Hall-of-Famer won't let that go to his head though, as he's got bigger fish to fry. Like getting his team back to the playoffs and getting his kids to crash after a raucous night.

Here is what some of the attendees had to say when asked for a short and sweet description of Wayne.

Ryan Mallet: "Consistent. He's a playmaker."

Joseph Fauria: "Beast."

Mike Glennon: "I can't think of one word. When I think of Reggie Wayne, I just think of Peyton Manning throwing touchdowns to him."

Chris Cooley: "Dependable."

Robert Woods: "I've been studying him and Marvin Harrison on tape for a long time, and he's just a great route-runner, great hips, and someone I strive to be like in the NFL."

Nate Solder: "Dependable."


(thepostgame.com)

This past weekend at the Super Bowl, Colts WR Reggie Wayne got the sparks flying as he asks local couples to pucker up for a live national social experiment all about the kiss!

Research shows that people are kissing less than ever and that 1 out of 3 women have avoided kissing a guy because he had facial hair. With Valentine’s Day on the horizon and signs showing that the kiss may be on the decline, Gillette is asking couples across America to help determine if stubble could be the trouble.

This past weekend, couples in New Orleans were invited to participate in a Kiss + Tell live experiment in-person. Men arrives stubbled, first conducting an introductory interview, then kissed with stubble.

Men then shaves and the couple will kiss again. A short follow-up survey was then conducted to determine which is truly more kissable. Anyone unable to attend in-person can conduct the experiment online at KissandTellUs.com. National results will be announced on Valentine’s Day.

Here’s pics from the weekends event!




(newspress.me)

Two 1,000 yard seasons and proCane Reggie Wayne is in the top 5. If Wayne somehow gets one more 1k season after that, which might be a stretch at 36 he could finish top 2 all time in rec. yards. He would also be the only wide receiver in NFL history to do it with one team his whole career.

1.Jerry Rice+ 22,895
2.Terrell Owens 15,934
3.Randy Moss (34) 15,292
4.Isaac Bruce 15,208
5.Tim Brown14,934
6.Marvin Harrison14,580
7.Tony Gonzalez (35) 14,268
8.James Lofton+ 14,004
9.Cris Carter 13,899
10.Henry Ellard 13,777
11.Torry Holt13,382
12.Andre Reed 13,198
13.Steve Largent+ 13,089
14.Reggie Wayne (33) 13,063

On Thursday night's "Parks and Recreation," some Indianapolis Colts showed up to make a character's dream come true. Andy Dwyer, as played by Chris Pratt, never had a bachelor party before his wedding (for which he wore a Reggie Wayne jersey.) Jim Irsay, Andrew Luck and Wayne show up at Lucas Oil Field to give Dwyer the best bachelor party ever.

Though Luck and Irsay did a good job, it was Wayne who stole the show as he told Dwyer it was a little weird to get married in a Colts jersey. If you're a Colts fan, this is a good reason to start watching "Parks and Rec." (If you're not a Colts fan, you should still be watching "Parks and Rec." It's a great show.)

(bleacherreport.com)

Did Reggie Wayne get a fair shake from the Associated Press panel of 50 voters who pick the NFL All-Pro Team?

It’s easy to rant and rave and say no.

Detroit’s Calvin Johnson and Chicago’s Brandon Marshall are the first-teamers, with Cincinnati’s A.J. Green and Andre Johnson on the second team.

Calvin Johnson got 49 votes, one short of being unanimous. Marshall got 23, Green 16.5 and Andre Johnson 8.5. Having anything less than that and having zero amount to the same thing, really.

Demaryius Thomas of Denver, Wes Welker of New England and Julio Jones of Atlanta each got one vote.

Calvin Johnson is an automatic here, with a new single-season receiving yardage record of 1,964. Andre Johnson and Brandon Marshall have strong numbers though I think Johnson’s were more meaningful as they came in an offense that was ranked much higher than Chicago’s. (I know you can flip that, it’s a matter of perspective I suppose.)

Receiver	Team	Rec	Yards	Avg	TDs
C.Johnson	DET	122	1,964	16.1	5
A.Johnson	HOU	112	1,598	14.3	4
Marshall	CHI	118	1,508	12.8	11
Thomas	DEN	94	1,434	15.3	10
Wayne	IND	106	1,355	12.8	5
Welker	NE	118	1,354	11.5	6
Green	CIN	97	1,350	13.9	11
Jones	ATL	79	1,198	15.2	10

Wayne had both a “low” yards per catch and a “low” touchdown total. I’m sure that’s what hurt him even as he was third in the league to Marshall and Calvin Johnson on third down with 31 catches and his third-down average (14.5) was well up from his overall average.

He was uncanny in the leadership department for a young team that has no business winning 11 games and going to the playoffs. He was a fantastic target for Andrew Luck in his rookie season. He led the way for a team that lost its head coach to a fight against leukemia for most of the year.

But most of that qualifies as intangible. Looking at the voting, panelists didn’t seem to score those sorts of things very highly.

Nothing screams unreasonable in the way things came out, though I can understand the disappointment in Indianapolis as different results would have been fair, too.

While Andre Johnson wound up a second-team choice here, two of his teammates are on the first team: J.J. Watt was a unanimous choice at defensive end while Duane Brown is one of the tackles.


(espn.com)

The Baltimore Ravens' 24-9 wild-card win over the Indianapolis Colts ultimately might best be remembered as "The Ray Lewis Retirement Extravaganza."

There was the emotional pregame "squirrel dance." That bear hug with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. Numerous tributes on the in-stadium screens. A postgame victory lap.

But when Lewis brought back the "squirrel" after lining up in the backfield on the Ravens' final play Sunday, Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne had seen enough.

"I saw it as disrespectful," Wayne said Monday on WNDE-AM in Indianapolis. "They'd already had a tribute every quarter."

We could see how the spectacle surrounding Lewis would become tiresome for a Colts team that traveled to Baltimore solely to keep its season alive. Instead, they became a supporting act to a day about Ray.


(nfl.com)

Jerry Rice is the greatest wide receiver, ever. For a time, it looked as if Colts receiver Marvin Harrison could break or tie some of Rice's long-standing records. However, a knee injury in 2007 robbed Harrison of his signature speed, and two years later he was out of football after 13 years in the league. One area where Marvin always seemed to struggle was post-season play. He had 65 catches for 883 yards and two touchdowns in the playoffs during his long career.

The man who spent 8 of those 13 years playing second-fiddle to Marvin was Reggie Wayne. Today, Wayne is the mentor, working with young receivers much the same way Marvin worked with him. Unlike Harrison, Wayne has had some of his biggest moments in the post-season, and Sunday's 9-catch, 114 yard performance only added to his legacy.

One of Jerry Rice's most amazing accomplishments are his 151 catches in his 29 career playoff games. Th tops, all-time in the post-season. No. 2 on that list? Reggie Wayne.

Per Michael David Smith of PFT, Wayne's 9 catches Sunday put him ahead of the Cowboys receiver Michael Irvin and Steelers wideout Hines Ward, into second place on the all-time in the playoffs with 92 grabs in 18 playoff games.

It goes without saying, but we'll say it anyway, Reggie Wayne is amazing.


(stampedeblue.com)

INDIANAPOLIS — Reggie Wayne has an emphatic message for his Colts teammates. He’s got bigger plans.

Less than 12 months after taking less money to play for a team in major rebuilding mode and then leading it back to the playoffs as he had promised, Wayne has started concocting all sorts of grand possibilities in his mind.

‘‘If all goes well, if my dreams are correct, I won’t be playing in this [Pro Bowl] game. I have a bigger game to play in and my dreams normally come true,’’ Wayne said with a chuckle after earning his sixth Pro Bowl selection. ‘‘Let’s hope that this one is headed in that direction.’’

Clearly, the Colts needed Wayne’s presence this season and not just because of his skills on the field.

‘Reggie really is the leader of the offense. Everything he does helps us out. He sets a great example for all the young, new guys that are on the team.’

He showed this young, unproven offense what it takes to excel in the NFL, how to stick around a while, and what it means to play this game with purpose and passion. The results have been nothing short of remarkable.

Quarterback Andrew Luck set NFL rookie records for most yards passing and most attempts. He tied the NFL season mark for game-winning fourth-quarter drives, broke Peyton Manning’s franchise rookie mark for completions, set a new Colts record for rushing TDs by a quarterback, and presided over a historic turnaround.

Indy’s rookies also combined for 3,108 yards rushing and receiving, the most of any team since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger, according to STATS LLC.

And at age 34, Wayne gave no indication he was slowing down. The New Orleans native hauled in 106 receptions for 1,355 yards — the second-best marks of his career — and tied Marvin Harrison for the franchise’s most 1,000-yard seasons (eight). He moved into the top 10 on the NFL’s reception list (968), the top 15 in yards receiving (13,063), and broke the NFL record for most consecutive games with three or more catches (64), all while putting football into perspective for these rookies.

‘‘Reggie really is the leader of the offense,’’ Luck said. ‘‘Everything he does helps us out. He sets a great example for all the young, new guys that are on the team — myself included — and he is a lot of fun to throw the ball to.’’

When it comes to work, though, Wayne is all business.

During the first week of training camp, he hung around after practice in the blazing sun to catch balls from the Jugs machine. He started by himself. Each day, though, the crowd increased and within days, seemingly every receiver on the team was waiting behind one of the NFL’s top receivers.

That didn’t change when the Colts returned to their team complex.

‘‘You know his professionalism, I think that’s big especially with the young group on that side of the ball,’’ safety Antoine Bethea said when asked what Wayne’s most important contribution has been. ‘‘Just showing them how to be a professional, how to be a pro . . . You see him in the weight room, but you’d never know anything is wrong with him because he’s out there every day on the practice field and you can count on him every Sunday.’’

But it almost didn’t work out.

Two days before Indy’s miserable 2-14 season ended in 2011 and about to become an unrestricted free agent, Wayne packed up his locker, took down his nameplate, and spoke somberly to reporters as if his career in Indy was about to end.

The Colts did send many of Wayne’s longtime teammates — including Manning, running back Joseph Addai, and tight end Dallas Clark — packing in March. Some signed free agent contracts with other teams, and most figured that with Indianapolis going young and trying to shed big-dollar contracts, Wayne would go somewhere else, too.

That’s when new coach Chuck Pagano, who befriended Wayne when the two were at the University of Miami, made a personal request.

‘‘Basically I told him, I said I don’t want to do this without you,’’ Pagano said. ‘‘I said, ‘If we’re going to get this thing done and move forward and get back to the winning ways that this organization and certainly our fans in the community are used to, we need you back. I want to do this with you. We all want you back.’ ’’

After reflecting on Pagano’s words, Wayne turned down more money from other teams and re-signed with the Colts for three years and $17.5 million so he could help the franchise reestablish itself as a Super Bowl contender.

‘‘This is the journey that all teams want to take,’’ Wayne said. ‘‘This is the approach that we wanted. We wanted to give ourselves a chance.’’


(bostonglobe.com)

He wore orange gloves that day. He was on a mission. His coach, Chuck Pagano, had been hospitalized days earlier for treatment of life-threatening leukemia. Reggie Wayne was determined to seize the moment, the game, in those orange gloves.

Again and again they flicked out, sudden as a snake's strike. Wayne's is a distinctive style; the Indianapolis Colts wide receiver hides his hands until the final fraction of a second lest they betray to the defender the football's arrival and location.

The defender much of that memorable early October afternoon was Green Bay Packers cornerback Charles Woodson, a future Pro Football Hall of Fame member, and he frequently had double-team help.

No matter. Nothing mattered. Those orange gloves, representative of leukemia awareness, stabbed five passes for 64 yards on the 80-yard touchdown drive that won the game 30-27 with 35 seconds to play.

Where do you go when the air is so thick with tension even the home crowd can't spit? On third-and-9, Andrew Luck went to Wayne for 15 yards. On third-and-12, to Wayne for 15 more. On first-and-goal, one last time, Luck to Wayne, who snatched the football with three defenders converging, twisted, stretched and extended it across the goal line for the 4-yard game-winner.

The sellout crowd of 67,020 gasped, roared, then chanted: "Reggie, Reggie, Reggie, Reggie."

Wayne caught 13 passes for 212 yards. The game ball went to the hospital, to Pagano. The "mojo" the now-in-remission coach likes to talk about, to the Colts. That day began the 10-3 run that has delivered an 11-5 season.

"Big moments, he controls them," Luck said of Wayne. "He's going to make the catch. He's going to make the play. He's going to get the first down, the touchdown, whatever you need."

At 34, Wayne has had one of the finest of his 12 much-decorated seasons: 106 catches, 1,355 receiving yards, five touchdowns and a sixth Pro Bowl trip, but the numbers, pretty as they are, scarcely hint at his impact, his value.

"He is the heart and soul and leader of the offense," Colts offensive coordinator Bruce Arians said. "Andrew will take that torch one day, but right now it's definitely Reggie's."

Happy homecoming
It almost didn't happen.

Wayne's contract expired after the Colts 2-14 2011 season. He received no indication of interest from the team, so he packed his gear and the mementoes of 11 mostly gilded seasons and shipped them home to Miami.

It wasn't until Jan. 25, the day Pagano was hired and Wayne called to congratulate his old friend from the University of Miami, that the Colts made an appeal.
"First thing Chuck tells me," Wayne recalled, "he says, 'Thanks, Reg, but you know what? I can't do it without you.' "

There were other offers come March and that opening night of free agency, and they were more lucrative. Wayne said he walked away from millions. He followed his heart. He came home.

Wayne signed a three-year, $17.5 million contract. He pronounced himself a "Colt for life" and went straight to work.

As the seasons have progressed and the hits and mileage on Wayne's legs accumulated, he has begun the rigorous days of his offseason earlier each year.
They began at 5:30 a.m. last summer, but he was up at 4:30 for the 40-minute drive to the UM.

"When you're rolling over and snoring, I'm out there on the field," said Wayne, who goes back to 1997 with Pagano, when Wayne was a Miami player and Pagano a Hurricanes assistant coach. "When you wake up and get ready to work out, I'm back home, taking my nap or playing with my kids."

When Luck and Colts wide receivers Donnie Avery and Griff Whalen visited Miami in July to work on routes and timing, Wayne didn't deviate. His teammates arrived about 8 a.m.

"By the time they got there, I had finished my personal workout," Wayne said.

Don't think that went unnoticed. That's where to plumb the depth and value of Wayne's most vital contributions.

Ask the heart and soul of the defense about the heart and soul of the offense. Ask 10th-year outside linebacker Robert Mathis.

"He's more a show-you guy than a tell-you guy," said Mathis, who is cut from the same timber. "He's, 'Follow me. I'll show you.'

"He's that guy."

The Colts have followed, particularly the five rookies who have played so critical a role on offense: Luck, tight end Dwayne Allen, wide receiver T.Y. Hilton, tight end Coby Fleener and running back Vick Ballard.

Or don’t ask. Observe. Watch him do all those things. Watch him block safeties and 250-pound SAM linebackers along the line of scrimmage in the most productive Colts running game since 2007.

It’s a new dimension for him, one he accepted readily. He calls himself the Colts’ honorary fullback.

"It's every day, whether it's catching balls before practice or catching balls after practice," Allen said. "I watch Reggie. I just want to work as hard as him."

Wayne answers the questions. He feels the eyes. He knows this young and star-kissed team needs more than Pro Bowl playmaking.

He knows he has become and must conduct himself as -- he struggles for the term -- "a cornerstone."

"You hear that, but this is the first time I'm actually experiencing it," he said. "I know I've got a million eyes on me. I've got to show them, this is what it is. I got to go full speed.

"And I think that's what's kind of fueled a little bit of this year. I've got to lead the way."

Setting the agenda, loudly
Wayne is a warm and engaging teammate. He is fun, and he is funny.

But there is a taciturn aspect. He is comfortable alone and at ease in silence. While he commands the receivers meeting room, he does so quietly.

"He likes to sit by himself," said Hilton, Wayne's relentless interrogator. "He'll be in back. I'll be in front."

Leading the way has come naturally enough. Wayne has done the same things the same way he has for a dozen years, for most all his football life.

The talking, and on occasion the shouting, have been another matter. When it has been necessary for the Colts to raise their level, Wayne has raised his voice.

"He's talked more this year than he had in all the 11 previous years and it's helped our team in every way," Mathis said.

"At halftime (of the Green Bay game), he kind of jumped the whole team for not being up to the challenge.

"We responded."

How could they not?

Wayne caught six passes for 104 yards during the first half that day but the Colts trailed 21-3. He shouted. He cajoled. He challenged. Then he caught seven more passes for another 108 yards over the final 30 minutes.

His teammates followed his voice and his lead. They came back that afternoon and they have continually come back this season.

"The best time here was winning the Super Bowl (following the 2006 season)," Wayne said. "That's it. But at the same time, this year is right up there with it.

"Guys have just been a team, locked in, enjoying each other. This has been the happiest locker room of my 12 years here. It's been fun, man. These young guys, they keep me laughing."

The Colts journey to Baltimore on Sunday for the wildest of wild card games: from 2-14 to 11-5.

Ask Wayne's young teammates if they would be there without him.

"No," said Hilton.

"No," said Allen.

"Absolutely not," said Luck, who paused, then added, "I guess I don't know, but everything in me says no."

The Colts play for their season Sunday. Wayne's hands will flicker and strike, and if necessary, he will raise his voice.

Luck calls him the "bell cow."

Arians calls him the "pied piper."

Pagano calls him a "pillar guy."

The home crowd calls him, "Reggie, Reggie, Reggie . . . "

You consider his eminent career and this so splendid season on so many levels. They're all right.


(indystar.com)

Considering how things have turned out, Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne never gives his decision to re-up with the team that drafted him a second thought.

But that doesn't mean he didn't at least fantasize about a college reunion.

Imagine, Wayne and Andre Johnson, former teammates at the University of Miami, working out of the same huddle instead of once again working off opposing sidelines this afternoon at Lucas Oil Stadium.

"It would have been cool," said Wayne, a driving force behind the Colts' dramatic rags-to-riches season. "We joked about it all offseason, man."

Wayne's contract expired at the end of the very forgettable 2-14 season. Free agency loomed, and the Colts had given him no indication he would be part of what appeared to be a very uncertain future.

The dialogue between Wayne and Johnson was constant. So was the topic.

"He asked me, 'What's going on in your camp?' " Wayne said. "I was like, 'Nothing. I have no idea.'

"He joked that it could be like old times. 'I need some help over here.' "

Wayne's response always was the same.

"You know my number."

Wayne admits he had a few solid offers and said he "left a few million dollars on the table" when he accepted the Colts' three-year, $17.5 million offer in mid-March.

He steadfastly refuses to divulge the suitors, but Johnson indicated Wayne had an interest in a relocation to Houston.

"Here was one of the places that he actually wanted to come," Johnson said. "I was hoping that I would get a chance to be able to play with him again. Unfortunately, it didn't go that way."

One of the reasons Wayne re-signed with the Colts was the arrival of Chuck Pagano as head coach. Pagano was an assistant coach at Miami when Wayne was developing into a first-round draft pick. And it was Pagano who recruited Johnson to "The U."

In retrospect, Wayne and Johnson realize Wayne made the appropriate decision.

"Even as we joke about it now, he tells me, 'You made the right decision,' " Wayne said. "I feel like I did, too. But it's good to think about the 'What ifs?' "

Added Johnson: "He started there, he's had a great career there. I'm just happy he's there playing at a high level even though he's been doing it for 12 seasons."


(indystar.com)

Six Miami Hurricanes were among those named to the 2013 Pro Bowl, announced by the National Football League offices Wednesday.

With its six selections, Miami tied Tennessee for the lead among all universities nationwide.

Andre Johnson (Houston Texans) and Reggie Wayne (Indianapolis Colts) were two of the four AFC selections at wide receiver. The veteran proCanes wideouts, who each earned their sixth Pro Bowl nod, have played pivotal roles for their respective teams through Week 16, combining for over 200 catches and 2,700 yards. Johnson ranks first in the conference with 1,457 receiving yards, while Wayne ranks second in the AFC with 102 receptions.

Johnson's teammate Chris Myers earned his second Pro Bowl selection when he was named the AFC's back-up center. The former sixth-round draft pick was also named to the Pro Bowl in 2011.

Two of the league's best defenders, Baltimore Ravens' safety Ed Reed and New England Patriots' nose tackle Vince Wilfork, were among those selected as starters. Reed earned his ninth trip in 11 professional seasons, while Wilfork was selected to his fifth-career Pro Bowl.

San Francisco 49ers' running back Frank Gore, who recently marked his team-record sixth 1,000-yard season, was the lone proCane NFC selection. The four-time Pro Bowler has rushed for 1,146 yards this season.


(hurricanesports.com)

Co-Offensive Players of the Week:

Reggie Wayne: proCane Colts WR Reggie Wayne caught five catches and scored the game-winning touchdown in the fourth quarter with a little over four minutes to play to help seal an unexpected playoff berth for a young Colts team. Wayne helped Luck break the single-season rookie passing record Sunday, ranks sixth in the NFL with 1,315 yards and fifth in receptions with 102. Wayne extended his NFL record 63 game streak of having 3 or more receptions.

Andre Johnson: proCane Texans WR Andre Johnson recorded his 800th career reception in Sunday's loss to Minnesota, reaching the impressive milestone in the second-fewest games of any player in league history (Marvin Harrison). The 10th-year wide receiver built on another terrific season with a seven-catch performance, eclipsing the 100-catch plateau for the fourth time in his career. The Miami, Fla., native, who has the fourth-most catches of any active player, now ranks third in the NFL with 1,457 receiving yards and fifth with 100 receptions. Johnson finished the game with 7 catches for 97 yards.

Lamar Miller: proCane Dolphins RB Lamar Miller in his first chance at extended play for Miami this season didn’t disappoint. Miller rushed 10 times for 73 yards in Sunday's win over the Bills, leading the Dolphins in rushing. Miller is getting an extended look with Daniel Thomas out for the season, and showed big-play ability while filling in for Reggie Bush. He should go into the offseason no worse than second on the running back depth chart, and could be considered for a starting role if Bush doesn't re-sign.

Honorable Mention: Santana Moss, WR Redskins.

Defensive Players of Week:

Sam Shields: proCane Packers DB Sam Shields continued his stellar play after returning from injury three weeks ago. Shields had 1 tackle, 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss, 1 pass deflection and 1 interception in Packers blowout victory over the Titans. Since his return Dec. 9 from an ankle injury, Shields has two interceptions in three games, his first sack in nearly two years and seven passes defensed, just a few stats to tell of his big hits, inseparable coverage and feisty nature in no man's land.
Honorable Mention: Calais Campbell, DE Cardinals.

Special Teams Player of the Week:

Matt Bosher: proCane Falcons P Matt Bosher continued his great 2nd season with four punts in Week 16. Bosher’s four punts totaled 167 yards with a long of 47 yards, and average of 41.8 yards and two punts were downed inside the 20-yard line.

To a lot of outsiders, Reggie Wayne’s decision to return to Indianapolis looked like one that would lead the 34-year-old receiver to embark on a rebuilding project with the team that drafted him.

That’s not how things turned out, of course. Guided by No. 1 overall draft pick Andrew Luck, Wayne’s Colts orchestrated another 10-win season and are back in the playoffs after a one-year hiatus.

But when Wayne was making that decision, Texans receiver Andre Johnson was really hoping his old college teammate would join him.

“Here was one of the places that he actually wanted to come,” Johnson said. “I was hoping that I would get a chance to be able to play with him again. Unfortunately, it didn’t go that way.”

At Miami, Wayne took Johnson under his wing and mentored him in the transition to college football.

Johnson figures part of why Wayne didn’t leave Indianapolis is his familiarity with Colts coach Chuck Pagano, who was the defensive backs coach at Miami from 1995 to 2000. Pagano recruited Johnson to the school.

Ultimately, as a guy who values loyalty, Johnson thinks Wayne made the right decision.

“He started there, he’s had a great career there,” Johnson said. “I’m just happy he’s there playing at a high level even though he’s been doing it for 12 seasons.”


(chron.com)

Whether they win or lose against Houston on Sunday, the Colts will be the fifth seed in the AFC when the playoffs get underway.

Given that, there’s a question about whether or not the Colts should rest some of their key players in the final game of the regular season. With coach Chuck Pagano handling different questions upon his return to work on Monday, it was up to wide receiver Reggie Wayne to handle queries about the Colts’ approach to the game. Although Wayne spent many years on a team run by Bill Polian, who never met a starter he didn’t want to rest in the final weeks, Wayne isn’t in favor of treating Week 17 any differently than the previous 16.

“We’re too young to rest,” Wayne said, via the Indianapolis Star. “We probably need to put everybody out there and have them continue to play. I don’t think we can afford (to rest). I can’t speak for everybody, but I’m built to play.”

The Colts have never lost to the Texans at home, a streak they can keep alive with a win on Sunday. How much that really impacts things is unclear, but psychological points couldn’t hurt as the Colts and Texans look like the class for the AFC South for at least one more season as the Jaguars and Titans try to put themselves back together. They could score more points at their divisional rival’s expense by knocking them down to the third seed, taking away the bye that seemed like a done deal for Houston just a few weeks ago.


(profootballtalk.com)

INDIANAPOLIS – Chuck Pagano returned as Indianapolis Colts coach today, fighting back tears in a news conference as he thanked all those who helped him through his battle with leukemia.

Pagano met with the team at 10 a.m. Monday, then talked and took questions from reporters Monday afternoon.

Pagano expressed appreciation to his family, the organization, his coaches, fans and media. He said he couldn't think of a better city or franchise.

“It's really overwhelming,” he said. “The whole thing was overwhelming and very humbling. … As I said in the locker room, this team has chosen to live in a vision and not in circumstances. My job as head football coach is just beginning all over again.”

Pagano will resume his duties as coach immediately, with interim coach Bruce Arians returning to his role as offensive coordinator. Arians and other coaches attended the news conference, as did players Reggie Wayne, Cory Redding and Tom Zbikowski.

“I know exactly why I'm here now,” Pagano said. “This is the place you'd want to be, starting with the owner on down. These are the finest people I've ever been around and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Wayne talks about Pagano's return in the accompanying video.


(new-sentinel.com)

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - An additional charge has been added to a man arrested after Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne’s car went missing over the weekend.

Gunner Belcher is now charged with auto theft in addition to operating while intoxicated and operating with a BAC between .08 and .15, according to court documents.

Belcher was pulled over by police after Wayne discovered his Bentley had disappeared from the Westin hotel in Indianapolis.

WISH-TV originally reported that charges against Belcher had been dropped. His case was simply dropped in one court and re-filed in another.


(wishtv.com)

It took Reggie Wayne four years to arrive. For a while, it looked as though the Colts’ 2001 first-round pick might be a bust. He caught just 76 passes in his first two seasons combined, in part because in those years the Colts were throwing more to their backs and tight ends. But in 2004, Wayne emerged as the team’s home run threat with 12 touchdowns, and for five seasons he and Marvin Harrison made up the league’s most dangerous receiving duo.

When Harrison left the game prior to the 2009 season, many predicted Wayne would experience a drop-off in production; he didn’t. When Peyton Manning was forced to sit out the 2011 season with an injury, many said Wayne would not be the same player, but he held up fine. The slow-to-arrive wideout has put together very strong numbers for his career, and this season might be his best to date. Because he has been consistent for more than a decade now his biggest supporters are setting him up for a run at Canton. Here is his résumé stacks up …

Statistics: Counting this year, Wayne has eight 1,000-yard seasons and should reach the 13,000-yard mark this weekend. He is 44 catches shy of reaching 1,000; at present, there are only eight members in that club, although only one (Jerry Rice) is in the Hall of Fame. Wayne set a single-game best for receiving in 2012 with a 212-yard game against the Packers and could become the first player to reach 200 targets in a season (statisticians began tracking targets in 2006).

Success: Wayne has been a part of 10 winning seasons during his 12-year career. Credit Manning for that more than anyone else, but Wayne was certainly one of the Colts’ key players in that long run of success. Wayne’s 53-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter of Super Bowl XLI helped swing the game back to Indianapolis, helping him and his teammates claim a ring.

Accolades: This is the area where Wayne’s candidacy is weakest, perhaps. He has been voted to five Pro Bowls (likely a sixth after this year) and has made the All-Pro team only once. He has led the league in receiving yards only once (2007), never in catches or touchdowns. Other than that, Wayne’s career lacks highlights. He’s been a steady producer, but someone lacking the big moments and seasons that help a Hall of Fame candidate stand out.
HOF comparison: John Stallworth

Both Stallworth and Wayne have had to live in the shadow of a more popular teammate (Lynn Swann for Stallworth, Harrison for Wayne) but arguments could be made that Stallworth and Wayne were the better all-around receivers. Stallworth also aged well, like Wayne; his finest year came in his 11th season (1984) when the Steelers legend set personal bests in catches (80), yards (1,395) and touchdowns (11).

Intangibles: One thing that will help Wayne’s candidacy is that his numbers have not dropped off much these past two years without Manning under center. His early critics credited Manning for much of Wayne’s success, but the fact the Wayne had 75 catches for a two-win team in 2011, and that he might set personal bests with a rookie quarterback this year suggests those critics were wrong. Wayne’s candidacy also might be helped by his durability — he hasn’t missed a start since entering the lineup full time in his third season — and his longevity. At 34 he has shown no signs of decline.

First-ballot candidate: No

HOF probability: 60 percent

Same as is true with quarterback, the requirements wide receivers must satisfy to enter Canton will change in the coming years. There is so much passing, and so many 80-catch wide receivers that the standards once used to separate the very good from the elite no longer apply. Even so, by the time Wayne becomes eligible, having 1,000 catches and more than 13,000 yards still will carry plenty of weight in the minds of voters.

Wayne is not a first-ballot candidate, and probably will need to be patient; in recent years players like Cris Carter, Tim Brown and Andre Reed have been forced to wait, and all three probably had better careers than Wayne.


(profootballweekly.com)

Offensive Player of the Week:

Reggie Wayne: proCane Colts WR Reggie Wayne caught six passes for 64 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's Week 14, 27-23 win over the Titans. Wayne was targeted 10 times on the afternoon and caught his touchdown pass from four yards out to get the Colts on the board in the first quarter. Wayne extended his NFL record 61 game streak of having 3 or more receptions.

Honorable Mention: Greg Olsen

Co-Defensive Players of Week:

Sam Shields: proCane Packers DB Sam Shields in his first game back from a high-ankle sprain that kept him out nearly two months regained his old spot by the second quarter. Shields returned with four tackles and an interception in Sunday's win over the Lions. Shields was targeted 5 times and only allowed one completion.

Antrel Rolle: proCane New York Giants DB Antrel Rolle recorded a fumble recovery and forced fumble on successive drives, adding in six tackles in a stout defensive performance. Through Week 14, Rolle ranks first on the team in solo tackles (61) and second on the team in total tackles (79).
Honorable Mention: Vince Wilfork DL New England Patriots finished the game with 4 tackles, 1 pass deflection, 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss and numerous plays that don’t show up on the stat sheet.

Special Teams Player of the Week:

Travis Benjamin: proCane Browns WR Travis Benjamin proved to provide the momentum the Browns needed to run away with their 30-7 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. Benjamin turned in a record-setting punt return when he ran 93 yards for a touchdown to open the second quarter. It was Benjamin’s first NFL punt return for a TD which also earned him AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors. Benjamin's touchdown was the first on a punt return for a Cleveland rookie since 1967, and the first for any returner not named Josh Cribbs since 2005. Adding the longest punt return in franchise history to his resume, the Belle Glade, Fla., native now has over 400 all-purpose yards in his first season, including 296 on punt and kick returns.

Indianapolis police say a hotel valet stole Reggie Wayne's white 2007 Bentley on Saturday night and went for a joyride.

Instead of returning the car on time and forcing Ferris Bueller Wayne to go back to Cameron's dad's house to try to reverse the mileage, the valet was arrested by police after he was found stopped in the middle of the street with "glassy eyes and slurred speech."

It was later discovered that a hotel security guard says he saw a person matching the description of valet Gunner Belcher, 21, leave with the Bentley around 9:45 p.m.

A police report says the joyrider told police he was a "cousin by marriage" to Wayne, presumably because that sounded more plausible than "I got lost trying to find a parking spot for his car."

Fox59 reports police booked Belcher on charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated, failure to wear a seat belt and failure to carry registration.

No one at the hotel realized Wayne's car was missing until the wide receiver showed up Sunday morning trying to retrieve it. It was only then that the connection between the 2 a.m. arrest and the hotel valet was made. Police eventually returned the car to Wayne.

If Wayne was fazed, he didn't show it. He caught six balls for 64 yards and a touchdown in Indy's 27-23 win over the Tennessee Titans. Then he sang "Twist and Shout" at a parade.


(usatoday.com)

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Police arrested a man who they say stole and drove drunk in Reggie Wayne's Bentley.

Saturday night, Police stopped an intoxicated driver in the 300 block of South Meridian. When police stopped the man driving a Bentley, he tried to stop in the middle of the road. An officer noticed the man was not wearing a seat belt and was talking on the phone while driving.

According to a police report, the man smelled of alcohol, had glassy eyes slurred speech. The man failed multiple sobriety tests and was identified at Gunner Belcher. Belcher also told police he was Reggie Wayne's "cousin by marriage."

Belcher was taken into custody and charged with an OWI, not wearing a seat belt, and failure to carry registration.

The next morning, Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne attempted to pick up his Bentley from the Westin Hotel when he was informed that valet staff had no idea where the Bentley was.

A garage security officer told police that he had seen a white male, about 6 feet tall wearing a valet uniform take the vehicle out of the garage late Saturday night. Hotel employees identified the suspect as 21-year-old Gunner Belcher.

Hotel employees told police Belcher was released from work shortly before the vehicle was removed from the garage. Belcher failed to clock out the night of the incident.

According to a separate police report, the Bentley was returned to Reggie Wayne Sunday.


(wishtv.com)

After beating the Titans on Sunday, the Colts’ players enjoyed a day off on Monday, and Reggie Wayne used his to give back.

The star receiver hosted the 8th annual "Wishing on Stars" fundraiser Monday evening, which raises money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma society.

Wayne was joined by Mike Epps and a number of his Colts' teammates like WISH- TV analyst Anthony Castonzo and TY Hilton.

With leukemia hitting close to home for the Colts this season, Wayne has been impressed with how the city has embraced their fighting coach.

“Just the whole state of Indiana has taken him in, like he’s been here forever,” said Wayne.  “I remember when he first stepped into the locker room and had that first meeting, he just had a special halo that touched everybody.  You would think everybody knew him forever, but that’s just the type of guy he is.”


(wishtv.com)

If you're talented enough, plenty of teams will still accept diva behavior from a wide receiver.

But rattle off the league's best guys now, and they all are far more mellow than showy, including the AFC South's two best guys: Andre Johnson and Reggie Wayne. Add Calvin Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald and Wes Welker and while you might want to get your popcorn ready to watch them play, none of them will be heading to the sideline to propose to a cheerleader after scoring a touchdown.

I asked Wayne this week if the era of the diva wide receiver is over.

"I don’t know, I would assume so," he said. "Those guys you named, they are hard-working guys. They aren’t into all that diva stuff. I got kind of upset a couple of years ago, somebody put me into that category. I don’t even know what it means. As a professional football player at the receiver position, you know how much running and how much hard work it is that you have to dedicate yourself to, to be successful. Whenever you say those names that you did, I respect all of those guys. I respect everybody in this league, period. As far as the diva stuff, man, I hope it is gone. I hope you get more guys out there that like to work hard and go out there and enjoy playing football."

That thinking struck up a conversation with my colleague from Yahoo! Sports, Michael Silver on the radio this week.

He pointed out that if you're a quality receiver who's easy to have around, like Derrick Mason was, you can have a 15-year career. If you're Terrell Owens or Chad Johnson and you bring a tiresome act, those years at the end when you're more average aren't likely to get tacked onto your resume because of the hassle.

Randy Moss is getting one of those years now in San Francisco, but only because he appears to have come to an understanding of what he has to be at this stage.


(espn.com)

Offensive Player of the Week:

Greg Olsen: Carolina Panthers TE Greg Olsen who only had one catch on the day was a big one as Olsen's 47-yard score, which tied the game at 7-7 in the first quarter, was the second-longest play of his career, and his best since a 52-yard reception in 2008. Olsen ranks second on the team with 50 catches and 636 yards. He is one of two proCane tight ends with more than 600 receiving yards on the season, joining New Orleans Saints' Pro Bowler Jimmy Graham (654). Olsen this week set a new career high with 636 yard receiving this season.

Honorable Mention: Reggie Wayne: proCane Colts WR Reggie Wayne was held to four catches for 51 yards in the Colts' Week 13 win over the Lions but Wayne extended his NFL record 60 games streak of having 3 or more receptions. Wayne is on pace for 117 catches, 1,541 yards and four touchdowns heading into a matchup with the Titans in Week 14.

Co-Defensive Players of Week:

Ed Reed: proCane Ravens safety Ed Reedplayed a role in two Ravens turnovers, including a key interception in the endzone off Steelers' quarterback Charlie Batch to preserve a late fourth-quarter lead. Reed increased his lead in all-time interception return yardage to 1,541 on the play, returning to Baltimore's 34-yard line. The interception, the 61st of his career, solidified the Reed’s position at No. 10 all-time in the category. Reed also recovered a fumble in the third quarter, the 10th recovery of his career.

Brandon Harris: proCane Houston Texans second-year cornerback was expected to play a key role in Sunday's game against Tennessee - and he delivered. Seeing an increased role due to injuries to usual starters in the secondary, Harris led the team with six tackles. Harris, who drew widespread praise for his performance, was also credited with two pass defenses. Harris will continue to play a key role for the Texans defense as injuries have taken a toll on their secondary.

Honorable Mention: Darryl Sharpton.

Special Teams Player of the Week:

Matt Bosher: proCane Falcons P Matt Bosher continued his great 2nd season and firmly planted himself among the better punters in the league. His performance against the Saints may have been one of the best games of his career. His punting average of 53.2 yards was a career high and his six punts tied a season high. Of those punts four were returned but credit the coverage teams for limiting the Saints to a 15-yard return average. The Saints average starting drive position was their own 25-yard line. Bosher's 47.9 punting average this season is ranked ninth in the league. His 15 fair catches on punts is tied for fourth in the NFL.

Reggie Wayne was held to four catches for 51 yards in the Colts' Week 13 win over the Lions.

Wayne was extremely quiet as Chris Houston was in his shirt most of the day. Andrew Luck was also really erratic for 3 1/2 quarters and threw 26 passes to T.Y. Hilton and Donnie Avery. Wayne ended up with just nine targets. Still, we'd consider it a mere bump in the road. It's a season-low in both catches and yardage for Wayne. He's on pace for 117 catches, 1,541 yards and four touchdowns heading into a plus matchup with the Titans in Week 14.


(rotoworld.com)

INDIANAPOLIS — Reggie Wayne still is where it all started, where he's used to being, where he's comfortable. He's in his 12th season with the Indianapolis Colts, and together they're immersed in yet another drive to the postseason.

Some things never change.



Yet 10 months ago, Wayne had one foot out the Colts' door, ready to take his reliable hands, tireless work ethic and bulging resume somewhere else. He was a free agent, not to mention a 33-year wide receiver coming off his least productive season since 2003.

Wayne was looking, listening, considering offers. He had all but decided to sever ties with the organization that had taken him with the 30th overall pick in the 2001 draft.

"I was close. Very, very close," Wayne said.

Negotiations with one team — he steadfastly refuses to reveal its identity — had reached the point Wayne had packed an overnight bag and was preparing to leave his home in Miami for a visit when he gave the Colts a courtesy phone call.

"I promised (owner Jim) Irsay and I promised (first-year coach) Chuck (Pagano) that before I did anything, I'd give them a call," Wayne said. "I did, and I didn't walk out the door. I sat back down in my office."

The Colts offered Wayne a three-year, $17.5 million contract. The mystery team offered more. Wayne opted to remain a Colt.

"It's fair to say I left money on the table … probably a minimum of $3 million," he said.

Wayne talked with Pagano, whom he knew from when both were at the University of Miami (Fla.), and admitted he was taking a leap of faith. The old regime was gone: vice chairman Bill Polian, coach Jim Caldwell, quarterback Peyton Manning and so many others.

Wayne was one of the few holdovers.

"I knew it was going to be like this, me and a bunch of new faces," he said. "Once we released all the guys that had been here for years, I knew it was going to be weird."

But here he is, back among the NFL's receiving leaders. He's on pace for 122 receptions and 1,607 yards, which would both represent career highs.

An argument can be made Wayne deserves to be in the conversation for NFL most valuable player, certainly as the most influential Colts player. He's done it on the field, in the locker room.

And here are the Colts, heading into Sunday's game at Detroit with a 7-4 record and the tentative No. 5 seed in the AFC.

Quarterback Andrew Luck is the new face of the franchise. But he's quick to acknowledge Wayne's impact and realized Wayne's value from the outset. Of Luck's 449 pass attempts, a league-high 144 have been directed at Wayne.

They've developed a quick rapport even though Luck's academic requirements at Stanford forced him to miss the organized team activities during the offseason. He and Wayne put in extra time at the team complex when the offseason rules allowed, and they got together for a week in July near Wayne's home in Miami for additional throwing sessions.

"I called Andrew and told him, 'Use some of those frequent flyer miles and get down here,' " Wayne said.

The end result is possibly Wayne's best season and, likely, a sixth Pro Bowl selection.

"Every week he does something … 'Wow,' " Luck said. "Now it's to the point where you expect those type of things. Still, just how professional he is about everything. His work ethic, his leadership in the locker room. Everything he does is just top class.

"We all feel honored to be in his presence a little bit."

Detroit Lions coach Jim Schwartz, who dealt with Wayne on an annual basis as Tennessee Titans defensive coordinator from 2001-08, understands what Wayne means to the Colts. "He's stood the test of time," he said. "There's a lot of respect in this league for guys that are consistent and do it year-in and year-out."

From 2004-10, Wayne averaged 92 catches and 1,264 yards—and now he's on the verge of blowing away that average. Remarkable. "Reggie is having a Hall of Fame career," New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick said. "I think he's a tremendous receiver."

Wayne's high level of play is more of a resurgence than a renaissance. His streak of seven consecutive 1,000-yard seasons with Manning ended last season when Manning's neck issues forced him to miss the entire year. Wayne managed 980 yards while working with inferior quarterbacks Kerry Collins, Curtis Painter and Dan Orlovsky.

The arrival of Pagano helped convince Wayne to re-up with the Colts. And the addition of Bruce Arians as Pagano's offensive coordinator required Wayne to expand his game.

Though he occasionally would move around in the formation during his first 11 years with the Colts, he primarily lined up split wide to the left. Arians determined the best way to maximize Wayne's skills was to move him around.

"It's a waste of talent to just have him out (left) all the time and let him be double-covered," Arians said.

"For me, motioning has helped a lot," Wayne said. "Defenses can't key on me. In the old times, they knew I'd be on the left side. There was no mystery to it. They could double me, roll coverage to my side.

"Now they really have no idea where I am. That causes confusion and helps me out with matchups."

Another role somewhat new for Wayne has been that of vocal leader. Previously, Manning or longtime center Jeff Saturday would command the locker room or meeting room when the situation was warranted.

Occasionally this season, it's been Wayne who has stepped to the front.

In late October, the Colts, lethargic and ineffective, trailed the Tennessee Titans 10-3 at the half in Nashville. Wayne had seen enough.

"There was no false enthusiasm on this one. I was pissed off," he said. "I was upset because I knew what we were capable of. I felt like we left some plays out there, offensively and defensively, and we had a field goal blocked.

"No Ron Artest stuff and I (didn't) throw any cameras or grab anybody like Bobby Knight. I just had to speak up."

His message resonated. The Colts won 19-13 in overtime. It was the second game of a four-game winning streak that proved critical in lifting a team expected to be an afterthought to contender's status.

The next week against Miami, Luck took the offense on a 13-play, 69-yard fourth-quarter drive. Adam Vinatieri capped it with a 43-yard field goal with 5:58 remaining that held up for a 23-20 victory.

On that critical drive, eight rookie or first-year players were involved, including Luck, wide receivers T.Y. Hilton and LaVon Brazill, running back Vick Ballard and tight end Dwayne Allen.

So was Wayne. He provided a clutch 6-yard catch on third-and-3 near midfield. He also had a hand in the young players being able to withstand the pressure.
The new receivers—Wayne refers to them as "Smurfs" because of their lack of size—follow Wayne. They hang on his every word. Hilton sits next to Wayne in the meeting room and jots down notes for future reference.

"All of the other rookies have followed the Pied Piper, and that's Reggie Wayne," Arians said. "He sets the tempo for us offensively, and then Andrew is the second guy in line.

"If he can handle it, then they can handle it. Reggie makes sure that receiving corps and everybody else is ready to go."

Through it all, Wayne has been at the forefront. Perhaps that's because he realizes he's on the downside of his career and understands the value of embracing every moment.

Wayne has been one of the remaining veterans who has bristled whenever someone described this season as a "rebuilding year." Even Luck distanced himself from being part of a rebuilding process. The idea, he said, is to win now.

"I hope he's not the only one that's preaching that," Wayne said, smiling. "We don't have time. I see the light, man. So I don't have the time to sit back and rebuild and say 'Oh, we'll be better at that next year' or 'In a couple years, we should be in the hunt.'

"We need to be in the hunt now. We are in the hunt."

And if they track down a playoff spot, it will have a lot to do with their veteran receiver. Another example that everything about Wayne, as Luck would say, is top class.


(aol.sportgnews.com)

Indianapolis Colts star Reggie Wayne has broken the NFL record for most consecutive games with multiple receptions.

Cris Carter held the previous mark of 58. Wayne now has made at least three catches in 59 consecutive games.

Wayne tied the record last week at New England, and he broke it in front of his home crowd late in the first half of Sunday's 20-13 victory over the Buffalo Bills.

"Right now, it doesn't even matter," Wayne said. "Like I've been saying from Day 1, I see the light. I'm trying my best just to win games. That's what I want to do.

"When you win games, everything else will take its course. At the same time, whenever you play 12 years, you're bound to do something. There's something coming. I'm just happy to be still playing."

The Pro Bowl receiver also passed former Redskins receiver Art Monk for 12th on the NFL's all-time receptions list during the first half. Monk finished his career with 940 catches. Wayne now has 943, and he played a key role in a late first-half drive that ended with a 19-yard field goal from Adam Vinatieri as time expired.

"That's what is hard to do in this league," Wayne added. "Everybody's good. Whenever you can go out and keep being consistent, that's big. That's the same motto I've been having my whole career. I want to be able to be available whenever my number's called."


(nfl.com)

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- It was a 6-yard second-quarter move-the-chains pass to Reggie Wayne that looked like nothing more than it was, one of 938 in a 12-year career, and another first down on a night the Indianapolis Colts would have 28 of them.

Surpassing consistency is an element of excellence that is accomplished in humble steps. That pass tied an NFL record.

The catch was Wayne's third of the night and the 58th consecutive game in which he had caught at least three passes. Only one player in league history had done that: Cris Carter, who played 16 seasons and caught 1,101 passes, most for the Minnesota Vikings.

Wayne finished with seven catches for 72 yards, a modest performance on a humbling night. The New England Patriots beat the Colts 59-24. It was a bitter defeat and Wayne promised not to forget it.

"Why would you?" he asked. "Whenever you get taken behind the woodshed, it's kind of hard to forget. Hopefully we take care of business and make sure we come back in this stadium and do a little better."

Wayne's night wasn't without another achievement, though he chose not to celebrate it.

His 72 receiving yards pushed his season total to 1,003 yards. His eighth 1,000-yard season matched Marvin Harrison's team record and made Wayne the 13th player in NFL history to pass the milestone with such frequency.

It might have been a much bigger night. Wayne seldom had the opportunity to run. Again and again quarterback Andrew Luck's passes came in low and Wayne went to the turf to get them.

"That's the way it goes," he said. "You have some good ones. You have some bad ones. I just wanted to make sure I'd catch them. I'll get some when I can get on the run. I've got plenty of time to do that."


(indystar.com)

The Indianapolis Colts have made quite the transformation in one year. Last year the Colts were the worst team by record in the NFL and made some big decisions in the offseason like moving on from the Peyton Manning era. One player that remained a constant offensive weapon was Reggie Wayne. The Colts 33-year old wide receiver is on pace to finish with a career-high in receiving yards this season. No.87 has been a security blanket for Andrew Luck as the Colts continue to impress right now sporting a record of 6-3.

Reggie Wayne joined WNDE with Query and Schultz to discuss Andrew Luck’s progression, the Indianapolis Colts exceeding his expectations this season, the emotions during Chuck Pagano’s postgame speech and the Chuck Pagano pregame speech no one heard about before the game.

Where is Andrew Luck now in comparison to where he was in Week 1?
“I think he’s come…it’s night and day yet I just think it’s him. I think as a team we are much better. I think we much better from last game from the time we played Jacksonville the first time. We’ve gelled. We kind of know our roles now. We have some guys back that were injured and didn’t play in the first game, so I think as a team we are much better. I think Andrew would also echo those remarks and as far as what goes on the sidelines and during the game? I mean nothing has really changed on that aspect. He’s still taking control of the huddle being the leader as the quarterback. He’s been doing that. He’s continuing to do that as well as everyone else. A lot of the veterans are being vocal and leading by example. Everybody is basically being the same as they always were, but it’s kind of turned up a notch with everyone knowing their roles and everyone understanding what’s going on. Everyone just putting that in the pot and we are going to keep stirring it up.”

Are you better right now as a team than you thought you would be this season?
“I do. I do think we are better than I thought we were. I thought there was going to be a lot of bumps in the road, which there are, but being a young team we’ve done a great job of just being able to take those bumps and just take all the hard times and adversity and working through it and pushing by and finding ways to win games at the end. We’ve had a couple of tough games that went down to the last drive, so that has surprised me a little bit, but as the weeks go on we all as a team we grow and we get better. We understand each other more. We understand the scheme and we understand when our coaches want more and a lot of times that doesn’t come until year two or sometimes year three.”

Take us through the day when you found out Chuck Pagano was coming to the Colts game a few weeks ago? What were the emotions from your teammates?
“I actually knew he was going to be there a couple of weeks before. I went to go visit him at his home. We sat down and talked for about two hours. He said he was thinking about making an appearance. He asked me what I thought about it? I said man that would be great. I actually told him man it would be great if you came before I said not to put any pressure on you, but I think if you can come before and let everybody see you before we go out, I think that would help everybody out tremendously just to know that you are doing okay and we are going out here to play this game, this kid’s game knowing that you just showed your presence in that locker room. That’ll get everybody to loosen up and go out there and have fun. I already knew about him being there or coming I should say and just his speech in itself, man it was emotional. I think there wasn’t a dry eye in there. Everybody was just excited to see him come in there and let alone have a pregame speech and a postgame speech. For a minute there before the game you kind of lost sight of us playing a game because him just giving a speech made you understand and learn the bigger things in life. All of a sudden it was like let’s go out there and win. We all had to transform back into being football players real fast and I think everybody understood the message and was able to go out there and deliver.”

What did Chuck Pagano say in the pregame speech?
“It was almost like a movie. The pregame and the postgame speech kind of went into each other. It was almost like a movie. It was almost like he knew what was going to happen and he had everything prepared like it was a script, but the pregame speech was basically you know go out there and give it everything you got. He kind of shared a story saying he’s been involved in football all his life. Seven years old he’s been involved with football. 28 years of coaching. To all of a sudden have that stripped from you and in a manner of 24 hours just having it stripped from you why not go out there and give it everything you got? Why not go out there and lay it all on the line knowing you can do it today, but knowing is it going to be there tomorrow? He kind of shared that speech and had everyone wondering and thinking, ‘Man you know what he is right.’ Why wouldn’t we go out there and fight for each other, be there for your teammates, laying it all out on the line and so it all kind of rolled into each other and made a lot of sense.”

Listen to Reggie Wayne on WNDE here


(sportsradiointerviews.com)

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- While it's no longer Peyton Manning taking snaps in Indianapolis, one longtime Colts offensive weapon remains, and that's wide receiver Reggie Wayne, who at the age of 33 is on pace to finish with a career-high in receiving yards. He currently trails only Calvin Johnson of the Detroit Lions for the league lead in receiving yards with 931.

And while Wayne's production has remained consistent, he's adopted a different role for the Colts in 2012.

In previous seasons, Wayne was often aligned to one side of the formation throughout the entire game, a tactic the Colts previously employed with receiver Marvin Harrison. But that's not the case any more.

During his Wednesday afternoon press conference, Patriots head coach Bill Belichick drew an interesting comparison for Wayne's current role: former Steelers wider receiver Hines Ward.

"They moved him around a little in the past, but not much," Belichick said. "And now he's Hines Ward. They motion him a lot, he's blocking, cracking, he's lining up close to the formation, he's in the slot, he's doing a lot of things that Hines Ward did in Pittsburgh."

Former Steelers and current Colts offensive coordinator Bruce Arians brought his offensive system to Indianapolis, and Wayne is once again thriving. That's no surprise to Belichick.

"It's interesting to see him in that role, but he's always been good at whatever he's done," he said. "You see him work the middle of the field on middle reads, and on option routes or that kind of thing, or working on the perimeter. He's good at all of it."

Some questioned whether or not Wayne was the same player of the past during 2011, when he finished with 960 yards, his lowest total since 2003. But Belichick said he saw no dip in terms of ability from Wayne last season.

"I don't really see Reggie Wayne much differently than I saw him in the past," he continued. "He was good then, he's good now. There were some issues with the quarterback and passing game and all that, but I didn't see any dropoff in Reggie Wayne as a football player. Maybe I missed it, but he's always looked pretty good to me."


(espn.com)

FOXBORO, Mass. — Every great quarterback needs a great receiver to rely on during their early development. Joe Montana and Steve Young had Jerry Rice, Troy Aikman had Michael Irving and Peyton Manning had Marvin Harrison. And those are just a few of the most extreme cases throughout NFL history.

Now, the onus of that argument turns to Indianapolis, where the development of Andrew Luck takes center stage as the next great signal-caller. But before his impressive rookie season even got underway, questions ran wild about who Luck would be throwing to. Reggie Wayne has more than answered those questions this season, as the soon to be 34-year-old receiver — his birthday is Saturday, Nov. 14 — has reemerged into one of the NFL’s premier wide receivers.

Coming off a down season, where he gained less than 1,000 yards for the first time in eight seasons, and heading into his 12th NFL season, Wayne was viewed as past his prime and on the downward slope of his career. With a depressing 2-14 season in the books, Manning heading out the door and a complete rebuilding effort seemingly on the horizon, Wayne’s time with in Indy was thought to be over. But the lifelong Colt made a commitment to the franchise, and while other teams, including the Patriots, pined for his services, he stayed loyal to the only team he’s ever known. And the bold decision has paid off for both team and player.

“He always wanted to be here and as soon as Chuck [Pagano] made that call, it was just a matter of, ‘Yeah I’m coming,’” interim head coach Bruce Arians said on a conference call Wednesday. “He’s a legend here and he’s going to go into the Hall of Fame.” Wayne has undergone a complete transformation from a season ago, nearly eclipsing his final statistical totals of a season ago, with 75 catches for 960 yards and four touchdowns, in nine games as he’s racked up 69 grabs, 931 yards and three scores already this season. And even more than just the statistical figures, Wayne’s impact can be seen in the young quarterback throwing him the ball.

Even from some of his earliest days at Stanford, Andrew Luck has widely been viewed as an eventual Hall of Fame quarterback. His raw talents as a passer, tireless work ethic and unexpected yet incredible athleticism made him into one of the most sought after prospects in years. But without a reliable receiver to throw to, Luck very well could’ve seen his development stunted and his talents wasting away as if they belonged in Margaritaville. Luckily, and no pun intended here, the rookie quarterback had a knowledgeable and crafty veteran to assist with the transition. And Luck openly recognizes how important Wayne has been in that process.

“He’s been great. He doesn’t talk much; he’s not going to sit down and lecture the young guys, but the way he works, the way he prepares during the week, the way he takes care of his body, the way he mentally prepares, is a great example for us all in the locker room,” Luck said of his No. 1 receiver.

“To boot, he’s a great football player, so it’s fun getting able to throw to him.” Luck’s continued improvement behind center and increased presence as a leader of the team has been impressive in and of itself. But without a receiver who is leading the league in receptions and second in yards playing on the outside, Luck and the Colts would never be having the sort of success they’ve found this season.

“All of the other rookies have followed the pied piper, and that’s Reggie Wayne. He sets the tempo for us offensively and then Andrew is the second guy in line,” Arians said of Wayne’s importance. “You can’t put a quantified value on how much his leadership means to our team.” With how important Wayne’s been to Indianapolis’ success this season, one thing is for sure.

The Colts are damn happy that he’ll be lining up for them on Sunday at Gillette Stadium instead of the home team — an idea that was more than just floated around during free agency.


(nesn.com)

Co-Offensive Players of the Week:

Jimmy Graham: proCane Saints TE Jimmy Graham hauled in seven passes for 146 yards and two touchdowns on eight targets to lead the Saints to a 31-27 victory over the Falcons in Week 10. Safety William Moore bit twice on the double move, allowing Drew Brees to throw a pair of pump-fake deep balls to Graham for a 29-yard touchdown and a 46-yard fourth-quarter gain. Graham added a 14-yard score just before halftime. After his first 100-yard game of the season, Graham is averaging a 7/94/1.3 line over the past three weeks.

Greg Olsen: Following an emotional week for proCane Panthers TE Greg Olsen in which he welcomed his son TJ home after being hospitalized after birth and undergoing surgery due to a heart condition, Olsen exploded for a career-high nine receptions, 102 yards and two touchdowns versus the Broncos in Week 10. The 102 yards are a regular-season career high. Tight ends have been the weak spot in Denver's defense all season and today was no different. Olsen had catches of 26 and 16 yards to set up a 4-yard touchdown and added a 5-yard score in garbage time.

Honorable Mention: Frank Gore, Reggie Wayne.

Defensive Player of Week:

Colin McCarthy: proCane Titans LB Colin McCarthy rose slowly after a violent hit and wobbled as he left the field. Three plays later he was back in the game and in the end zone, celebrating a 49-yard interception return for a touchdown. McCarthy and his team's embattled defense bounced back Sunday, when their four takeaways led to 20 points and helped the Titans beat the Miami Dolphins 37-3. McCarthy finished the game with 3 tackles, 1 tackle for loss one INT and a TD. McCarthy’s TD put the Titans up 21-0 and essentially the game out of reach for the Dolphins.

Honorable Mention: Vince Wilfork, Allen Bailey.

Special Teams Player of the Week:

Matt Bosher: proCane Falcons P Matt Bosher continued his great 2nd season with 3 punts for 140 yards and a 46.7 average. Bosher had a long of 52 yards and placed one of his punts inside the 20-yard line. Bosher is also Atlanta’s holder and held two successful field goals for Matt Bryant.

When March 13, 2012 rolled around and NFL free agency began, Reggie Wayne could have played the market, checked out what kind of deals were out there. He was, after all, coming off eight straight seasons with at least 70-plus receptions and seven of eight with 1,000 yards receiving — 2011 being a “down year” at 75 catches and 960 yards on a miserable Colts team with massive quarterback issues.

Wayne could have followed Peyton Manning to Denver. Or signed with a receiver-needy team like the Ravens. Heck, he could have taken some extra money and landed with a desperate, underachieving franchise just looking for some star power.

Instead, he re-signed with the Colts … then cautioned everyone against writing off his longtime team.

“It’s not set in stone that we’re going to (struggle),” Wayne said after deciding to stick in Indianapolis. “Who knows — we might shock the world.
“This time next year, you might be writing that these Colts are some bad boys.”

Eight months after Wayne’s comments, and about seven after the Colts drafted Andrew Luck No. 1 overall in the NFL Draft, the veteran wide receiver is starting to look like Nostradamus.

Thursday night, in front of a scattered and apathetic crowd in Jacksonville, the Colts won their fourth straight game and sixth of the season, 27-10. That’s already four more victories than they had all of last season — and three more than they had during Peyton Manning’s rookie year of 1998, if you’re keeping track of such things.

With seven games left on their schedule, the Colts have a solid grasp on an AFC wild-card spot. And considering that two of their remaining contests will be against AFC South-leading Houston, it might be time to raise the bar.

“In the locker room, we have a lot of confidence in ourselves,” Luck said on the NFL Network set after the game. “We prepare to win football games. It’s great to be where we are; we also realize that it’s on the right path, but it’s nowhere near the end goal.”

The Luck-Wayne combo set the tone Thursday night, as it has for much of the season.

Luck threw eight passes in the first quarter against Jacksonville, seven of them in Wayne’s direction — five for completions. The Colts’ rookie QB then opened the second quarter by finding Wayne again, this time for a 21-yard gain to the Jaguars’ 8. Two plays later, Luck ran one in for a touchdown to put Indianapolis ahead 10-0. Luck scored again before halftime, extending the Colts’ lead to 17.

Jacksonville briefly showed some life, when backup QB Chad Henne hit Cecil Shorts on a fourth-quarter TD pass, pulling the home team within 14.

Facing a 3rd-and-3 on the ensuing possession, Luck looked Wayne’s direction again. The 16-yard gain that resulted? Mere child’s play.

From there, the Colts embarked on a time-draining drive that ended any ill-founded hope the Jaguars had of mounting a comeback.

“He’s come in and done an outstanding job — I’m just glad to be on his side,” said Wayne of Luck. “I wouldn’t compare him to (Peyton). I want him to get his own legacy, I want to help him. Just keep winning games with him, man.”

Luck returned the praise.

“Reggie’s been a great leader for this team and a great leader for the young guys on this team,” Luck said. “He’s not going to sit down and lecture us on what to do, but he leads by example incredibly well.”

Somehow, Jacksonville handed the Colts their lone home loss thus far back in Week 3. But seeing how far Indianapolis has come in such a short time has to be a punch to the gut for the Jaguars. While they muddle through a second straight frustrating year with Blaine Gabbert under center, the Colts appear to have found a clear franchise quarterback in Luck — not to mention the potential 2012 Offensive Rookie of the Year and a fringe MVP candidate.

Earlier this week, a large group of Colts players shaved their heads in a show of solidarity for head coach Chuck Pagano, away from his post for weeks as he fights cancer. In Pagano’s absence the Colts have adopted the motto “Chuckstrong”, and they just keep flexing their muscles.

They did so Thursday, on a short week after a hard-fought win over Miami, despite the absences of linebacker Robert Mathis and cornerbacks Jerraud Powers and Vontae Davis.

A perfect performance, it was not — Luck turned it over twice, and only a personal foul penalty prevented a third miscue. The Colts’ defense bedeviled the moribund Jacksonville offense, though, giving Luck and company all the help they needed.

Another win secured. Another step toward a stunning and improbable playoff berth taken.

“I came in and talked to (Pagano, after he was hired), and he told me to take a leap of faith,” Wayne said. “That’s why I’m here today.”

So far, that faith has been rewarded.


(si.com)

Reggie Wayne caught a team-high seven passes for 78 yards and a touchdown versus the Dolphins in Week 9.

Wayne beat Sean Smith for a 9-yard score, passing Edgerrin James for the third-most touchdowns (76) in franchise history. The veteran also surpassed Torry Holt (920) to move into 13th place on the NFL's all-time receptions list. At the midway point, Wayne is on pace for career highs in targets (202), receptions (122), and yards (1678). He faces Jacksonville's injury-depleted secondary in Week 10.

Wayne has managed three touchdowns this season, which puts him on pace to eclipse last season's total. He already has 835 receiving yards, which has him well on his way to his eighth 1,000-yard season in the past nine years. He remains a must-start fantasy option heading into Week 10 against the Jacksonville Jaguars Thursday, Nov. 8, in Week 10.


(rotoworld.com)

Andrew Luck may not be the next Peyton Manning, but like it or not, that's the standard that comes with the job for the Indianapolis Colts' rookie quarterback.Reggie Wayne -- now Luck's favorite receiver after years of connecting with Manning -- thinks that is so wrong.

"It's kind of unfair for Andrew," Wayne told USA TODAY Sports, as the surprising Colts (4-3) prepare for a pivotal game against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. "Peyton's done so much here. His legacy is so big. Andrew comes here, and everything he does is going to be compared to Peyton. That's not fair.

"That's another reason why I'm glad I stayed, to help him create his own legacy. He's going to have to win some games, win some rings, before he can completely get out of Peyton's shadow. But I think he's on the right path. He's already done some things that Peyton didn't do his rookie year."

Even for Wayne, it's natural to compare a bit. During his 14 seasons with the Colts, Manning guided the franchises to two Super Bowl appearances, winning one, and in addition to setting a slew of records became the first player to win four NFL MVP awards.

Luck's resume covers seven games. But he's off to a decent start. He is the first rookie in NFL history (Manning's 1998 campaign included) to pass for at least 1,500 yards and post three victories in his first six games. His 1,971 passing yards is second-most for a rookie after seven games, trailing only the pace Cam Newton set last season en route to setting the rookie record.

Wayne, the all-pro receiver in his 12th season, leads the NFL with 757 receiving yards on 54 catches. Beyond providing Luck with a dependable target -- as he did for Manning -- he also sees himself as a big brother for the rookie quarterback.

"He's taking everything in stride," Wayne says. "He understands the situation, understands everything that's going on. But it's my job to help him. I'm not going to be here for 14 years to help, but I can help start this thing off. So far, everything's good."

Wayne can't help but notice Manning's revival with the Denver Broncos. He's not surprised. Manning has been on fire in recent weeks, and with 17 TD passes against four interceptions on the season, heads into Sunday's game at the Cincinnati Bengals as the NFL's top-rated passer with a 109.0 efficiency rating.

"So many people were writing him off," Wayne said. "He's like every other athlete. When people write you off, you're going to do everything you can to prove them wrong.

"You knew that mentally he has all the tools. You just needed to see if he could throw. Everybody sees that now. Now it's just a matter of being the football player he's always been. I'm glad he's out there throwing darts, winning games. Same ol' Peyton."

Wayne knows enough about Manning to realize that Denver's offense is probably just scratching the surface of how good it can become when the entire system is installed and the chemistry evolves.

"It's going to take those guys some time to get there," Wayne says. "It took me three to four years to really understand the dude's thought process. No way they're going to get that in three or four months."

Of course, Wayne is on a similar track, developing new chemistry with his own new quarterback -- the kid following in Peyton's footsteps.

"We're still trying to find that niche," Wayne says. "A lot of stuff we're doing right now, we're just doing under off his athletic ability as far as throwing the ball and me just running routes. Hopefully, we time it up. But each week, it gets better and better."

The Colts won't play the Broncos this season to offer a Manning vs. Luck, old-school vs. new-school matchup of quarterbacks ... unless they meet in the playoffs.

Weeks ago, envisioning a playoff matchup would have been absurd. But with the Colts ranking among the NFL's surprises, it's not so far-fetched.
Says Wayne, "Now that would be a good story."


(usatoday.com)

The words attached themselves to Reggie Wayne long ago: crafty, deceptive, precise, strong, determined.

At 33, his speed might not be the same, but his route-running and hands are as good as ever, and the labels all remain accurate.

The Colts receiver said during Super Bowl week that he would be honored to be part of a Colts rebuild, that a youth movement required some veterans mixed in. An old friend, Chuck Pagano, took over as the team’s new coach and added the sales pitch Wayne needed to stay put.

Nearly halfway into his 12th season, Wayne’s been an incredible resource for rookie quarterback Andrew Luck, and an incredible frustration for opponents.

In Indianapolis’ overtime win over the Titans in Week 8, Wayne snatched a couple of Luck throws, waiting to raise his hands until the last second and beating the better-than-decent coverage of Titans nickelback Ryan Mouton.

Defensive backs on all the teams the Colts play routinely return to the huddle shaking their heads over what Wayne just did against them. He can be acrobatic, for sure, but more often it’s just a workmanlike efficiency that leaves defenders confused as to how their good work didn’t prevent a catch.

“He knows what he’s doing out there,” Titans cornerback Jason McCourty said. “There are times when he comes off the ball and it seems as though he’s moving in slow motion, he’s not really trying to get open. Next thing you know, he breaks away from your leverage and he’s wide open.

“This year more so than usual, he’s moving around a lot. He’s in the slot, he’s in motion, he’s cutting off the backside defensive end on run plays. He’s doing a lot for them, and you can see he’s leading by example. He was able to make the tough catches against us. There was a third down where Mouton had him blanketed and he darn near catches it with one hand.”

Wayne has been targeted 92 times by Luck this season according to play-by-plays from the Colts’ seven games. ESPN Stats & Info says the count is a league-high 87.

One broadcast commentator said Wayne told him in a production meeting that he doesn’t like the tracking of targets, because an uncatchable ball thrown 20 feet over his head counts in the column. Out of context that designation suggests it’s something he should have, or could have, caught.

I spent Thursday morning watching all 92 of those passes thrown in his direction per the game-by-game stats. In doing so, I didn’t learn anything new really. I just got a fresh reinforcement of the things that have been talked about throughout his career. He’s crafty, deceptive, precise, strong, determined.

Of his 54 catches, I starred 13. That’s nearly a quarter of his catches that qualifies to one set of typically critical, tough-to-impress eyes as special.

Although I counted it only once, his reaching, one-handed catch against the Packers and Charles Woodson, who was flagged for pass interference on the play, got three stars. It’s a play that will be at the front of the team’s highlight reel this season, and will assume a prominent place on Wayne’s when his career ends.

That win against the Packers was a tribute to Pagano, who the team learned had leukemia at the start of the practice week. Wayne wore orange gloves and an orange mouthpiece -- the color attached to leukemia awareness -- as he posted a 212-yard receiving day. It was the second best receiver production against Green Bay since 1960.

Wayne’s never been predominantly about speed, so that he might be going through the slow-down natural to a guy who turns 34 on Nov. 17 hasn’t dented his effectiveness.

Pro Football Reference defines this as his “age 34 season.” Wayne’s currently averaging 108 yards a game. If he maintains a triple-digit average this season, he’ll be the first player in the AFL or NFL to average 100 or more receiving yards over 14 or more games in his “age 34 season” or later.

Per Mark Simon of ESPN Stats & Info, Jerry Rice did it in 1995 in his “age 33 season” with 115.5 receiving yards per game. Don Maynard did it in his “age 32 season” for the Jets in the AFL in 1967 with 102.4 yards a game.

In the past 10 seasons (2003 to 2012), five receivers have averaged 100 or more yards while playing at least 14 games. All of them were younger than 30 when they did it, with Carolina’s Steve Smith the oldest to do it, at 29.

In the midst of it all, he’s a significant piece of the blocking that’s helped the run game break out the past two weeks, something that will need to continue for the Colts to stay in the playoff hunt.

That he takes as much pride in his role there as he does in his ability to raise his hands and reach out to snare a pass at the last second tells us a lot about Wayne.

“I’m in the trenches,” he told Indianapolis reporters last week. “I’m definitely keeping my feet moving, because that’s how a lot of O-linemen get rolled up on. I’ve seen it. It’s interesting. It is, but I’m eager to go out and step up to the challenge. It’s been fun, man. Especially when you are blocking a linebacker, and in your mind, you got the best of him.

“It’s a good feeling when the ball goes off your block and you get a 6-, 7-, 8-yard gain. It pushes you to continue to go out there and do it. We have a lot of little packages where I’m motioning and blocking, and it’s fun. It keeps me young.”

The age of the prima-donna receiver seems to have largely passed, which is a wonderful development. The down-to-earth Wayne has always done his part. He’s not about flash. He’s about work.

Despite all the change around him, the work is working for the NFL’s leading receiver in yardage right now.


(espn.com)

Reggie Wayne is having his greatest season, ever. 54 receptions, 757 yards, 2 touchdowns. He's on track for a 100 catch, 1400 season, but it is not necessarily his production that has been so critical for this young Colts team.

In the past, Peyton Manning and Bill Polian were the dominant personalities of this franchise. If you screwed up, they got in your face. It created what would become a very unhealthy culture of fear. Now, with Peyton and Polian gone, players are a little freer to be who they are. Reggie Wayne is one of those players, and his leadership skills have been allowed to showcase themselves this season.

Sunday's 19-13 win over the Titans is one such example.

As Mike Chappell of the Indianapolis Star wrote of today, it was Wayne who delivered a fiery halftime talk to his team, down 10-3 and looking dejected after a field goal attempt was blocked just before the second quarter ended.

From Chappell's article, via Darin Gantt of PFT:

"Sometimes you have to do more than lead by example," Wayne said, via Mike Chappell of the Indianapolis Star.

"I was [upset]," Wayne said. "There was no false enthusiasm on this one. I was [upset] because I knew what we were capable of. We should have had a lead at halftime and we were behind.

"I felt like we needed a little fire. I had to speak up."

The team took notice of Wayne's passion.

"Reggie told us to look at everybody and see if we wanted to fight for each other," center Samson Satele said. "It just fired everybody up. I was looking around and thinking, ‘I don’t want to leave here with a loss.’

"Not after that speech Reggie just gave."

The Colts came out in the second half and scored ten points in regulation and another six on Vick Ballard Superman Swirl Dive into the endzone for the game-winning touchdown.

Defensively, Indianapolis held Tennessee to just three second half points and to 0-4 on third down. Prior to halftime, the Titans were 5-7 on third down.

Much of the turnaround from last season's 2-14 disaster can be attributed to Wayne's production and leadership. Re-signing him this past offseason might have been just as critical as the team drafting Andrew Luck. Wayne caught 7 passes for 91 yards in the win over Tennessee.


(stampedeblue.com)

Reggie Wayne secured six passes for 73 yards in the Colts' Week 7 win over the Browns.

The Browns surprisingly left RCB Sheldon Brown on Wayne's side for most of Sunday's snaps, rather than "shadow" him with top cover corner Joe Haden. Wayne was the only Indianapolis receiver capable of getting open with any hint of consistency in the victory, and turned in another productive PPR game. Through six contests, Wayne has 47 receptions for 666 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Keep him rolling against the Titans in Week 8.


(rotoworld.com)

Reggie Wayne has 41 receptions, sixth in NFL, and 523 yards, third in NFL, despite already having bye week. Wayne needs one TD to pass Edgerrin James (75) for third in franchise history and four points to pass James (458) for No. 7 on franchise list.




(wishtv.com)

Coming off an emotional win over the Packers, the Indianapolis Colts knew it would be difficult to replicate last week's upset on the road versus the New York Jets. Despite missing their star cornerback, Darrelle Revis, the Jets have an intimidating defensive unit equipped with multiple first-round draft picks. Although covered well by the Jets defense, Colts veteran wide receiver, Reggie Wayne, was able to catch just enough passes to secure his spot among the elite receivers with his 900th career reception.

Wayne is the 14th player of all time to pass the 900 mark. With only five of fourteen players still active in the NFL, Wayne has a shot climbing the ranks. Currently, Reggie is the youngest active NFL player with over 900 receptions.

Wayne ranks third among players who have caught all of their 900+ passes on one team. Pittsburgh Steeler's Hines Ward, and former Colt, Marvin Harrison, are the only other two wide receivers in this group.

In the 9-35 loss to the Jets, the Colts were rattled by New York's defense. With only 5 receptions for 87 yards, Wayne was the teammate the Colts' quarterback, Andrew Luck, connected to the most. Wayne was responsible for 1 of 2 lost fumbles by the Colts.


(examiner.com)

Reggie Wayne caught five passes for 87 yards in the Colts' Week 6 loss to the Jets.

Wayne's stats look much better than his actual game. He lost a fumble and was absolutely dominated by Jets CB Antonio Cromartie, who shadowed Wayne with physical jams and superior quicks.


(rotoworld.com)

Colts receiver Reggie Wayne coming off the best game of his career in last Sunday’s win over the Packers, but he had to fight through severe cramps to finish the game. And Wayne says there’s a simple reason for that: He was consuming soft drinks.

Wayne says that soda was the primary culprit in his cramps, and drinking too much soda taught him a lesson.

“That’s me being a victim of sodas and not enough water. I know better than that,” Wayne said, via Phil Richards of the Indianapolis Star.

That’s a valuable lesson for you kids out there: Drink water, not soda. Perhaps Michael Bloomberg will recruit Wayne for his anti-soda campaign.


(profootballtalk.com)

INDIANAPOLIS – Reggie Wayne's return to Indianapolis was a godsend for the Colts. No wonder he has some disciples.

Dwayne Allen looks nothing like Wayne. Allen is a 6-foot-3, 255-pound tight end. He could bench-press Wayne.

T.Y. Hilton looks nothing like Wayne, either. Hilton is 5-9, allegedly 183 pounds. He could fit in Wayne's lunch box, or at least his locker.

Yet the big man and the little guy both consider Wayne the gold standard when it comes to the pure art of catching a football. Given Wayne's 13-catch, 212-yard, game-winning show against the Green Bay Packers last week, it's no wonder he has followers. Of course, those followers came long before the latest great Wayne game.

“I don't try to do what Reggie does in any way,” Allen said. “(But) on game day and definitely in practice, any tips I can get from him, I steal from him. I look at him as far as his catching routine in practice. Then he goes out and plays lights out, anything that's coming his way, he's coming down with it.”

Wayne and the Colts (2-2) will play at the New York Jets at 1 p.m. Sunday in MetLife Stadium.

There's little question that Colts quarterback Andrew Luck has leaned heavily on Wayne. Wayne has a team-high 36 catches for 506 yards and two touchdowns.

As Luck goes into New York, however, he'll face a Jets defense intent on trying to take away, or somewhat limit, Wayne's opportunities. That means one of two things: Either Luck will keep going to Wayne anyway, perhaps forcing things and risking interceptions, or he'll need to mix things up even more with Allen, Hilton, Donnie Avery and Coby Fleener.

Given Luck's intelligence, I'd lean toward him looking for alternatives if and when Wayne is being smothered.

Allen and Hilton would be the next-best choices.

Allen has shown fairly soft hands for a tight end. He has 10 catches for 76 yards and a pair of touchdowns. He's surprisingly nimble for a man of his size, yet has the type of power to fight through tacklers and come up with plays in traffic.

Allen and Fleener (13 catches, 139 yards) were expected to provide the type of quality tight end receiving production that seems to be increasing.

“Progressively, our roles have grown bigger and bigger and I think that's the way they wanted it to be,” Allen said. “Coming into this offense, the tight end has a lot of jobs. If coach (Bruce) Arians put everything on us in the beginning, I don't think we have progressed as far.”

Hilton, meanwhile, looks to be on his way to push Avery as the No.2 wide receiver. Avery is more experienced and is second (albeit distantly) to Wayne with 17 catches for 198 yards. Hilton has eight catches for 165 yards (a team-best 20.6 yards per reception).

Hilton was inactive for the first game and played little against Minnesota, but caught four passes for 113 yards against Jacksonville to become the NFL's first rookie receiver this season to break 100 yards. He caught three passes for 37 yards against the Packers, including a big catch late in the game.

The Colts' increased use of the no-huddle suits Hilton well. He says he's more comfortable with the no-huddle than a more deliberate approach.

“A lot of things are coming into play (on offense),” Hilton said. “Watching film is helping a lot, especially with a great guy like Reggie Wayne, who helps us out. Play-calling is becoming much easier, the playbook's becoming much smaller. The game is slowing down for me and the rest of the team.
“The more you study, the more the game slows down,” Hilton said.

The more Colts receivers of all shapes and sizes study Wayne, the more likely they'll be to see Luck's passes coming their way.


(news-sentinel.com)

Reggie Wayne made a statement by ignoring the NFL's uniform policy and pulling on orange gloves last Sunday.

It was the right thing to do, a heartfelt gesture from one friend to another. Wayne was recognizing Indianapolis Colts coach Chuck Pagano, who is battling leukemia.

This afternoon in the New York Jets' MetLife Stadium, the Colts receiver is expected to leave the orange in Indy.

"I may do it one more time, maybe the next home game,'' Wayne said, smiling. "I'm not sure if I'll be able to get away with it the rest of the year."

Normally, the NFL shows no tolerance for players who defy its strict uniform policy. In the case of Wayne, the league did not assess him a fine for the unapproved orange gloves worn for Pagano and leukemia awareness.

"I think one time, (the NFL will) let you slide,'' Wayne said. "Probably the second time, they'll give you a call.

"I want my kids to have a good Christmas."

He laughed.

"I don't want them to be looking at me crazy when it's Christmas time, wondering why they only have one present," Wayne said.

Trust me, he was playfully stretching the truth like a bungee cord. In March, Wayne re-upped with the Colts, signing a three-year, $17.5 million contract that included a $7.5 million signing bonus.

Regarding the contract, it's proving to be a wise investment.

Wayne is tied for fifth in the league with 36 receptions and third with 506 yards despite playing one fewer game than those ahead of him. His catches are the most by a Colt in the first four games of a season, while his yardage trails only Marvin Harrison (513 in 1999).

Wayne needs two catches against the Jets to become just the 14th NFL player to reach 900 in his career.

The torrid start, Wayne insisted, is "me being me. I don't feel like I'm doing something abnormal. I've felt like I've always been this way."

Jets coach Rex Ryan calls Wayne "a terrific player. He's always been an elite receiver in this league."

Ryan has noticed how interim coach/offensive coordinator Bruce Arians has altered Wayne's role: He is moving around in the formation, even blocking more.
"He's doing some of the dirty jobs ... he's kind of taking that Hines Ward role that Pittsburgh had under Arians," Ryan said.

Perhaps, but rookie quarterback Andrew Luck is having no problem finding his go-to guy. Wayne has been targeted a league-high 60 times. That's 33.9 percent of Luck's 177 pass attempts.


(indystar.com)

WR Reggie Wayne, #87 Indianapolis Colts
Height: 5-11 7/8 Weight: 198 Speed: 4.54

Notes: College roommate of Ravens FS Ed Reed at Miami (Fla.), where Colts head coach Chuck Pagano served as DB and special-teams coach during Wayne's tenure. Set a Hurricanes school record with 173 career catches. Was selected 30th overall by the Colts in the 2001 NFL draft and took two years to become a fixture in the starting lineup. Broke out in 2003, when he started all 16 games, not missing a start the next eight seasons. Signed a six-year, $39.5-million contract extension in ’06 and proceeded to earn his first Pro Bowl invite after helping the Colts beat the Bears in Super Bowl XLI with a 53-yard TD catch in the first quarter. Earned Pro Bowl honors the next four years. Has seven seasons with 1,000-plus receiving yards and has caught 898 passes for 12,214 yards and 75 TDs in his career in 163 starts, along with 83-1,128-9 in 17 postseason contests. Is off to the best start in his 12-year career in 2012, catching 36-506-2 in four games.

Positives: Very natural, soft hands catcher with outstanding body control to make in-air adjustments. Extremely quick, savvy route runner ­— sets up defensive backs with stems, nods and head fakes and accelerates at the top of his routes to uncover. Outstanding football intelligence. Understands how to read coverages and find soft spots in zones. Is mentally tough and willing to cross the middle and catch on contact. Exceptional balance in his feet. Terrific hand-eye coordination. Can make difficult one-handed snags look routine. Well-respected team leader. Outstanding work habits. Extremely durable. Rises to the challenge and makes plays in clutch situations, as he did taking over the final drive against Green Bay, making the winning TD catch and converting two 3rd-and-long situations.

Negatives: Modest size. Is not a blazer and lacks elite vertical speed to burn past defenders or pull away from the pack after the catch. Does not power off the line and can be rerouted by physical, press coverage. Not strong or powerful after the catch and at times will look for a safe landing spot. Can give more consistent effort in the blocking game — not a physical, front-up blocker who will earhole defenders or factor heavily in the perimeter run game. Average lower-body explosive power and leaping ability to compete in a crowd.

Summary: One of the few holdovers from a roster heavily stripped after the Bill Polian regime was ousted, Wayne quickly developed a rapport with rookie QB Andrew Luck, bringing precise, reliable route running that immediately has gained the trust of Luck, as it has passers throughout Wayne's career, from college to the pros. A sleek, smooth-moving acrobat, Wayne has all the traits desired in an elite receiver — hands, body control, toughness, route savvy and separation quickness —and has been a model of consistency throughout his career, emerging as the Colts’ most tenured leader in the absence of Marvin Harrison and Peyton Manning.


(profootballweekly.com)

Playing for Pagano: Perhaps no member of the Colts’ family appreciated last Sunday’s dramatic, comeback win over the Packers more than Reggie Wayne. It was a game dedicated to head coach Chuck Pagano, who is currently battling leukemia. Wayne’s relationship with Pagano dates back to the middle of the 1990s, when Pagano recruited Wayne to play at the University of Miami. The two have remained close over the years. We learn what last Sunday’s game meant to Wayne, who had one of the best performances of his career, and hear how the receiver is helping his coach and friend tackle the fight of his life.


(espn.com)

The NFL has released the official AFC Players of the Week on offense, defense, and special teams with Reggie Wayne, Randy Starks, and Shane Suisham took home the honors in those respective categories.

Wayne caught 13 passes for 212 yards to set a career-high, which is absolutely astounding considering Wayne has been in the league for such a long time. He’s somebody who should be in the Hall of Fame discussion once he retires, so breaking a record like that and getting 200+ yards is nothing to sneeze at. He was the most important player on a Colts team that completed an emotional upset over the Green Bay Packers that helps remind us why we love the game. I can’t think of a player who deserved this week’s honor more.

He is now 17th on the all-time receiving list after pushing past notable receivers in Derrick Mason, Hines Ward, and former San Diego Chargers HOFer Charlie Joyner.


(nflspinzone.com)

REGGIE WAYNE IS BETTER OFF WITH ANDREW LUCK

Early in his rookie season, Andrew Luck seems to have found a safety net with veteran receiver Reggie Wayne. Wayne had a career-high 212 receiving yards against the Packers in Week 5 and after just four games, is tied with Brandon Marshall for first in the league with 56 targets. He’s also averaging a league-best 14 targets per game with Luck under center.

During the 2009 and 2010 seasons with Peyton Manning, (they were the first two without Marvin Harrison), he never led the league in targets and averaged 10.1 targets per game. Manning spread the ball around to players like Dallas Clark and Pierre Garcon but Luck has focused more on Wayne.

Entering Week 6, Luck has targeted Wayne on 34.1 percent of his throws while Manning targeted him on only 26.1 percent of his throws from 2009-10.

One reason Wayne is receiving more targets is that Andrew Luck has utilized him all over the field. Manning predominantly got him the ball on the left side.

Wayne already has more targets in the middle of the field this season (13) than he did in both 2009 (eight) and 2010 (10).

With Luck, Wayne has truly been the number-one option in the Colts offense and his versatility has been on display. That wasn’t always the case during his final few years with Peyton Manning.
--Adam Grigely

REGGIE WAYNE WAS BETTER OFF WITH PEYTON MANNING

In their 10 years together, Reggie Wayne and Peyton Manning combined for more than 10,000 yards, 115 regular-season wins, one Lombardi Trophy and a record of success that is in no way comparable to a month’s worth of achievements with a rookie QB.

From 2001 to 2010, a stretch in which Manning started every game and Wayne appeared in all but three, Wayne ranked among the league's top five in receptions (787), receiving yards (10,748) and receiving touchdowns (69) and led all players in receiving first downs (569).

Those 10 seasons were the first 10 of Wayne’s career, and the list of players to catch more passes than Wayne through 10 seasons can fit comfortably on a sticky note: Marvin Harrison (927), Torry Holt (869) and Jerry Rice (820).

Peyton Manning was on the other end of 67 of Wayne’s receiving touchdowns from 2001-10, ranking them among the most prolific QB-receiver tandems ever. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, the only duos to connect on more touchdown passes are Manning and Marvin Harrison, Steve Young and Jerry Rice, and Dan Marino and Mark Clayton.

For those counting, three of the four players on that list who are eligible for the Hall of Fame have a bust in Canton. Should Reggie Wayne one day join them, it will be because of what he accomplished with Peyton Manning under center, not Andrew Luck.
--Jason Vida


(espn.com)

The New England Patriots came close to signing Wayne. But credit Colts owner Jim Irsay for stepping up to keep the veteran receiver in Indy, even as the rest of the roster was undergoing a total makeover. Irsay surely knew that the Colts were picking Andrew Luck with the first choice in the 2012 NFL Draft. Wayne's return was a must.

As I said at the time, Wayne is still an elite player. He's also a fantastic worker and great teammate. If Luck was going to fully reach his potential as a rookie, he needed Wayne. The combination between quarterback and receiver has been outstanding all season, particularly on Sunday, when they hooked up 13 times for 212 yards and the game-winning touchdown. That comeback win over the Green Bay Packers, with the Colts playing for coach Chuck Pagano as he fights leukemia, was one to remember forever.


(nfl.com)

With the removal of three wide receivers who received the franchise tag — Dwayne Bowe of the Kansas City Chiefs, Wes Welker of the New England Patriots and DeSean Jackson of the Philadelphia Eagles — and the Buffalo Bills keeping Steve Johnson off the free-agent market with a five-year, $36.25 million contract a week before the 2012 league year began, there were about 10 notable free-agent wide receivers on the market.

This year's crop was headlined by Vincent Jackson, who left the San Diego Chargers to sign a five-year, $55.555 million contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Marques Colston, who re-signed with the New Orleans Saints for five years and $36.3 million. Several mid-20-somethings Pierre Garcon, Laurent Robinson, Robert Meachem, Josh Morgan, Eddie Royal and Mario Manningham drew the most attention, signing contracts in the opening days of free agency, while a pair of over-30 free agents — Reggie Wayne and Brandon Lloyd — signed after the period had been open for a week to 10 days.

Since players are paid based on what they're going to do, and not what they've already done, age was likely the factor in the earlier signings of Garcon, Meachem & Co. Still, Wayne and Lloyd are shaping up to be the biggest producers and bargains of the group.

Signed to a three-year, $17.5 million contract that included $7.5 million in guaranteed money, Wayne's $5.833 million per year average ranks well below what Garcon ($8.5 million) received, and is nestled closer to the deals signed by Robinson ($6.5 million per year), Meachem ($6.375 million), and Morgan ($5.75 million). Yet, Wayne has been the most productive wide receiver of the entire free-agent class.

Through four games, Wayne has more targets (60), receptions (36) and yards (506) than any other receiver in the group, and his two touchdowns are bested only by Colston (four). To put Wayne's production into context, he has nearly as many receptions (39 to 36) and receiving yards (605 to 506) and touchdowns (three to two) than Garcon, Robinson, Meachem and Morgan combined. Wayne is taking home $7.5 million in cash this season, which is tied for 16th among NFL wide receivers. Garcon, Robinson, Meachem and Morgan will combine to earn $39.104 million in cash (base salary, signing bonuses, roster bonuses and workout bonuses) in 2012.

Wayne has also logged 281 snaps in the four games, which is only surpassed by Lloyd, who has logged 381 snaps (76.2 per game) in five games with the Patriots. Lloyd's deal with the Patriots has a base value of $12 million over three seasons, but an additional $3.5 million is available in incentives tied to his receiving production (2012-14) and Pro Bowl appearances (2013-14).


(sports.yahoo.com)

Reggie Wayne was so intent on showing support for Indianapolis Colts Head Coach Chuck Pagano, that he violated the NFL's less-than-flexible uniform code on Sunday.

Wayne, who showed Pagano and his teammates plenty of love by catching 13 passes for a career-high 212 yards and the game-winning touchdown in Indy's 30-27 upset of the Green Bay Packers, wore orange gloves and an orange mouthpiece as the color signifies awareness for leukemia, the disease Pagano is battling in an Indianapolis hospital.

NFL players everywhere are decked out in pink to support breast cancer awareness this month, but Wayne went off script for a coach he's known since their time together at the University of Miami (Fla.) more than a decade ago.

"I just wanted to do something, you know, for Chuck," said Wayne, who did sport a pink towel and sweat bands.

"I had some equipment guys make some calls. If they (the NFL) fine me, they fine me, I really feel like that would be a terrible thing to do, but if so, so be it, I'll go ahead and take the fine and do it for Chuck."

Here's hoping a league that obsesses over everything from face shields to sock length to messages worn on t-shirts underneath game jerseys takes a chill pill in this instance.


(thetimesherald.com)

The Colts’ stunning 30-27 win over the Packers has plenty of story lines.  Leave it to Mike Silver of Yahoo! Sports to dig up a new one.

Silver reports that receiver Reggie Wayne, who generated a career-high 212 receiving yards on Sunday, overcame “severe cramps” during the final drive of Sunday’s game.

But that’s what a guy sometimes does when trying to achieve a greater goal.

“We wanted to win this for Chuck [Pagano] so bad,” Wayne told Silver. “At halftime we were so pissed off at each other.  We didn’t play up to par.  We didn’t play like a team that was hungry.  We challenged each other, got in each others’ faces, said, ‘Hey, let’s be accountable to each other.  Let’s trust each other to go out and perform the way we know we can.’”

Trust is the key word.  It’s what helped keep Wayne in Indianapolis, thanks to a relationship with Coach Pagano that started 16 years ago, when Pagano was the receivers coach at the University of Miami and Wayne was a freshman wideout on the team.

“I was at home in Miami getting ready for free agency, my kids running around, nothing but noise, when I saw a ’317′ number flash across my phone,” Wayne explained. “I answered it to see what was up.  As soon as I heard the voice on the other line, I knew it was him. I’ve been knowing Chuck Pagano for a long time.  This is beyond ‘head coach.’  This is family.”

The Colts quickly are becoming family.  It’s an often hollow and overplayed sports intangible that, when it’s authentic and organic, can carry a team farther than the team otherwise would have gone.  Though it will be an uphill climb to take back the AFC South from the Texans, the Colts could finagle a wild-card berth — and they would be a very tough out in the postseason.


(profootballtalk.com)

Reggie Wayne is on the best first-quarter pace of his NFL career with 36 catches for 504 yards through four games.

In the Colts upset of Green Bay, Wayne pulled in 13 catches for 212 yards and the game-winning touchdown as the team honored Chuck Pagano in its first game without their ill head coach.

Rookie quarterback Andrew Luck was six-of-eight for 90 yards and the game-winning score when targeting Wayne in the fourth quarter alone.

In all, Luck threw to Wayne 20 times, with 10.6 yards per attempt, 11 first downs and zero drops.

All the Colts other targets combined caught 18 of 35 passes aimed for them with 4.3 yards per attempt, five first downs and two drops.

Orange is the color associated with the fight against leukemia. With coach Pagano in the hospital fighting the disease, Wayne had equipment men find him orange gloves and an orange mouthpiece and wore them without concern for a possible fine.

“I think the orange gloves were everywhere," Luck said. " I felt like there were eight pairs of those out there on the field. I told [Wayne] after the game he was the best football player I’ve ever played with. His leadership at halftime, on the field, before the last drive, I think I learned a lot from him from watching him operate. I’m very fortunate and blessed to be on a team with him.”

Wayne’s best reception total was in 2010 (111) and his best yardage year was 2007 (1,510).

At his current clip, he’d catch 144 balls for 2,024 yards.

The records are 143 receptions (by Marvin Harrison in 2002) and 1,848 yards (by Jerry Rice in 1995).

Surely, playing with a rookie quarterback, Wayne can’t maintain a pace that would have him pass Rice by 176 yards. Can he?


(espn.com)

Reggie Wayne has history with Chuck Pagano. Theirs is a well-founded relationship, established at the University of Miami in the mid-1990s, built on trust, respect and deep affection, nurtured through the years. So what happened on an emotional Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium was no surprise.

Wayne went out and played the greatest game Pagano never coached.

"I've been knowing Chuck for a long time, 16 years," the Indianapolis Colts wide receiver said after contributing 13 catches for a career-high 212 yards and the touchdown that made the Colts 30-27 conquerors over the 2010 world champion Green Bay Packers.

"Great human being, great coach, great personality, great husband. He identifies the word great. To be able to come out and just do it for him, I said to myself I was going to lay it all on the line."

Wayne did that. He was spent, and a little emotional, but in a perfect world he would have had one final duty. The game ball the Colts won for Pagano, their stricken coach, Wayne would have been the man to deliver it.

He delivered all day Sunday.

Wayne's 212 yards were the second fattest receiving total in the Colts' 60 seasons of NFL membership. They are exceeded only by Pro Football Hall of Fame member Raymond Berry, who had 224 yards at Washington on Nov. 10, 1957.

Wayne had the 40th 100-yard game of his much-decorated five-Pro Bowl, 12-year career at halftime: six receptions, 104 yards. He also had one of his most spectacular catches.

On third-and-6, "Reggie time," he beat Pro Bowl safety Charles Woodson and stretching to fullest extension, took an Andrew Luck pass on the fingertips, tipped it, grabbed it and pulled it in, all with his left hand, all while crashing to the turf. It was a 30-yard gain and a first down that set up a field goal.

And on the final, dramatic, decisive play, who else would it be?

Luck went to Wayne in a crowd at the goal line. The veteran receiver snatched the football out of the air, turned, stretched and extended the ball across the goal line for the winning touchdown.

The sellout crowd of 67,020 roared, gasped, then chanted: "Reggie, Reggie, Reggie, Reggie."

"I told him after the game he was the best football player I've ever played with," Luck said. "His leadership at halftime, on the field, before the last drive; I think I learned a lot from him from watching him operate.

"I'm very blessed and fortunate to be on a team with him."

Wayne wore pink shoes to salute Breast Cancer Awareness Month and he was the only man in the stadium in orange gloves.

"I found out this week that orange was the color for (leukemia) so I made some phone calls," Wayne said. "I had our equipment guys make some phone calls to try and get some orange gloves. They were able to do that.

"I wasn't sure how it was going to go as far as getting fined (by the NFL for a uniform violation), but I said I would take this one for the team. If they fine me, they fine me."

Wayne would have no trouble recruiting help to pay that fine, should the league be heartless enough to levy it. He was the man Sunday and he was playing for the man. All the Colts were.

"He left it all on the field," Colts outside linebacker Robert Mathis said of Wayne. "We had to follow his lead."


(indystar.com)

Reggie Wayne admits he was close to leaving the Colts, and that he left money on the table to stay.

But even though the veteran wide receiver was retained to be a security blanket for rookie quarterback Andrew Luck, he’s still getting it done on the field.

The longest-tenured Colt has been targeted a league-high 40 times this season, and his 23 catches are the fourth-most in the league and the most he’s had at this point in the season in his 12-year career.

“He gets open,” Luck said, via Mike Chappell of the Indianapolis Star. “He has an uncanny knack for, when it’s a zone, [knowing] where the hole is going to be based on where the other routes are running. When it’s man, he’s got all the tricks up his sleeve.

“It’s an honor for me just to throw the ball to him.”

But staying in Indy was far from a given for the 33-year-old wideout, who had plenty of offers, and said he left “probably a minimum of $3 million” on the table.
“I was close. Very, very close,” Wayne said of leaving. “But just one team, probably two teams, Colts fans wouldn’t have liked.”

It’s thought one of those was New England, but Wayne grinned and said: “I’ll never tell.”

The three-year, $17.5 million contract, which included a $7.5 million signing bonus, might not have been the biggest he could have gotten, but there’s no place he’d have gone where he’d have been so needed.

“Oh, yeah, I knew I was,” he said. “I knew it was going to be like this, me and a bunch of new faces. Once we released all the guys that had been here for years, I knew it was going to be weird. . . .

“Sometimes I walk in this locker room and I’m like, ‘Wow.’ “But I knew what I was getting myself into. I would never have any regrets. I’m going to use this and run with it.”

And he’s still running, and catching, at a pace similar to when he played with another top-picked quarterback.


(profootballtalk.com)

A former teammate knows where Reggie Wayne belongs: in the Indianapolis Colts Ring of Honor.

“Put (Wayne’s name) right beside me, man,’’ Edgerrin James said prior to joining the team’s elite group Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium. “That’s my boy.”

Wayne smiled when informed of the endorsement by his ex-teammate and long-time friend.

“Tell him don’t be rushing my career,” he said.

Wayne, 33, is the longest-tenured Colts player — he was the 30th overall pick in the 2001 draft — but there’s little evidence of his talent declining. Wayne’s 23 receptions are tied for the fourth-most in the NFL, and the most he’s had after three games in his 12-year career.

“Not surprised at all because Reggie puts in the work,” James said. “Reggie don’t take no days off. Reggie is going to train. Reggie is going to do everything that it takes.

“And then Reggie is smart so Reggie understands what it takes to play at a high level and then he takes care of his body.”

Wayne’s offseason workout regimen rivals what James used to do. He lives in Miami, is an early riser and a tireless worker. It’s no coincidence Wayne has started 148 consecutive games and appeared in 169 straight, both first among active receivers.

While Wayne’s game-day presence continues to elicit Reg-gie, Reg-gie, Reg-gie chants from Lucas Oil Stadium crowds, he nearly found himself caught up in the Colts’ massive offseason makeover. He was an unrestricted free agent and his cell phone was active.

“I was close. Very, very close,” Wayne said of signing with another team.

There were serious discussions with at least two teams, although Wayne’s keeping the names to himself.

“But just one team, probably two teams, Colts fans wouldn’t have liked,” he said, grinning.

It’s believed New England was one of the teams. Also, perhaps one of the Colts’ AFC South rivals?

“I’ll never tell,” Wayne said.

Wayne was on the verge of leaving his home in Miami and signing with another team when he checked in one last time with the Colts.

“I promised (owner Jim) Irsay and I promised Chuck (Pagano) that before I did anything, I’d give them a call,” he said. “I did and I didn’t walk out the door. I sat back down in my office.”

Wayne re-upped the Colts in March with a three-year, $17.5 million contract that included a $7.5 million signing bonus. It was a wise investment for the Colts, considering they were transitioning from veteran quarterback Peyton Manning to rookie Andrew Luck.

But Wayne said the decision wasn’t driven by money.

“It’s fair to say I left money on the table … probably a minimum of $3 million,” Wayne said, adding he knew he was “taking a leap of faith” by returning to the Colts.

“Oh, yeah, I knew I was,” he said. “I knew it was going to be like this, me and a bunch of new faces. Once we released all the guys that had been here for years, I knew it was going to be weird.”

Occasionally, it still is. Thirty-one of the 53 players on the active roster are in their first year with the team. That includes eight of the nine receivers and tight ends.

“Sometimes I walk in this locker room and I’m like, ‘Wow,’” Wayne said. “But I knew what I was getting myself into. I would never have any regrets. I’m going to use this and run with it.”

The Colts made an attempt to re-sign receiver Pierre Garcon, but dropped out of the bidding when Washington offered him $42.5 million over five years.

An argument can be made that retaining Wayne was more important. He would serve as a calming presence amid the upheaval, and a reliable target for Luck.

Luck’s 122 pass attempts are tied for fourth-most in the NFL. Wayne has been targeted a league-high 40 times. Donnie Avery, a veteran free-agent acquisition, has been targeted 27 times. No other player has had more than 16 passes thrown at him.

It’s not a matter of Luck forcing the football to his most experienced receiver.

“He gets open,” Luck said. “He has an uncanny knack for, when it’s a zone, (knowing) where the hole is going to be based on where the other routes are running. When it’s man, he’s got all the tricks up his sleeve.

“It’s an honor for me just to throw the ball to him.”


(indystar.com)

Andrew Luck said he's not forcing the ball to Reggie Wayne despite a league-high 40 targets.

Wayne's 40 targets are 13 more than Donnie Avery and 24 more than Coby Fleener. "He gets open," Luck said. "He has an uncanny knack for when it's zone, where the hole is going to be based on where the other routes are running. When it's man, he's got all the trick up his sleeve about how to get open." Volume will sustain Wayne as a WR2.


(rotoworld.com)

Reggie Wayne went to five Pro Bowls with Peyton Manning putting the ball in the air in Indianapolis. So, what was his first advice for the new Colts quarterback Andrew Luck? Throw it to the open guy. Oh, and I'm always open.

Luck and Wayne have been plenty productive together. Wayne ranks No. 4 in receptions (23) and No. 5 in reception yards (294). The quarterback reminisced about his first meetings with Wayne.

"I don't do it perfectly, but I try to have an open mind when meeting any new teammates, any new person, try to avoid using early judgment before meeting someone and judging their character or who they are," Luck said. "There's definitely a worry of 'There's Reggie Wayne, a big-time receiver, is he going to be hard to relate? It's going to be impossible to talk to him' which definitely isn't the case. He's quiet. He sort of just goes abut his business.

"I think he expects everybody else to go about their business with as much attention to detail and focus as he does. I've said it earlier, but I think it's great for this locker room, especially these young guys. I'm continually impressed by him every day. The work ethic he brings, the nice, calming influence he brings as well."
But Wayne did say he's always open, right?

"Absolutely," Luck said. "Even as a Pop Warner kid, you knew that the receiver that was, and I don't want to say complaining, but maybe lobbying for the ball.
"He's deserved that right. It's an honor for me just to throw the ball to him."

Luck hasn't had to force the ball to Wayne, though at 33 years old, most receivers are on the backside of their careers.

"He gets open," Luck said. "He has an uncanny knack for when it's zone, where the hole is going to be based on where the other routes are running. When it's man, he's got all the tricks up his sleeve about how to get open, and when he's covered, someone else is open. When you put too many guys on him or send a couple of guys towards him, someone else will be open.

"He means so much to this offense."

That's been one of the first steps of a fairly smooth transition into the Luck era. Any concern whether the rookie and veteran would click has been quickly put to rest.

Next step: Offensive line.


(nfl.com)

Reggie Wayne reeled in eight catches for 88 yards in the Colts' Week 3 loss to Jacksonville.

Although Wayne managed no receptions beyond 16 yards, he was Andrew Luck's favorite target again and continues to be a target monster. Austin Collie's potentially serious knee injury should lock Wayne into the latter role over the rest of the season. The Colts have a Week 4 bye before a Week 5 date with the Jets.


(rotoworld.com)

As Reggie Wayne agreed to a deal to stay in Indianapolis as free agency was kicking off, a lot of his old teammates were on their way out.

It was a weird time, symbolically, at the front door of the team facility.

Wayne spoke about it recently on WNDE Radio.

Take us through the situation where so many veterans of the team are let go and shortly thereafter you re-sign:

“It caught me by surprise, also. From the whole free-agent situation, it started at 4 p.m. My phone was just going nuts from about 4 p.m. until about 10 p.m. To be honest with you, I didn’t hear from the Colts until probably 9:50. It was weird. By that time, I basically counted the Colts out. I didn’t think anything was going to happen, but I got that phone call and that’s all I wanted to hear. … Everybody [else] got crossed off. I will say I took a lot less money. I will say that, but this is where my heart was, this is where I wanted to be.”

On watching his jersey up for sale online during free agency:

“Right when free agency started, at that 4 p.m., I was just online messing around, and my jersey went from 50 bucks to on sale for $12.95. I didn’t know what that meant, either. I was like, ‘I guess this is a sign.’”

Wayne was fantastic on opening day in Chicago. Andrew Luck is sure to continue to find him, even when Austin Collie and/or T.Y. Hilton are added to the receiving corps after missing the first game.


(espn.com)

Reggie Wayne joined WNDE in Indianapolis with Query and Schultz to discuss how he wound up back in Indianapolis, the free agency process, coming back to a Colts team in rebuilding mode, what has struck him early on about Andrew Luck, if he’s had to change parts of his game and early comparisons between Luck and Peyton Manning.

How did it all unfold to the point where you wound up back in Indianapolis?:
“I didn’t know what to expect, just from the history of the way that whole situation goes, you expect the worst. You think you’re not going to be back. I’ve had some good friends, Edgerrin James … was in that same situation and he didn’t come back and he was part of this whole foundation. I kind of just expected the worst and if something good happens, then great. If I was moving on, then I was already expecting it.”

Take us through the situation where so many veterans of the team are let go and shortly thereafter you re-sign:
“It caught me by surprise, also. From the whole free-agent situation, it started at 4 p.m. My phone was just going nuts from about 4 p.m. until about 10 p.m. To be honest with you, I didn’t hear from the Colts until probably 9:50. It was weird. By that time, I basically counted the Colts out. I didn’t think anything was going to happen, but I got that phone call and that’s all I wanted to hear. … Everybody [else] got crossed off. I will say I took a lot less money. I will say that, but this is where my heart was, this is where I wanted to be.”

On watching his jersey up for sale online during free agency:
“Right when free agency started, at that 4 p.m., I was just online messing around, and my jersey went from 50 bucks to on sale for $12.95. I didn’t know what that meant, either. I was like, ‘I guess this is a sign.’”

Why decide to come back to a rebuilding program? Was it because you became the veteran leader of the whole deal?:
“Yeah, it was definitely a humbling experience. Me, being where I’ve been part of this organization and there’s always been a guy — a Peyton Manning, Jeff Saturday, someone that was in more years than I was so it was less for me to do. As I signed that contract, I talked to Mr. Irsay and talked to Chuck Pagano and everybody and they told me they wanted me to be myself. I didn’t have to do anything different. But when you’re around a locker room of so many young guys, you just feel like you have to say something, you have to lead the way. And it’s more than just leading by example. You have to be vocal; they have to hear your voice. So I just took that upon it and took that challenge and it’s keeping me young.”

What’s it like playing with Andrew Luck and what do you notice about him most that we wouldn’t?:
“First of all, I tell you what, I think the Colts picked the right guy. He is a great student of the game. He knows what he’s doing; he’s an excellent learner. He understands the way everything flows. I’ll tell you what I’m excited about, every time I watch him … he’s poised. Nothing seems to rattle him, no matter if he’s sacked, if he throws an interception, something goes wrong, he’s on that sideline and worrying about the next play. … He comes in, takes control of the huddle, understands what’s going on around him, and I really think he’s going to be very, very good one day.”

Have you had to change yourself as a receiving in terms of timing and things of that nature?:
“You do. It starts off just with we run a whole new offense, so I have to retool myself all over again. In the old system, we had to run a lot of square routes. Now it’s a lot of speed turns, so I had to challenge my body all over again. I had run routes like I’m running now since high school. … It all takes time and it’s all going to work together.”

If there’s one comparison you’re willing to make between Luck and Peyton Manning is it their cerebral style of playing the game?:
“Yeah, it is. I don’t think anybody can be as, I won’t say prepared, as Peyton, because Peyton lives and dies football every day. I don’t know too many times where we had a conversation where we didn’t talk about football. That’s just who he is. But you can tell Andrew, he loves the game, loves football, but also wants to have a life after football. That, there, is the difference. “


(sportsradiointerviews.com)

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne revealed in a radio interview with WNDE in Indianapolis that he took less money to stay in Indy and remain a Colt.

Wayne said he didn't expect to be with the Colts again as free agency wore on, but when they called, he decided to come back.

"I will say I took a lot less money. I will say that, but this is where my heart was, this is where I wanted to be."

So far, his decision has paid off. The 33-year-old Wayne, with 12 NFL seasons of experience, looked spry and played well in the Colts' season-opening loss to the Chicago Bears last Sunday. He looked to have a good connection with rookie quarterback Andrew Luck.

Wayne had some glowing compliments for his quarterback, Luck, saying that the Colts "picked the right guy" and that Luck is already a leader in the huddle and will be very good one day.


(sbnation.com)

Reggie Wayne reeled in nine passes for 135 yards versus the Bears in Week 1.

Wayne was a one-man show in the Colts passing attack, putting on an impressive hands display with a series of lunging and diving catches. Targeted a team-high 18 times, Wayne saw nine passes in his direction by late in the first half before any teammate drew a second target. Even with Austin Collie returning to cut into his target total, Wayne looks like a sure bet for 85+ receptions this season. He's a safe WR2 option while hosting the Vikings in Week 2.


(rotoworld.com)

Reggie Wayne was quick with advice for whichever quarterback the Colts turned to last season. "Look left."

That's where Wayne generally was situated whether Kerry Collins, Curtis Painter or Dan Orlovsky was under center.

The veteran receiver said he'll be less specific Sunday with his pre-game advice to rookie quarterback Andrew Luck. The Colts open against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field.

"Just throw it to the open guy," Wayne said, pausing. "And I will be open."

Luck, he added, has "done well preparing. He's eager to play, too, I believe. It's time to let it unwind a little bit, get the training camp out of the system and get ready to play some real good opponents.

"No more preseason. It's for real now and that's exactly what I told the young receivers. It's going to move even faster now. You really got to come prepared to go into a hostile environment and be ready to play."

Wayne's is the voice of experience. He's 33 and entering his 12th season. He'll make his 146th consecutive regular-season start, the longest streak among active receivers, and has had at least one reception in 96 straight games.

Wayne enters the season tied for 15th in league history with 862 receptions, 22nd with 11,708 yards and tied for 30th with 73 receiving touchdowns.


(indystar.com)

ANDERSON – Reggie Wayne was the first player on the field Friday for the Indianapolis Colts' last day of training camp at Anderson University. This is a small, important detail.

Rookie quarterback Andrew Luck will get the bulk of the attention, understandably so, when the Colts play their second preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at 8 p.m. Sunday at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh. We'll chart how Luck looks against the traditionally great Steelers defense. Can he match his sterling start against the St. Louis Rams last week?

Luck is 22 years old, his career in front of him. Wayne is 33, the bulk (but not all) of his career behind him.

Yet there is no more important person to Luck's success than Wayne, and that goes even if Wayne catches only a modest number of passes this season.

“We're still young and we still have some improving to do,” Wayne said, “even myself, making small mental mistakes. That's what the rest of (the preseason) is for, to continue to grow and iron out those mistakes.”

Wayne has spent this training camp leading by example. First guy on the field, last guy catching passes out of the Jugs machine long after practice is over. He talks with Luck, he points out nuances between quarterback and receiver that can only be learned and assimilated at the NFL level.

Then there's Wayne's influence on a relatively young receiving crew. Except for Austin Collie, who has been Wayne's teammate for the past three years, the group is rookies and near-rookies.

T.Y. Hilton, one of the rookies, mentioned the other day how he wants to keep improving his game and asking questions of Wayne. There's a link there.

Wayne has appeared near flawless during training camp at Anderson, which came to an end with a morning practice Friday. He maintains his high gear, runs crisp patterns, makes an attempt to grab every pass, one-handed, leaping or otherwise.

To be honest, he seems to be energized by the chance to work with a new quarterback and a new team. And when the Colts re-signed him after he became a free agent, he clearly assumed the deal was for his play and his approach on and off the field.

“We're young, bottom line,” Wayne said. “We're a young team. They say we have 54 first-year or second-year guys and that comes with this whole getting rid of guys and bringing in new guys.

“As veterans, we have to show those guys the way,” Wayne continued. “We've got some veteran leadership on this team that knows what to do. We have to take them under our wings and lead them to the right path.”

Watching Wayne in practice is a reward in and of itself. He makes the spectacular catch look easy, reminiscent of Marvin Harrison, the veteran Wayne encountered when he came into the league.

Harrison, however, wasn't necessarily inclined to be proactive in the leadership role. His personality was introverted.

Wayne's approach reflects his background at the University of Miami, where the Hurricanes were always known for confidence and brashness. The difference is that Wayne has soaked in the Colts' culture, so that he projects a more engaging confidence. You can't watch Wayne or listen to him and think of him as cocky. He stays on the likeable, positive side of confidence.

I've written before that if the Colts could only keep one of their two top receivers last season in Wayne and Pierre Garcon, Wayne was the right one to hold onto.
This group of Hilton, LaVon Brazill, Donnie Avery, Quan Cosby and others have benefited immeasurably from Wayne's presence.

Wayne shows them, with his individual work before and after practice, that greatness comes with a price in hard work.

“At certain times this year, these rookies won't be rookies anymore,” Wayne said. “They have to grow from that and become big-time players.”

They've got the right man showing them the way.


(news-sentinel.com)

Update: Wayne had six receptions (nine targets) for 74 yards in Sunday's preseason loss to Pittsburgh.

Recommendation: It looks like Andrew Luck will target Wayne, who looked in regular season form, very frequently in Indy's new offensive scheme. Wayne is being used in multiple positions on the line this season as opposed to always lining up outside on the left, including the slot, in an effort to create mismatches. The new scheme shows that the Colts plan to heavily target Wayne in the game plan.


(rotowire.com)

ANDERSON, Ind. -- Never mind Where's Waldo?

Where's Reggie?

On Wednesday afternoon, Reggie Wayne, the Indianapolis Colts' veteran receiver, was here, there, a little bit of everywhere when quarterback Andrew Luck and the No. 1 offense were on the field.

No longer is he always stationed on the far left of the formation, on a so-called "island."

"Unfortunately it comes in year 12, but it's all good,'' Wayne said. "I'm excited about it. I have a little bit more freedom to do some things."

Consider some plays from practice. Wayne lined up: Wide right, went in motion to the left and caught a swing pass out of the backfield.

In the left slot, ran a slant to the right and caught a pass from Luck in stride.

Wide right, went in motion to the left, stopped and went back to the right.

In the slot to the left, motioned right and caught a short pass from Luck.

The idea is to maximize Wayne's versatility, and make it more difficult for defenses to locate and concentrate on him.

"Why leave him in one spot?'' asked offensive coordinator Bruce Arians. "We're not a right and left wide receiver offense. He's going to be our flanker and our slot.

"He's got great decision making and he's really strong in the slot. It's a waste of talent to just have him out (left) all the time and let him be double covered."

In the past, the Colts ran a less complicated offense, and that worked rather well for many years, with Peyton Manning throwing to Wayne and Marvin Harrison.

Wayne's been able to deal with whatever defenses have thrown at him since the Colts selected him with the 30th overall pick in 2001. He ranks No. 2 in club history in virtually every meaningful receiving category, trailing only Harrison. Among active receivers, only Atlanta tight end Tony Gonzalez has more catches and yards.

And while it can be overly optimistic to project statistics, Wayne could secure a place among the most prolific receivers in NFL history.

Wayne, 33, has averaged 89.8 receptions and 1,226 yards over the past eight years. In March he signed a three-year, $17.5 million contract. If he is able to maintain his recent pace over the life of the contract, he'll push his career totals to 1,131 catches and 15,386 yards.

Only Hall of Famer Jerry Rice (1,549), Gonzalez (1,149), Harrison (1,102) and Cris Carter (1,101) have more than 1,100 receptions.

Only Rice (22,895), Terrell Owens (15,934) and Isaac Bruce (15,208) have eclipsed the 15,000-yard mark.

This season, Wayne and all of the receivers will be moving around a lot. Wayne and Austin Collie are the starters, with Donnie Avery the No. 3 option. While Avery is dealing with a hip injury, rookie T.Y. Hilton is taking his place.

At any time, anyone can be anywhere. That's a dramatic switch from Harrison always split wide right and Wayne to the left.

"It's being able to move (Wayne) around in all different packages and not just having this guy here, this guy there, but move 'em all over the place," Arians said. "Run every route in the book, find out the ones they run the best.

"I think Reggie's having a lot of fun (in the slot). He's so big and strong and he knows how to get open. I think it's been like a rookie year for him."

Wayne isn't learning the slot position as much as he's re-learning it. Early in his career, that was his spot.

"My second year, that's actually how I got started, really, playing a little slot,'' Wayne said. "So it kind of brings you back a little bit to that time."

Arians, he added, "is showing me some new things. (He) didn't sell me on it at first. I guess that's because I've been (lined up) a certain way for 11 years. It's starting to grow on me. I'm starting to like it."


(indystar.com)

ANDERSON, Ind. (AP) — Reggie Wayne's world is changing.

The fun-loving receiver who always got overshadowed by Peyton Manning has suddenly become the feature attraction at Colts' training camp.

Fans roar every time he steps on the field and rush over to him for autographs. The group of rookies joining him for extra work catching passes has been increasing daily. Veterans pepper him with questions, and the perennial Pro Bowler seems to be savoring his new job as the offensive leader after deciding to play with the revamped Colts.

"Some people say we're depleted. I say we're younger and hungrier," Wayne said Friday. "I wanted to be here. I wanted to build this foundation to get the Colts back to the old winning ways, and we still have some OGs around here."

Wayne is one of those old guys, or OGs in his vernacular. But for the first time in his 12-year career, Wayne is the veteran leader of this team.
Edgerrin James, Wayne's old pal from Miami, left as a free agent before Indy's 2006 Super Bowl-winning season. Marvin Harrison, the receiver who mentored Wayne, wasn't re-signed after 2008.

The biggest purge came in March when Manning, the longtime face of the franchise, was released, clearing room for Andrew Luck's arrival. Free agent center Jeff Saturday signed with Green Bay. Record-setting tight end Dallas Clark, former Pro Bowl running back Joseph Addai and defensive captains Gary Brackett and Melvin Bullitt were cut. Longtime offensive line starter Ryan Diem retired, and Wayne could have left, too, as a free agent.

He almost did.

Wayne was so convinced his days in Indy were over that he celebrated the game-winning touchdown against Houston like it was his final score at Lucas Oil Stadium. The next week, he packed up his locker, took down his name plate and shipped everything home for the offseason.

His says his heart wouldn't let him leave.

Instead, Wayne took less money to return to the Colts, giving them a veteran presence on an offense that will have at least seven new starters in the Sept. 9 season-opener at Chicago. Indianapolis needed him.

"We're a young team, and if you watch Reggie, he's been doing the same thing for years," cornerback Jerraud Powers said. "For the young guys coming up, he's a great guy to watch, to see how to do it the right way. You know going against Reggie every day in practice, he's teaching me stuff all the time. He'll say, 'I read this or that off of you.'"

Wayne said he catches about 150 balls from a machine between workouts to keep his hands sharp. When Wayne walked over to the machine after Sunday's 2½-hour practice, he stood alone. On Day 2, two other players had joined him. On the third day, the group consisted of more than a half-dozen guys and it continues to expand.

After Friday's morning walkthrough, Wayne walked slowly from the field to the locker room, talking with rookie receiver LaVon Brazill, a sixth-round draft pick out of Ohio University. Wayne didn't say what they discussed, though it is a regular part of the routine for the 33-year-old whose poster-sized image has replaced Manning's on the front of Lucas Oil Stadium.

"He's teaching me a lot, how to get in and out of breaks," said T.Y. Hilton, a third-round draft pick from Florida International. "I haven't been able to go with him after practice, but I go to the machine before practice and catch with Reggie."

Why wouldn't the youngsters follow Wayne's lead?

In 11 seasons, he has 862 receptions with 11,708 yards — second all-time in Colts history and nearly four times the total of the other 15 receivers and tight ends at Indy's camp. His 73 TD catches are almost triple the combined totals of the other 15 (281 catches, 3,218 yards, 25 TDs), 12 of whom have yet to catch an NFL pass.

The most impressive part of Wayne's legacy has been his ability to stay healthy. He leads all NFL receivers with 145 consecutive starts, 166 games played and hasn't missed a start since 2002.

"Every player wants longevity and obviously what he does, going on 12 years, is just awesome," receiver Donnie Avery said. "He's been to Super Bowls, a number of training camps and he knows what it takes to get through practice, so you watch him."

Wayne came back to help the receivers get in sync with their new quarterback, learn the playbook and teach the next generation of Colts' receivers what it takes to stick around this league. And win.

Wayne insists little has changed. Teammates know better.

"I haven't seen him do anything he hasn't done. Reggie will do whatever this team wants him to do and he's not going to step on anyone's toes," Powers said. "But I'm pretty sure he's got a chip on his shoulder being in Peyton's shadow for so long."

And though Luck is running the offense, this is clearly Wayne's team.

"My intensity has stayed the same, even when Peyton was here. I was vocal when I needed to be vocal. If I see a guy do something wrong, I tell him about it," Wayne said. "We still have some old guys that they can build off of and show them what to do."


(mysanantonio.com)

Reggie Wayne: The veteran receiver has often made dramatic -- and thematic -- arrivals at training camp.

This morning, he showed up in three Humvees with soldiers from the Indiana National Guard in Shelbyville.

Emerging from one of the Humvees in military fatigues, Wayne declared: "Reggie Wayne reporting for duty."

Then he paid tribute to the soldiers who joined him.

"I had these guys on speed-dial," Wayne said. "I take my hat off to these guys. They're on 24-hour notice."

In the past, Wayne has shown up to camp in a dump truck to symbolize getting ready for hard work. Another year, he showed up in an Arizona Cardinals No. 32 jersey as a tribute to former Colts running back Edgerrin James.

"I don't want people to think this is a joke," Wayne said this morning. "I fully support the military. They are the heroes. ... I want our team to take a page out of their book. These guys are what you call true heroes. I appreciate that."

The military escort was planned two years ago, but the Colts, then under different management, nixed the idea, said Staff Sgt. Lamont Sullivan.


(indystar.com)

The Chiefs’ Romeo Crennel, like most head coaches, prefers veteran players over younger ones, everything else being equal. The Chiefs attempted to sign more veteran players during the offseason. They came close to adding wide receiver Reggie Wayne before he decided to remain with the Colts.



(kansascity.com)

MIAMI (CBSMiami) – The last time a number one overall draft pick quarterback was making his way around Miami, the local television stations went into full fledged Peyton Manning overload coverage.

But another number one overall pick at quarterback is in Miami and working with his new crop of receivers. Indianapolis Colts rookie quarterback Andrew Luck is working out at the University of Miami with receivers Donnie Avery, Reggie Wayne, and Griff Whalen, according to profootballtalk.com.

Avery sent a picture of the group out on Instagram as proof of the workout.

The workout was at UM because veteran Pro Bowl receiver Reggie Wayne went to the school and still works out there.

Luck hasn’t had the ability to work out with his new receivers much during the offseason. Because Stanford ends their semesters so late, Luck couldn’t work out with the team until a mandatory mini-camp in June.

The workout could come in handy for Luck and the Colts. Currently, Luck and the Colts are at an impasse in contract negotiations.

Luck, and the next seven picks in the NFL Draft remain unsigned over contract language included in their deals. The teams don’t want to fully guarantee the last season if a player is cut before the final fifth year of the contract. The players want that final year guaranteed.

Colts owner Jim Irsay has said twice in the last two weeks that a deal with Luck is close. Once Luck’s deal is done, it will set the benchmark for the rest of the deals to work from the top and then use number nine overall pick Luke Kuechly’s contract as a base.


(miami.cbslocal.com)

Chase Stuart is doing some interesting stuff at footballperspective.com.

The most recent entry of note looks at career weighted winning percentages for the 100 wide receivers with the most receiving yards in NFL history.

Of the 14 active players on the list, the top guy and the lowest-ranking guy both belong to the AFC South.

And they should come as no surprise.

Reggie Wayne is at No. 7, with a weighted winning percentage of .698. Thanks, Peyton Manning, Bill Polian and the Colts.

Andre Johnson is at No. 95, with a weighted winning percentage of .433. Thanks, expansion situation, Charley Casserly and David Carr.

Interestingly, Wayne and Johnson are friends, linked by the University of Miami.

They hold each other in high regard and hang out together when they can. They share relatively low-key, workman-like personalities.

Johnson’s “suffering” came to an end last season as he played in his first two playoff games. If he can stay healthy, the Texans may finally be in position to help him move up this list before he’s done.


(espn.com)

A banner of WR Reggie Wayne has taken the place of one featuring former QB Peyton Manning outside of Lucas Oil Stadium. Manning's picture was removed Wednesday. A banner depicting DE/LB Robert Mathis is expected to replace one of former Colts TE Dallas Clark.




(cbssports.com)

INDIANAPOLIS — It’s a rare sight, indeed, in April.

Veteran wide receiver Reggie Wayne usually spends this time of year at his home near Miami, working out at his old stomping grounds at “The U.”

But there was Wayne last week, addressing reporters in the locker room at the Indianapolis Colts’ training facility. And he seemed just as surprised to be there as anyone.

“Right now this playbook is Greek to me,” Wayne said. “I don’t speak Greek. So I gotta be here to figure it out.”

Wayne is one of the few familiar faces still dotting the roster.

An 11-year veteran, he said he feels almost like a rookie again.

The Colts have a new head coach in Chuck Pagano, whom Wayne played for during his college days at Miami, and a new offensive coordinator in Bruce Arians.

The latter served as the quarterbacks coach in Indianapolis from 1998 to 2000. He left to join a Cleveland Browns staff that also included Pagano and later tutored Ben Roethlisberger for his first eight seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Some elements of Arians’ offense likely will be familiar to Colts fans.

His system includes some similarities to the attack Peyton Manning became a star in under long-time offensive coordinator Tom Moore.

But there will be plenty of differences, too.

“Every night I’m looking in my playbook feeling like I’m studying for the bar,” Wayne said. “I don’t know what that feeling is, but it’s got to feel something like this.”

Among the changes Arians is expected to install: A greater emphasis on the power running game and the moving of wide receivers around the field from play to play.

Wayne spent his previous 11 seasons in Indianapolis lining up exclusively on Manning’s left side. He even famously told quarterback Dan Orlovsky to “throw left” each day he walked past his locker after Orlovsky became the starter late last season.

Wayne won’t be saying the same phrase to Andrew Luck, the Stanford quarterback likely to be selected as Manning’s replacement in three days with the first overall pick in the NFL draft.

“Now, I’m moving around, thank God,” Wayne said. “Can you believe that? I am moving around. First time in 11 years, man.”

Wayne isn’t the only one. Austin Collie, used primarily in the slot during his first three NFL seasons, now will see more time on the outside.

He said he’s looking forward to the opportunity.

He also said there’s no reason to worry the Colts can’t get enough work done without Luck, or whomever the rookie quarterback will be, in the house.

Veteran Drew Stanton has organized throwing sessions with the receivers for the past two weeks, and Indianapolis begins a voluntary minicamp on Tuesday.

Collie said it’s essential the Colts make the most of their time together.

“We can get a lot done,” he said. “Starting to learn the playbook, and we’ve gotta get that done first before we get done anything else. Whether there’s a (rookie) quarterback here, or whether there’s not, that’s something you can do individually or do as a (receiver) group. That’s what this time’s for, and that’s what we’re working on trying to do.”

Pierre Garcon signed a big free-agent contract with the Washington Redskins and likely will catch passes from Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III next year. Anthony Gonzalez joined the rival New England Patriots as a free agent, and Blair White was released last week.

That will cut into the Colts’ depth at receiver, but there are some new faces on board as well.

Speedster Donnie Avery was added as a free agent during the offseason, and third-year man Quan Cosby will get a long look after joining the roster late last year. Undrafted rookies Jarred Fayson and Jeremy Ross also are in the mix after spending last season on other teams’ practice squads.

It’s a largely untested group, and more new faces could be on the way through the draft. But Collie said change isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

“Starting fresh is kind of nice,” he said. “New faces, new coaching staff, I think it kind of lights a fire under everybody.”

So should the words of pundits such as ESPN’s draft guru Mel Kiper. He said last week that Luck might struggle to “survive” with Indianapolis’ personnel, likening the Colts’ roster to “an expansion team.”

Wayne has heard similar dire projections, but he said the expectations inside the locker room remain the same.

“Nothing’s changed,” he said. “What’s supposed to change? Same intensity. Go out and win ballgames. Figure out the way to get it done. Do whatever it takes to win. Nothing’s changed. Still pro athletes. Still want to win. So keep marching.”


(heraldbulletin.com)

WR Reggie Wayne usually doesn't take part in the Colts' off-season conditioning work during the spring, opting instead to train near his home in Miami. But with a new offensive system being installed, Wayne said Wednesday he thought it would be good to get back to Indy earlier than normal.

Wayne understood the mindset of many of his teammates but begged to differ.

"I've got 11 years of resume built," he said. "If you can't find something on that to appreciate, then maybe I'm overmatched. I'm not going to slack any. I'm still with the same thing I've been doing, trying to get better each day."

Wayne's presence was a surprise. He traditionally spends his offseason training at the University of Miami but is in Indianapolis this week. The massive changes going on at West 56th Street required him to alter his routine.

There's a new offense to assimilate, and even the team's 2001 first-round draft pick and No. 2 all-time leading receiver needs quality time with the playbook.

"Right now this playbook is Greek to me and I don't speak Greek," Wayne said. "I've got to be here to figure it out. The faster I can learn it, the earlier I feel I can leave.

"I'm here, man. I'm taking time away from my family, who's not used to this, either. They're pretty upset with the 2-14 finish just like we are."


(indystar.com)

Deciding Miami led all FBS programs in producing quality NFL running backs was a tough call.

Picking Miami as the top school to find future pro receivers and tight ends wasn't nearly as difficult.

Miami's contingent of NFL wide receivers includes Houston Texans star Andre Johnson and Indianapolis Colts standout Reggie Wayne, who have each earned five Pro Bowl appearances while combining for 125 touchdown catches and over 21,000 receiving yards.

Other Miami receivers on NFL rosters last season included Devin Hester (Chicago Bears), Leonard Hankerson (Washington Redskins), Santana Moss (Washington Redskins) and Roscoe Parrish (Buffalo Bills, now with San Diego Chargers). Moss is a former 1,000-yard receiver, while Hester arguably is the greatest kick returner in NFL history.

Miami was an even more obvious pick at tight end. In fact, tight end may have been the easiest pick of any position for this entire project. Miami's tradition of sending tight ends to the NFL has even caught the attention of high school prospects.

"I felt like this is where I'm going to be the best and I'm going to reach my full potential," New Orleans (La.) Edna Karr junior tight end Standish Dobard told CaneSport.com after committing to the Hurricanes this month. "They have a history of really good tight ends here."

Former Miami tight ends now in the NFL include Dedrick Epps (New York Jets), Richard Gordon (Oakland Raiders), Jimmy Graham (New Orleans Saints), Greg Olsen (Carolina Panthers), Jeremy Shockey (Carolina Panthers) and Kellen Winslow (Tampa Bay Buccaneers). Shockey is a four-time Pro Bowl pick and Winslow has earned one Pro Bowl invitation.

But the biggest success story of all is Graham, who actually came to Miami on a basketball scholarship. He switched to football in 2009 and showed enough in that one season to get drafted in the third round.

All he did last season was catch 99 passes for 1,310 yards and 11 touchdowns. The only tight end to ever accumulate more receiving yards in a season was New England's Rob Gronkowski, who compiled 1,327 yards last year.

Although no other schools can approach Miami's success at developing NFL tight ends, a few other programs also deserve mention. Former Iowa tight ends Dallas Clark and Tony Moeaki have enjoyed solid NFL careers. Arizona State produced NFL veterans Todd Heap and Zach Miller. Future Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez joins Cameron Morrah and Craig Stevens as former California tight ends in the NFL. Wisconsin has sent Travis Beckum, Owen Daniels, Garrett Graham and Lance Kendricks to the NFL in recent seasons.

LSU was worth considering at the wide receiver spot. Dwayne Bowe has developed into a star for the Kansas City Chiefs. Early Doucet (Arizona Cardinals), Brandon LaFell (Carolina Panthers) and Devery Henderson (New Orleans Saints) each collected over 500 receiving yards last season.
But nobody compared to Miami at either position.

Even though Miami has enjoyed similar success at the wide receiver and tight end spots, the Hurricanes have relied on different strategies at each of those positions.

Most of the NFL receivers to come from Miami were South Florida products. Johnson and Parrish both played at Miami Senior High. Moss went to Miami Carol City. Hankerson graduated from Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) St. Thomas Aquinas and Hester came from Riviera Beach (Fla.) Suncoast. A notable exception is Wayne, who went to Marrero (La.) John Ehret.

But most of its star tight ends didn't play for Florida high schools.

Olsen comes from New Jersey. Miami landed Shockey from Oklahoma. Winslow made the coast-to-coast move from San Diego to Miami. Graham's from North Carolina. Dobard looks to continue that tradition when he arrives at Miami in 2013.

Both strategies have worked quite well for Miami.

The only legitimate criticism that could be made about Miami's ability to send receivers and tight ends to the NFL is that many of its top guys at this position are at or past their primes.

Hankerson, a third-round pick last year, is the only Miami receiver to get drafted since 2007. Wayne ended his Miami career in 2000. Johnson's last two years at Miami were the 2001 national championship season and the 2002 campaign that ended with a Fiesta Bowl overtime loss to Ohio State.

And even though Graham has emerged as an immediate star in the NFL after a brief college career, most of Miami's other productive NFL tight ends left college long ago. Shockey's last season at Miami was 2001. Winslow finished his college career in 2004 and Olsen left Miami after the 2006 season.

Olsen, who caught 38 passes in 2006, was the last Miami tight end to catch more than 22 passes in a season. Miami's main pass-catching tight end last season was Clive Walford, who caught 18 passes for 172 yards as a redshirt freshman after playing just one year of high school football at Belle Glade (Fla.) Glades Central.

Tommy Streeter should assure that Miami has a wide receiver drafted for a second straight season. After catching 46 passes for 811 yards and eight touchdowns last year, Streeter has been projected as a mid- to late-round pick in this year's draft.

Miami might not have a tight end drafted anytime soon, mainly because of its youth at that position. Walford still has plenty of time left in his college career. Miami didn't sign a tight end in its 2012 class, but the Hurricanes rectified that issue by getting the early 2013 commitment from Dobard.
"I hope to be one of the best tight ends ever to come through Miami," Dobard told CaneSport.com.

That would be quite an accomplishment indeed.

WIDE RECEIVER U. 2012

Our choice: Miami.
Who they've sent: Leonard Hankerson (Washington Redskins), Devin Hester (Chicago Bears), Andre Johnson (Houston Texans), Santana Moss (Washington Redskins), Roscoe Parrish (San Diego Chargers), Reggie Wayne (Indianapolis Colts).
Who's next: Tommy Streeter is a projected mid- to late-round selection in this year's draft.
Why we picked them: Johnson and Wayne are two of the most productive receivers of the last decade. Each has five Pro Bowl appearances. They have combined for 125 touchdown catches and over 21,000 receiving yards. Moss also is a former Pro Bowl selection. Hester remains an unpolished receiver, but he's one of the best kick returners in football history.
Other finalists: Florida (Denver's Andre Caldwell, Philadelphia's Riley Cooper, Washington's Jabar Gaffney, Minnesota's Percy Harvin, Oakland's Louis Murphy, Buffalo's David Nelson), LSU (Kansas City's Dwayne Bowe, New York Giants' Michael Clayton, Arizona's Early Doucet, New Orleans' Devery Henderson, Houston's Trindon Holliday, Carolina's Brandon LaFell, Detroit's Terrence Toliver), Michigan (New Orleans' Adrian Arrington, Philadelphia's Jason Avant, Kansas City's Steve Breaston, San Francisco's Mario Manningham), Ohio State (San Francisco's Ted Ginn, New England's Anthony Gonzalez, Miami's Brian Hartline, New York Jets' Santonio Holmes, Minnesota's Michael Jenkins)
Candidate you might not have considered: Tennessee, Texas Tech.

TIGHT END U. 2012

Our choice: Miami.
Who they've sent: Richard Gordon (Oakland Raiders), Jimmy Graham (New Orleans Saints), Greg Olsen (Carolina Panthers), Jeremy Shockey (free agent), Kellen Winslow Jr. (Tampa Bay Buccaneers).
Who's next: Nobody's on the horizon. Miami's top pass catching tight end last year was Clive Walford, a redshirt freshman in 2011.
Why we picked them: Miami would have been the clear pick even if we'd done this a year ago, before Graham delivered a breakthrough season in which he caught 99 passes. Graham, Shockey and Winslow have all earned Pro Bowl invitations at some point in their careers.
Other finalists: Arizona State (Arizona's Todd Heap, Seattle's Zach Miller), California (Atlanta's Tony Gonzalez, Seattle's Cameron Morrah, Tennessee's Craig Stevens), Iowa (Buffalo's Scott Chandler, free agent Dallas Clark, Kansas City's Tony Moeaki, Oakland's Brandon Myers, Minnesota's Allen Reisner), Notre Dame (Seattle's John Carlson, Miami's Anthony Fasano, Minnesota's Kyle Rudolph), Texas (Green Bay's Jermichael Finley, Cincinnati's Bo Scaife, New Orleans' David Thomas), Wisconsin (New York Giants' Travis Beckum, Houston's Owen Daniels, Houston's Garrett Graham, St. Louis' Lance Kendricks)
Candidate you might not have considered: Colorado State is the alma mater of Denver's Joel Dreessen and San Diego's Kory Sperry. Dreessen caught six touchdown passes for the Houston Texans last season before signing with the Broncos as a free agent.


(yahoosports.com)

University of Miami Sports Hall Of Fame 2012 Inductees: Ed Reed, Robbie Morrison, Richard Mercier, Ray Bellamy, Bryant McKinnie, Patrina Allen, Desma Thomas Bateast, Paige Yaroshuk Tews

Ed Reed, Robbie Morrison, Richard Mercier, Ray Bellamy, Bryant McKinnie

Ed Reed

Bryant McKinnie

Ray Bellamy

Bryant McKinnie

Bryant McKinnie

Bryant McKinnie

Art Kehoe, Bryant McKinnie, Ruben Carter

Richard Mercier

Ray Bellamy

Ed Reed

Ed Reed, Reggie Wayne, Greg Mark

Richard Mercier, Jason Fox

Robbie Morrison and “The Beast” on All Canes Radio.

Robbie Morrison

Randall “Thrill” Hill, Darrin Smith

Former Hurricane stars WR Reggie Wayne, LB Ray Lewis, LB D.J. Williams, LB Jonathan Vilma and TE Jimmy Graham watched the team pracitce on Tuesday. While Williams, Vilma, and Graham are regulars at practice, Wayne, and, especially, Lewis, are rare visitors to the Greentree practice fields.



(cbssports.com)

Wide receiver Reggie Wayne, in an entry on his website after re-signing with the Colts for a three-year, $17.5 million deal, offered a suggestion on his website that he considered crossing enemy lines to sign with the Patriots:

"It came down to [three] teams actually. Well..... kinda four teams at first. Then three and then two. And you Colts fans don't wanna know who other team was. I'll let you figure that one out. Ha!" Wayne wrote. "But like I said, I'm thrilled about my decision. [Now] I can continue and hopefully retire a Colt. I'm ready to start playing right now. The more I think about it, my decision to stay gets better as each hour goes by. GO COLTS!!!"

The Boston Globe subsequently confirmed via a league source that the Patriots were the runner-up in the Wayne derby, though the terms of New England's offer to Wayne were not available.

Wayne, in a 2011 season spent without Peyton Manning under center, caught 75 passes for 960 yards and four touchdowns, his lowest totals in each of those categories since 2003. In his career, the 33-year-old has hauled in 862 passes for 11,708 yards and 73 touchdowns, and he hasn't missed a game in the last 10 years.


(weei.com)

Many were surprised by the decision of receiver Reggie Wayne to sign a new three-year deal with the Colts, the team with which Wayne spent 11 prior seasons.  Wayne doesn’t get it.

“Why would they be surprised?” Wayne said Thursday in comments distributed by the team.  “This is where I’ve always played at.  What’s the surprising part?”

Well, where do we start?

First, he had been trying to get a new deal for the last couple years.  At one point, he held out of an offseason mandatory minicamp to illustrate his displeasure.

Second, there had been no effort to keep him until very recently.

Third, the team is in full-blown blow-it-up-and-start-over mode, bidding farewell to multiple big-name players.

Fourth, Wayne sounded like he wanted to get back together with Peyton Manning, preferably with the Dolphins.

“It’d be great, it’d be fun,” Wayne told Michael Irvin of WQAM in Miami.  “Exciting.  Now you got me visualizing it.  I see the visual, it is there.  I see it.  It would be great.  It would definitely be a fun time, and an outstanding journey in South Florida.”

It won’t be happening.  Wayne has recommitted to the Colts.

“Colt for life,” Wayne said Wednesday.  “I’m going to get that tattoo put on my back. . . .  I’m here in the 317, which is Indianapolis and I’m here for the rest of my career.  Let’s go ahead and win while we can.”

That last statement implies that the team has been winning.  Last year, it wasn’t.  Next year, it will be just as challenging.  If Wayne is lucky, the Colts will become competitive again just in time for him to retire.


(nbcsports.com)

WR Reggie Wayne, who signed a three-year, $17.5M deal contract Wednesday, on returning to Indy: "This is home and this is where I wanted to be. I really just took my time, thought about everything, sat with my family, put everything together and this was the right choice.”



(cbssports.com)

Reggie Wayne won't be following his quarterback out of town. The NFL Network reported the free-agent wide receiver has agreed to a three-year, $17.5 million deal to stay with the Indianapolis Colts rather than pursue a potential reunion with Peyton Manning elsewhere.

Wayne is one of few familiar names who will stick around in the Colts' offense. In addition to Manning, who was released last week, tight end Dallas Clark and running back Joseph Addai were cut by the team. On Tuesday evening, Pierre Garcon, the receiver who started opposite Wayne in Indainapolis, signed a lucrative long-term deal with the Washington Redskins.

The signing of Wayne means he'll be around to help develop the Colts' next franchise quarterback. That player is presumed to be Stanford's Andrew Luck, who is expected to be selected by the Colts with the first overall pick in April's draft.

Wayne, 33, is now in line to start and end his fine career with the Colts, who selected him in the first round of the 2001 draft. He has made five trips to the Pro Bowl in his 11 seasons, racking up impressive totals of 862 catches, 11,708 yards and 73 touchdowns.

Colts owner Jim Irsay took to Twitter to share his enthusiasm about re-signing Wayne with three simple words: REGGIE! REGGIE! REGGIE!!!!!!!


(sportingnews.com)

If the Cardinals do land Peyton Manning, Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic does not expect them to pair him with free agent Reggie Wayne.

Wayne wants a "package deal" with Manning, but he also seems primarily intent on returning to Miami, where Wayne went to college. At this point, Wayne has emerged as a likelier candidate than his longtime quarterback to play for the Dolphins. The Cardinals could use Wayne, but they're also a bit strapped for cap space. They might defer to Early Doucet's younger legs.


(rotoworld.com)

Free agent Reggie Wayne acknowledged that he has "not heard a word" from Colts brass since the end of the season.

"Nothing," he emphasized. "Not a phone call, not a text message, not a note from a pigeon. Nothing." Wayne is tentatively expected to follow fellow free agent Peyton Manning wherever he goes. Now purely a possession receiver, the 33-year-old would make plenty of sense with either the Cardinals or Dolphins.


(rotoworld.com)

It has been reported that receiver Reggie Wayne would be interested in signing with the Dolphins.  On Wednesday, Reggie Wayne said for himself that, if that’s where Peyton lands, that’s where Reggie would like to be.

“I could see it,” Wayne told Michael Irvin of WQAM radio in Miami.  “I’m definitely not opposed to it, you know?  He’s a great worker, and I consider myself a great worker.  And when you put great workers together, good things happen.  Me being in his trail going to Miami?  I would love it.  I would definitely love it.  I am totally available.  My phone is working.  Make sure you put that out there, my phone is working.  I paid my bills ahead of time, just so we have no problems.  So I am ready for anything that comes right now.”

If the written words don’t convey it, Wayne became more animated and excited the more he talked about it.  He became even more animated and excited once he discussed the possibility of a football version of LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, and Chris Bosh:  Peyton Manning, Reggie Wayne, and Brandon Marshall.

“It can definitely be dangerous,” Wayne said.  “It can truly be dangerous, if they put us all together.  The league might not want that, Mike.  They might not want that.  They might not want to see that.  South Florida is already hot out here, baby, so you put us all together, it’ll be burning up.”
Irvin kept pushing, and Reggie kept gushing.

“It’s be great, it’d be fun,” Wayne said.  “Exciting.  Now you got me visualizing it.  I see the visual, it is there.  I see it.  It would be great.  It would definitely be a fun time, and an outstanding journey in South Florida.”

Wayne isn’t available to be signed by another team for six days.  Manning can officially be signed as of 4:00 p.m. ET.  Don’t be surprised if, wherever they land, they’ll be together again.


(profootballtalk.com)

Reggie Wayne has called South Florida home every offseason since entered the league back in 2001, and sources say the former Miami Hurricanes standout is open to making Miami his in-season home, signing with the Miami Dolphins.

Wayne, a five-time Pro Bowler with the Indianapolis Colts, become an unrestricted free agent on March 13. He could become part of a package deal that includes future Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning, who will be released by the Colts today.

The source said Manning and Wayne have not spoken specifically about landing in the same city, playing for the same team. But they realize its a possibility, one they would favor because of their friendship and on the field bond. Neither are expected to re-sign with Indianapolis.

The Dolphins aren’t actively looking for more receivers, but considering Manning is the team’s top quarterback target General Manager Jeff Ireland might be willing to pair Wayne with Brandon Marshall and Davone Bess.

Brian Hartline, who caught 35 passes for 549 yards and scored one touchdown last season, would likely lose his starting spot to Wayne, who is 33. But it’s possible Hartline, who enters the final year of his rookie deal, could remain in the receiver rotation.

Wayne caught 75 passes for 950 yards and four touchdowns in 2011, and that was a down year for this three-time All-Pro selection, who didn’t have Manning throwing to him for the first time in 11 seasons.

Before 2011 the New Orleans native produced seven straight seasons of 1,000 or more receiving yards.

Wayne has primarily worked from the left side of the field, which could be a challenge for the rest of the team’s playmakers.

The free agent market is flooded with quality receivers, and the draft is also stocked with young talent. That makes it a challenge to determine how much Wayne’s worth on the open market.

It’s likely that his camp will seek a contract comparable to the three-years, $15 million deal his former UM teammate, Santana Moss, got from the Washington Redskins last year.

That deal included a $5 million signing bonus and $6 million in guarantees from the Redskins. The cap hit on that deal would be about $2.67 million in the first season.

Considering the Dolphins have approximately $15 million in cap space to work with – without restructuring contacts –  it’s possible the Dolphins will need to get creative to create salary cap space for Manning and Wayne.

It’s also possible Manning’s center, Jeff Saturday, who is also a free agent, might be interested in playing for the team that signs Manning. The Dolphins could address some of its offensive line issues by signing Saturday and moving Mike Pouncey, last year’s first-round pick, to right guard.
Fellow Colts receiver Pierre Garcon, another South Florida native, is also a free agent. However, his age and productivity would likely make his price tag much higher than what it would cost to land Wayne.

Read more of Omar Kelly’s blog.


(sun-sentinel.com)

WR Reggie Wayne admits that he is biding his time until the league's free agency period begins on Tuesday. "I'm expecting the worst, the worst being that my time is up [with Indy]. It's been real. No regrets. No ill will. Just move on, that's the way it goes," he said.



(cbssports.com)

The camp for Indianapolis Colts impending free-agent WR Reggie Wayne will likely be seeking a contract comparable to the three-years, $15 million deal WR Santana Moss received from the Washington Redskins last year. That deal included a $5 million signing bonus and $6 million in guarantees from the Redskins.



(kffl.com)

The Seattle Seahawks might be interested in adding QB Peyton Manning (neck), who will be released by the Indianapolis Colts. The team might also pursue free-agent WR Reggie Wayne (Colts) in a package deal.



(kffl.com)

INDIANAPOLIS — To this point, the most we knew about Reggie Wayne’s interest in playing for the Patriots [team stats] came from his response to Willie McGinest when the NFL Network analyst recently asked if he would like to play in New England.

“Who wouldn’t want to play there?” Wayne answered to the former Patriots great during Super Bowl week. That’s a nice sentiment, of course, but it really provided nothing more than a tease.

As we’ve learned in recent weeks, there are quite a few wide receiver options available when the free agent window opens on March 13. Should Wayne be considered any more legitimate than the rest?

Well, we have it on good authority, if things don’t work out with the Colts, which is the most likely scenario, the Patriots are definitely on the radar of the five-time Pro Bowl player. In fact, Peyton Manning’s landing spot notwithstanding, the Pats could be at or near the top of Wayne’s list.

The reasons are simple. The Pats are perennially in the hunt, they have quarterback Tom Brady [stats] and coach Bill Belichick. Wayne doesn’t believe Belichick was just blowing smoke in his ear last year when he went out of his way to personally praise the receiver when they were together at the Pro Bowl in Hawaii. Three years ago, Belichick even told the media Wayne was the best receiver he had coached against.

But does he fit the needs of the Pats?

If the Pats are seeking a burner on the outside, he’s not your man. He does not run a 4.3 in the 40. But if you’re looking for an intelligent receiver, who runs precise routes, and doesn’t figure to get flummoxed by the Patriots offense, given he prospered with Manning in the Colts offense, he’ll work just fine. He’ll also get open deep using his smarts.

What’s interesting is Wayne is represented by Athletes First, the outfit that also represents Wes Welker. It’s hard to say if that factors in, but it shouldn’t, given they’re two different types of receivers.

Former Colts executive Bill Polian, meanwhile, provided an interesting take on Wayne yesterday. While the 33-year-old veteran receiver doesn’t have the speed he used to have, he still has what Polian described as a “brilliant football mind.” One, of course, that would work particularly well with Brady. After all, he made great music with Manning for the past decade.

“He’s a guy with incredible hands, and he understands the game tremendously well,” Polian said yesterday before his Sirius XM radio show at the NFL scouting combine. “Over the years, he’s worked with Peyton, and they have this signal and communication system only they know. But, he understands exactly what he’s supposed to do on every route. He understands coverage. He understands what the defense is doing to him. He studies tape religiously. He’s a very hard worker in practice. He’s put together a phenomenal career. Thank God he hasn’t been bothered by injury too much. I would expect he’s got a few good ones left in him.”

Basically, Wayne can provide all the things Chad Ochocinco was supposed to give the Pats, but failed to do this past season. While Belichick loved Ocho, too, and sung his praises, Wayne is a much different animal. His game is built on precise route-running, a prerequisite of Manning and the Colts offense. It’s the same deal with the Patriots. Ochocinco never had to be so precise in Cincinnati.

While Wayne isn’t fast, as Polian says, he knows how to get open. He knows how to separate. That’s really what the Pats need.

“He can fit anywhere,” Polian said. “He doesn’t have top-end speed. He’s always been a 4.5, 4.49, 4.51 guy, and he’s still that. If you’re talking about Randy Moss-type speed, that’s not what he has. That’s his only drawback. But he’ll fit with anybody, anywhere. What he’s got, are great separation skills. He can set people up. He can separate with other than purely physical ability because of the way he runs routes, and the way he studies DBs.”

Now for the million dollar question: Can a Colt be a Patriot?

“I don’t know,” Polian said. “It’s kind of like the Yankees and the Red Sox [team stats]. We’ll have to see, won’t we.”


(boston.com)

Reggie Wayne is one of the most accomplished receivers of his era.

Certainly, Peyton Manning has helped him be so. Certainly, Wayne has helped Manning, a four-time MVP and all-time great, as well.

Sports Illustrated’s Peter King reports Manning and Wayne could wind up a free-agent combo deal. I’m sure they’d love to play together more, to be able to pick up where they left off after Wayne’s 111 catches for 1,355 yards and six touchdowns in 2010.

But the suggestion strikes me as somewhat insulting to Wayne.

Barring a franchise tag or a deal with the Colts, both of which seem unlikely, Wayne will become a free agent on March 13. Indications are Manning’s not going to start auditioning for new teams right out of the gate. If his post-neck surgery right arm was going to be ready for throwing sessions so soon, I think we’d be hearing about it.

I don’t picture Wayne reaching free agency, fielding calls from teams and tell them he’s waiting on Manning.

Perhaps a team that needs a receiver and a quarterback courts Wayne heavily right at the start and lands him while telling him its intention is to also get Manning. Even in that scenario, that team can hardly guarantee Wayne it gets Manning.

Wayne stands on his own merits. He can run great routes and catch passes in the clutch from another quarterback, and I expect plenty of teams will be happy to have him for a few years to do so.

He’s not going to be a big downfield threat. His average per catch has been less than 13 yards for the past three seasons. But he knows coverages and how to find spaces in them, whether he’s with Manning or not.


(espn.com)

INDIANAPOLIS -- There has been a lot of speculation that the San Diego Chargers could potentially be in play for Indianapolis Colts’ pass-rusher Robert Mathis in free agency.

I can see it, but I can also see the Chargers looking at another Colts’ star in free agency.

If Vincent Jackson leaves in free agency, I could see the Colts considering Colts’ receiver Reggie Wayne as a short-term solution. Jackson likely will not be given the franchise tag. I expect him to go to free agency. I think the Chargers have a solid chance of keeping him, but if he leaves, the team will have to look at another option.

I think Wayne is the type of player that would be right up the Chargers’ alley. He could be fairly inexpensive compared to other receivers and I think he still has something left in the tank.

Wayne, 33, had 75 catches for 960 yards last season playing without the injured Peyton Manning. Going to a team with a franchise quarterback in Philip Rivers and going to a team with playoff hopes, could energize Wayne.

I don’t think he’d be an answer for the long-term, but for a couple of years, I could see a Wayne-Chargers’ combination work if the Chargers have to suddenly replace Jackson.


(espn.com)

On February 27th the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame hosted its 1st Annual Celebrity Bowling Tournament at Splitsville in South Miami featuring former Miami Hurricanes and many proCanes including: Reggie Wayne, Brett Romberg, Duane Starks, Bubba Franks, Gino Torretta, Earl Little and many more! Each bowler had at least one former Miami Hurricane athlete on their team and not only got to interact with the former players but also got to take part in a Silent Auction full of Hurricane Memorabilia. It was a great time had by all who participated and if you missed out this year, make sure to sign up for next year's event! Check out the photos below: 


Reggie Wayne, Duane Starks

Brett Romberg

Daniel “Bubba” Franks

Darrin Smith, Gerard Loisel, Reggie Wayne

Gino Torretta

KC Jones

Randall “Thrill” Hill

Darrin Smith and Son
Click here to see more photos ----->>>> Read More...

Peyton Manning won’t be the only guy waving to Indy in the rear-view mirror this year.  Receiver Reggie Wayne likely will be doing the same.

The man who drafted Manning and Wayne thinks Wayne should find a high demand for his services.  Former Colts Vice Chairman Bill Polian made the case for Wayne earlier today on SiriusXM NFL Radio.

“[Wayne] has a brilliant football mind,” Polian said Thursday, while co-hosting with Alex Marvez.  “He understands the games, the nuances of coverage, how to get open, the people he’s playing against and he has an incredible relationship with Peyton Manning in terms of a symbiosis between the two.”

Polian also believes Manning would be interested in bringing Wayne to Manning’s next team, assuming Manning has a next team.

“Reggie doesn’t run with as much speed and explosion as he once did but he has phenomenal hands,” Polian said.  “He really can set up defensive backs.  When you talk about a team, for example, like the Jets that have plenty of speed but not enough people who can really get open and make plays in clutch situations, particularly from a hands standpoint, Reggie would be a perfect fit there.”

Polian believes that, even if the Colts want to keep Wayne, the cap situation will make it difficult, if not impossible.  So look for Wayne to hit the open market.  And don’t be surprised if he’s reunited with Peyton Manning.


(profootballtalk.com)

Former Colts president Bill Polian believes free agent Reggie Wayne could end up with the Jets if he doesn't opt for a package deal with Peyton Manning.
The Jets, says Polian, have speed to spare "but not enough people who can really get open and make plays in clutch situations." Polian calls Wayne a "brilliant football mind," who has outstanding hands and "understands the games, the nuances of coverage, how to get open, and the people he's playing against." Turning 34 in November, Wayne could struggle to land big money in a crowded receiver market.

We have it on good authority, if things don't work out with the Colts, which is the most likely scenario, the Patriots are definitely on the radar of five-time Pro Bowl player Wayne. In fact, Peyton Manning's landing spot notwithstanding, the Pats could be at or near the top of Wayne's list


(rotoworld.com)

The Ravens figure to be in the market for a free agent wide receiver, and ESPN’s Jamison Hensley has just the person.

“The Baltimore Ravens need to pursue the Colts' Reggie Wayne,” Hensley writes. “He's the most accomplished wide receiver in this free-agent class but there will be less competition for him than the younger and more explosive pass-catchers.”

Plus, as Hensley notes, Wayne is 33, and is probably looking to join a team that can give him an immediate shot at the Super Bowl. One other factor: Wayne and Ed Reed were roommates at the University of Miami.

Some observers think Wayne will go wherever Peyton Manning ends up. And why wouldn’t he? Thanks in large part to Manning, Wayne went to the Pro Bowl five straight years from 2006-10. He had seven straight seasons with more than 1,000 receiving yards, a streak that ended this year when he finished with 960 yards for the horrendous, Manning-less Colts.

Wayne is also durable; he hasn’t missed a start in nine seasons. Wayne, the Colts’ first-round pick in the 2001 draft, has averaged 1,064 receiving yards over 11 NFL seasons and has caught 73 touchdown passes.

Former Colts executive Bill Polian, speaking at the NFL Combine, said that Wayne might have lost a step, but he has “a brilliant football mind,” according to the Boston Herald.

“He’s a guy with incredible hands, and he understands the game tremendously well,” Polian said.

There isn't much doubt the Ravens need some help at receiver. Other than Anquan Boldin and Torrey Smith, no Ravens wide receiver caught more than four passes all season.

Should the Ravens make a play for Wayne, though, they can expect some competition.

The Herald reported that the Patriots are “definitely on the radar” of Wayne. Regardless of where Manning ends up, “the Pats could be at or near the top of Wayne’s list,” the Herald said.


(csnwashington.com)

The Baltimore Ravens need to pursue the Colts' Reggie Wayne. He's the most accomplished wide receiver in this free-agent class but there will be less competition for him than the younger and more explosive pass-catchers. And, at age 33, Wayne will have a narrow list of teams as well because he wants to go somewhere he can win a championship. The popular theory is Wayne will follow Peyton Manning in some sort of a package deal. The Ravens, though, have an inside edge over teams with safety Ed Reed, who was Wayne's roommate at the University of Miami and can recruit his friend to play in Baltimore.


(espn.com)

There is some talk that Manning and Reggie Wayne may go to a new team as a package deal. A few pro scouts believe Wayne’s production may dip, given he probably will be in a new offensive system for the first time in his career, and he is 33 years old. That isn’t to say the free agent to be doesn’t have a couple of good years left in him, however. Wayne could maximize his ability if he were to continue his connection with Manning. Wayne can’t go deep as well as he once did, and he’s not as likely to gain as many yards after the reception. But he still can separate, and he still can catch.


(profootballtalk.com)

If Vincent Jackson departs in free agency, the Chargers are going to need a No. 1 wide receiver. According to one team insider, that person could be Reggie Wayne, who is a free agent after 11 seasons with the Colts. Wayne played in a vertical passing game in Indianapolis similar to the one that the Chargers run, and he could step right in and be a go-to guy for Philip Rivers.


(profootballweekly.com)

Reggie Wayne
Position: Wide receiver
Age: 33
Height: 6-foot
Weight: 198 pounds

It certainly appears that Indy, with a new coach and GM, is looking to break up the band, so it should come as no surprise that Wayne has said the Colts haven’t reached out to him regarding his future. He has made it known — at least through a third party — that he’d be open to playing for the Patriots, as the Boston Herald reported that he told Willie McGinest that he’d welcome a chance to play in New England. He’d be a welcome alternative to Chad Ochocinco — he’s a similar size (Ocho is 6-foot-1, 198 pounds) and is almost a year younger. And even on short money, Wayne would be a better fit with the Patriots than this guy.

In 2011, Wayne had his worst season statistically since 2003, as he finished with 75 catches for 960 yards and four touchdowns. (I’ll let you think about that for a second — it might be the only time you see the words “worst” and “960 yards” in the same sentence.) The drop in numbers could very well be because Manning was sidelined for the bulk of the season and Wayne had to make do with the likes of Curtis Painter, Dan Orlovsky and Kerry Collins throwing him the ball. Despite that, he still managed to lead Indy in receptions and receiving yards.

Unless he gets knocked sideways by a ridiculous offer, he’s not going to go somewhere and start all over again. He also passes what might best be described as the Rosevelt Colvin test: in 2002, before a game against the Bears, Belichick waxed rhapsodic about Colvin’s greatness. In 2009, Belichick was effusive in his praise of Wayne, saying after the infamous fourth and 2 game (a contest where Wayne had 10 catches for 126 yards and two touchdowns), “I can’t say enough about Reggie Wayne. That guy’s the best receiver we cover every year. It seems like he just keeps getting better. I thought the routes he ran and the catches he made were nothing short of spectacular — the go-route, the two touchdown catches, the third-down conversion on the corner route in front of our bench. He’s a tremendous receiver.”

Why it might not work: As is the case with Moss, the Patriots need to get younger at wide receiver, and signing a 33-year-old like Wayne isn’t a good way to do that. While on the surface, he would appear to be a good fit in many respects, New England isn’t likely to pony up multiple years and a ridiculous signing bonus to get him — he’d probably have to take less money to come to the Patriots. It also depends on how the rest of the market shakes out. This is a very good year for high-end wide receivers: Vincent Jackson, DeSean Jackson, Marques Colston, Stevie Johnson, Dwayne Bowe and Wes Welker. And then, there’s the Peyton Factor. With the two of them having spent more than a decade together, some reports indicate that Wayne would follow Manning wherever the quarterback decided to land.


(weei.com)

Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald had an interesting mention in her Sunday football notes about free agent receiver Reggie Wayne, who apparently is open to the thought of playing with the Patriots.

Guregian caught up with former Patriot Willie McGinest, who is now an NFL Network analyst.  McGinest cited an on-air chat with Wayne and asked him about the potential of playing in New England.

“It came up in the conversation would he ever want to play for the Patriots,” McGinest told the newspaper. “He smiled and said, ‘Who wouldn’t want to play there?’

“If it could have worked with Chad (Ochocinco), it would have been good. It didn’t. I just think [Tom Brady] has a lot of weapons, but he can always use that stretch-the-field receiver. When they had Randy (Moss) there, it really made it tough for teams to stop them. Reggie Wayne is somebody who could stretch the field. He has great hands, he’s a professional who could pick up the system. Having another big-time receiver like that would put it over the top.”

With Wes Welker, and Deion Branch also set to be a free agents this offseason, the Patriots have some tough decisions to make.  The initial thought is that they’ll franchise Welker if an agreement on a long-term deal can’t be reached, and in all likelihood they’ll bring back Branch at a reasonable deal.  But they learned the hard way that they’ll need at least one more receiver to compliment what ended up being a depleted group without Rob Gronkowski in the line-up.

Wayne, who is 33, has been durable during his career, having played in all 16 games in nearly every season in the NFL.  He’s coming off of what he would probably consider a down year, catching just 75 passes for 960 yards after having seven straight years of finishing with over 1,000 yards.  A lot of that likely had to do with who was throwing the football, as Peyton Manning had been the guy feeding him the ball over that span. Manning’s future in Indianapolis appears to be over, so it would be to Wayne’s benefit to move on to a team like the Patriots where he’d certainly see his productivity potentially go up with Brady throwing him the football.

It’s an interesting idea and you have to be intrigued at the thought of Brady potentially having Welker, Wayne, Aaron Hernandez, Gronkowski, Branch, and a more seasoned Chad Ochocinco in the mix next season.   We’ll have to wait and see how it all plays out when free agency begins on March 13th.


(patsfans.com)

INDIANAPOLIS, IN. (Missouri Sports Magazine Contributor Network) – With the Colts organization undergoing a top-to-bottom housecleaning, one of the many players whose future is as questionable as Peyton Manning’s health is his longtime (former?) receiver, Reggie Wayne.

And much like Manning, the five-time Pro Bowler may be a casualty as the team ushers in a new era.

On Friday, Wayne revealed to ESPN’s Josina Anderson that the Colts haven’t contacted him since the season concluded, saying his phone “hasn’t rung yet.”

“I know one thing, my phone works. I do have service and every last bar on it and their number has not come across it yet. I haven’t heard anything from them yet, so maybe I am not as important on the chain of command as I should be,” Wayne told Anderson.

The 33-year-old would prefer to end his career in Indianapolis, but admitted “those feelings” could change as more time passes.

“All I know is the Colts. That is where I want to be. I have been there 11 years and I would prefer to end my career a Colt. However, in due time those feelings could subside,” Wayne said.

Wayne, an impending free agent, acknowledged in December that he might’ve played his last game in front of the Lucas Oil faithful.

That was one day before he hauled in the game-winning touchdown against the Texans in what played out like a Hollywood ending to an incredible 11-year run.

However, that was also before the club canned its general manager, vice president, and head coach as the rebuilding process gets underway. New management has no sentimental ties to Wayne, and won’t hold onto a player whose age may be catching up to him.

The odds remain extremely slim that Wayne dons a horseshoe in 2012.


(missourisoirtsmag.com)

With questions about Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning and his future swirling around Lucas Oil Stadium, the status of former Pro Bowl receiver Reggie Wayne has almost become an afterthought.

Manning's favorite target is set to be a free agent this offseason and with the quarterback's departure almost guaranteed, Wayne could be looking for greener pastures in 2012.

While there are plenty of options to consider, including a reunion with Manning elsewhere, a place like New England could provide exactly what the 33-year old is looking for.

The Patriots are coming off an appearance in the Super Bowl, so if winning another title is a factor, Bill Belichick and the Patriots have a leg up on the competition. The Patriots, meanwhile, could be looking for an upgrade opposite Wes Welker, and the sure-handed Wayne could be the No. 2 receiver New England was looking for when they acquired Chad Ochocinco.

Sure, Ochocinco could be more of a factor next year with a whole offseason under his belt, but the addition of Wayne would provide insurance for the Patriots. If Ochocinco does pan out in year two, the already explosive Patriots offense could be downright lethal.

Wayne is coming off arguably his worst season statistically, catching only 75 passes for 960 yards and four touchdowns, the lowest in each category since 2003.  Manning's lost season likely cost Wayne a considerable amount of money but may have put the receiver within New England's price range.

Wayne to New England makes sense for many reasons, but one reason in particular makes more sense than the rest. Wayne has 11 years of experience in an offense much like the Patriots', in that the quarterback needs to trust his receivers to run precise routes every time out of the gate.

That is part of the reason Ochocinco failed to get acclimated with New England's system. His route running was less than perfect and he lacked a general understanding of the Patriots' complex offense because of the shortened offseason. Wayne is used to the demands of an offense where timing and precise route running are paramount, for over a decade he played with the only man on the planet who is more of a perfectionist than Tom Brady.

If Wayne does decide to venture outside the Indianapolis city limits, only one place has the personnel and offense to make him feel right at home.

And that place is Foxborough, Mass.


(nationalfootballauthority.com)

The Indianapolis Star puts free agent Reggie Wayne's chances of re-signing with the Colts at "less than 50-50."

Even without Peyton Manning's $28 million bonus, the Colts have salary cap issues in their rebuilding process. Dwight Freeney, for instance, will count more than $19 million against the cap in the final year of his contract. Asked late in the season if he might give the Colts a "blue light special," Wayne replied, "I don't shop at Kmart." Expect him to wear a different uniform in 2012.


(rotoworld.com)

INDIANAPOLIS — One of the most obvious effects of the turmoil in the Indianapolis Colts' front office is that the players are left hanging to a great extent. Even marquee free agents like center Jeff Saturday and wide receiver Reggie Wayne have little to go on. All they know is that new head coach Chuck Pagano has replaced Jim Caldwell, new general manager Ryan Grigson has replaced the Polians when it comes to personnel, and team owner Jim Irsay appears to be at the head of it all in ways he never was before.

The drama between Irsay and Peyton Manning is important, but almost ancillary when you look behind the curtain. The Colts will almost certainly draft Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck with the first overall draft pick no matter what happens with Manning. Because this franchise, which staggered to a 2-14 record after Manning's injuries had him out for the 2011 season and a string of bad drafts by the Polians left the cupboard near bare, is now rebuilding from the studs to the roof.

Wayne, who has played for the Colts since he was selected by them in the first round of the 2001 NFL Draft, became the face of the team's receiver corps when  Marvin Harrison started to decline in 2007. His string of seven straight 1,000-yard seasons was broken last year by just 40 yards, as he went from catching Manning's passes to running around for errant throws from the likes of Curtis Painter and Dan Orlovsky.

So, what's a great player to do when he doesn't know his future? On Wednesday, Wayne blew off some steam with a huge line of kids at the NFL Experience event, playing Xbox Kinect and proving that the physical activity involved in the game can leave the most elite athlete a little bit gassed. He told Yahoo! Sports that this bit of pre-camp training was definitely a challenge.

"Gassed isn't even the word — I'm getting worked!"

Wayne, who could go elsewhere and become the fulcrum of a number of receiver-thin teams around the NFL if he so chose, was philosophical about the Colts' offseason changes.

"There's nothing you can do, really — you can only control what you can control. It's Jim Irsay's team, and he's got to do what's best for the organization. It's his team, and it's a business for him. As you said, there are a lot of changes happening, and I feel sorry for those coaches who were fired, because I've been with a lot of them nine or ten years. But coaches and players know — when you sign your name on a contract, it's not forever. It's not a given you'll be back each year. So, it was hard to see them go.

"At the same time, I am a Chuck Pagano fan — he's the new guy there, and he's a great hire," Wayne said of the former Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator. "If you're going to fire some great guys, you've got to get some new guys, and Chuck Pagano is a great guy to bring in. He'll do a good job of adding some fire and enthusiasm to that team.

I asked Wayne if he liked the hire of new offensive coordinator Bruce Arians, formerly of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Was Wayne ready to run a large percentage of percent trips and bunch formations, as the Steelers always had under Arians and his predecessor, Ken Whisenhunt? That would be a pretty drastic change from the three-wide, single-back stuff the Colts dispensed more than any team through the Manning era.

"Whatever he asks me to do, I would do it. I'm a football player, and I love to play football, and I Just want to go out there and have fun. Just enjoy the game I've been playing since I was seven years old."

Wayne also said that he hasn't talked to Manning about his future in the NFL, the neck and nerve injuries Manning is trying to recover from, and whether the two men will ever hook up in Indy again. With little brother Eli representing the New York Giants in the Super Bowl, and Manning acting as the family Host Committee around town, Wayne's longtime quarterback has bigger fish to fry.

"Actually, we don't [talk about it]. This has been a big time for him and his family, with Eli being in the Super Bowl. So, I'm sure he has his hands full. But at a good time, I'll talk to him, and see how he's doing. I know he's got a lot on his plate already — trying to get back and proving to everyone that he can play. After the Super Bowl dies down, I'll check in on him and see how his progression is going. He's definitely [someone] I know is going to do everything he can to get back out on that field.  [He wants to] prove everybody wrong who says that he can't get back out there and get it done.

"He's a competitor, he's a hard worker, and I really feel that he'll be playing somewhere next year — if not for the Colts, then for someone."
So, if Manning did go elsewhere, and Wayne was re-signed to a long-term deal with the Colts, would he be up for catching passes from Andrew Luck instead?

"I'm fine with it," he said. "One thing about that — it doesn't matter who throws the ball; it's still up to me to catch it and do something with it. So, I would love to play with Peyton again, but if not [in the NFL], I guess we'll just have to go in the backyard and play."

"No matter who it is [at quarterback], the ball's still going to be brown, and it's still going to be 100 yards from goal line to goal line. Nothing changes with me. If I go out there with a new quarterback, I'll do everything I can to help him perform well."

While Manning is able to enjoy showing his family around town, many of the Colts who live in the area are left with the sting of the Super Bowl festivities going on after a season in which the home team was the worst in football. That's given Wayne some time to reflect after so many years of team success with Manning at the helm.

"It's been rough — nobody likes to lose.  But is it what it is — we've had tons of great years on that field, and one tough year … I guess you take it on the chin and just keep going. I can guarantee you that if I'm on that team again, we will do everything we possibly can to change the hopes and change the times back."

Whether the Colts have both, one, or none of the vestiges of the Manning-Wayne duo in Indianapolis for the 2012 season, it's been a great ride. We'll have to wait and see who's around -- for next year and beyond -- to reverse recent Colts history.


(sports.yahoo.com)

INDIANAPOLIS -- Reggie Wayne doesn't know what will unfold with Peyton Manning. He doesn't know what will happen with him, either.

The Indianapolis Colts receiver has an expiring contract and could be lined up to explore unrestricted free agency for the first time.

Wayne is connected to NFL Play 60 sponsor Kinect for Xbox 360, and during a break playing with school kids Wednesday, he said he would not be averse to being part of a Colts rebuilding project.

This is what I have, this is all I know," he said. "So I wouldn't mind being part of a rebuilding process. They need some old heads, too, you know? It would be an honor to still be part of this organization even with a rebuilding phase. I know there are going to be some guys on the team that I still know, I know the head coach, Chuck Pagano, pretty good (from their time together at the University of Miami.) I'd just look at it as my rookie year all over again."

Wayne could be a popular target for teams who believe a veteran wide receiver is a missing ingredient. He said he'd enjoy being courted and happily share a meal and shake some hands with other teams.

But he's not dreaming of something different or better than what he's known his whole career.

"I've not talked to the Colts and rightfully so," he said, pointing to all of the change for a team with a new general manager (Ryan Grigson) and coach. "I'm sure at some point in time I will hear something from them. If not, I'll understand that also.

"No regrets. I love the city. I love that organization. I'll still be a Colt for life."


(espn.com)

As the Indianapolis Colts look to rebuild this coming offseason, veteran wide receiver Reggie Wayne is uncertain of his future in the only city he’s called home as an NFL player.

Right now Wayne remains as confused as anyone else as to what the future holds.  His contract will expire this offseason and he’ll become a free agent.

“I have no clue, man,” veteran receiver Reggie Wayne said. “I’m leaning on you guys (the media). You’re all saying it’s a new regime and that’s what it is.

“This is one time all of the players are outside of the loop, even 18 (quarterback Peyton Manning). Nobody has a clue.”

Wayne admits that the past few weeks have been really crazy.

“It’s made me do something I never did before, and that’s watch freaking ESPN every day,” Wayne said, laughing per the Indy Star. “It’s like a soap opera. You’re wondering, ‘OK, what’s next?’

“You hear something, then you see it on the ticker, that the Colts are doing this or that. At one point we were thinking Jim Tressel was going to be the coach. All of a sudden it’s Chuck Pagano.”

“It’s been a surprise every day,” he said. “You just take it in stride.”

At the age of 33, I’m sure Wayne believes he has a few more good years left in him, the only question that remains for him is,  where will he play from here on out.  It’s clear the Colts are ready to move on and get younger, so it appears that he’ll be looking for a new home in 2012.


(yardbarker.com)

Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne has been on the outside looking in during what has started out to be a dramatic offseason in Indianapolis.

Wayne has put distance between himself and the Peyton Manning-Jim Irsay melodrama by spending much of his time at his offseason home in Miami. Just like any other casual observer, Wayne has been getting most of his information through the media, and said he doesn't know what else is in store for the Colts these next few months.

"I have no clue, man," Wayne told The Indianapolis Star this week. "I'm leaning on you guys (the media). You're all saying it's a new regime and that's what it is.

"This is one time all of the players are outside of the loop, even 18 (quarterback Peyton Manning). Nobody has a clue."

The Star reported that the Colts' flurry of moves this past month -- the ouster of team executives Bill and Chris Polian, the firing of head coach Jim Caldwell and the subsequent hiring of Chuck Pagano -- have forced Wayne to spend more time than normal on his couch.

"It's like a soap opera," Wayne said. "You're wondering, 'OK, what's next?'

"You hear something, then you see it on the ticker, that the Colts are doing this or that. At one point we were thinking Jim Tressel was going to be the coach. All of a sudden it's Chuck Pagano."

Wayne is one of 19 plays on the Colts' roster set to hit unrestricted free agency in March, but he told the Star that he still thinks there's room for a few veterans on a rebuilding squad.

"Even if you're rebuilding, you still are going to need some of the old heads around," Wayne said. "There are going to be guys from the old team on the new team. Do I think I can play on this team? I do."


(nfl.com)

Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne visited IPS School 14 Thursday and read to a kindergarten class with an E-reader as part of Verizon’s $46K for 46 Play” Super Bowl XLVI grant program.

Colts players are always interacting in the community, but Wayne is one of my favorite go-to guys and I thought it worth a mention that he helped celebrate a rewarding venture — The IPS Education Foundation received the single-largest grant of $20,000. The release (thank you, Kyle Niederpruem!) advised that half of that money will go to the foundation and the other half will be invested in E-readers for children at Washington Irving School 14.

Verizon also donated 571 NFL-Verizon knit caps for every child in school Thursday. Wayne put one on to show they were cool.

Teacher Janet Joern’s class enjoyed a bit of intimate time with Wayne as he read to them from an E-reader.

Now, if the Colts will just re-sign Wayne, who is about to become a free agent in the offseason, we all can appreciate his company more in the future.


(indystar.com)

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne and running back Joseph Addai have been added to the list of NFL players participating in Tazón Latino VI, the nationally-televised flag football game featuring current and former NFL players and Hispanic celebrities.

The athlete and celebrity-filled flag football competition will take place on Thursday, Feb. 2 at 3 p.m. at the Clinic Field at the NFL Experience located at the Indiana Convention Center. The game will air nationally on Univision on Saturday, Feb. 4 at 4 p.m.

Wayne and Addai will serve as honorary coaches during Tazón Latino VI. Former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kordell Stewart and Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker and Hall of Famer Derrick Brooks have been added to the list of participants.

Previously announced NFL legends and current players taking part in the event include former Tampa Bay Buccaneers teammates and Super Bowl XXXVII champions Mike Alstott and Martin Gramatica, Hall of Fame cornerback Deion Sanders, Green Bay Packers all-time leading rusher Ahman Green and legendary Eagles quarterback Randall Cunningham.

Latino celebrities will include Iraq war veteran and 2011 “Dancing with the Stars” Champion J.R. Martinez and award-winning chef, restaurateur and television star Aaron Sanchez. Additional personalities include, Daniel Carles, host of TeleFutua’s late night talk show “Noches de Perros,” Felix Fernandez, host of Univision’s sports entertainment program “República Deportiva,” Ana Patricia Gonzalez, winner of Univision’s “Nuestra Belleza Latina 2010,” and Claudia Molina, first season winner of Univision’s “¡Mira Quién Baila!”

Tickets to be part of the live Tazón Latino event are only available to NFL Insiders through 1Iota.


(indystar.com)

Reggie Wayne started a new streak last week by scoring 56-yard TD (his 1st TD since Week 1) finishing the game with 5 receptions for 122 yards and Jimmy Graham added 2 TDs to go along with his team leading 84 yards on 5 receptions for the New Orleans Saints in their victory over the NY Giants in Week 13 of the 2011 NFL Season.

Reggie Wayne extended the TD Streak early this week by scoring the game winning touchdown Thursday night for the Colts versus the Texans with 23 seconds left. Wayne also had 106 yards receiving. Jeremy Shockey, Frank Gore and Jimmy Graham added TDs of their own on Saturday and look for Jimmy Graham to actually score tonight!

To see the old full 149 week streak click here.

Week 16 2011:
Reggie Wayne - 1 TD - Indianapolis Colts
Jeremy Shockey - 1 TD - Carolina Panthers
Frank Gore - 1 TD - San Francisco 49ers
Jimmy Graham - 1 TDs - New Orleans Saints

Week 15 2011:
Reggie Wayne - 1 TD - Indianapolis Colts
Jimmy Graham - 1 TDs - New Orleans Saints
Jeremy Shockey - 1 TD - Carolina Panthers
Santana Moss - 1 TD - Washington Redskins
Frank Gore - 1 TD - San Francisco 49ers

Week 14 2011:
Vince Wilfork - 1 TD - New England Patriots
Jeremy Shockey - 1 TD - Carolina Panthers
Greg Olsen - 1 TD - Carolina Panthers
Santana Moss - 1 TD - Washington Redksins
Frank Gore - 1 TD - San Francisco

Week 13 2011:
Willis McGahee - 1 TD - Denver Broncos

Week 12 2011:
Reggie Wayne - 1 TD - Indianapolis Colts
Jimmy Graham - 2 TDs - New Orleans Saints

With eight receptions against Houston on Thursday, WR Reggie Wayne has now totaled 117 catches against the Texans. The total is the most by a Colts receiver against one team in franchise history. Wayne passed Rod Smith (849) for 18th-place and Irving Fryar (851) for 17th-place on the NFL’s all-time receptions list.


(cbssports.com)

Robert Mathis and Reggie Wayne. The two stars are headed toward free agency and who knows whether the front office of a reworked roster will choose to spend the money necessary for the two veterans.

The two sent a hint a year ago that they sought reworked contracts. Neither got one and neither has publicly complained since. Mathis’ motor has not slowed even though other issues have limited the number of times the defense has played with a lead.

Wayne doesn’t have the receptions or yardage he usually compiles because of a lack of Manning. But he’s been a quiet leader through tough times and has shown he still has the same flair for making great catches.

Even with some nice individual performances, bidding farewell to this season can’t come soon enough.


(courier-journal.com)

With only seconds left in the game Thursday night, soon-to-be free-agent wide receiver Reggie Wayne pulled in a 1-yard pass to finish off the Houston Texans 19-16 and led the Indianapolis Colts to their second win of the season. After 11 seasons in Indy, it could be Wayne's last home touchdown with the Colts.

"Deep down inside, I hope not," Wayne said when asked if his career with the Colts will be over at season's end, according to NFL.com. "I've been here 11 years. I don't see myself nowhere else, but I do understand the business of it. ... I'm going to treat it like a business, and after the season is over, we'll see what happens. I'm aware that I'm 33 years old, but I feel 23."

Wayne, who has been to the Pro Bowl five times, has 887 receiving yards and four touchdowns this season. Over his 11 seasons, he's gained 11,634 yards receiving for the Colts and scored 73 touchdowns.


(sports.yahoo.com)

Minutes after catching the winning, 1-yard touchdown pass on "Thursday Night Football," Reggie Wayne visited the NFL Network set to discuss whether or not it was his last reception at home in an Indianapolis Colts uniform.

"Deep down inside, I hope not," Wayne said as the remaining fans in Lucas Oil Stadium chanted "Reggie! Reggie!" in appreciation. "I've been here 11 years. I don't see myself nowhere else, but I do understand the business of it. ... I'm going to treat it like a business, and after the season is over, we'll see what happens.

"I'm aware that I'm 33 years old, but I feel 23," Wayne added. "I feel great. If this is my last game, it's been a pleasure. These fans have been great to me from Day 1. They treated me like I'm a Hoosier."

Wayne, a five-time Pro Bowl receiver, will be a free agent after the season, and he speculated Wednesday that it's possible he won't be back with the Colts in 2012.

After Thursday night's emotional win -- the Colts' second in a row after an 0-13 start -- Wayne reflected on what it was like to open the 2011 season without quarterback Peyton Manning, who hasn't played because of neck surgery.

"It was pretty rough. On top of that, we had Kerry Collins, who really couldn't get the play out in time," Wayne said, taking a shot at the veteran quarterback the team signed after learning Manning likely would be out for the season.

Collins didn't work out, nor did Manning's most recent backup, Curtis Painter. That left Dan Orlovsky, who hung in through a slow start Thursday to toss the TD pass that beat the Houston Texans, 19-16.

Wayne was asked about his relationship with Orlovsky.

"I just walk past his locker and say, 'Just throw left,' " he said.


(nfl.com)

INDIANAPOLIS _ Reggie Wayne doesn't care about the No.1 draft pick slipping away or what happens next year or anything outside of the moment.

See, the great ones live for the moment.

And today, draft prospects be damned, Indianapolis Colts fans should celebrate Wayne's moment.

Wayne, playing perhaps his last home game as a Colt, went high in the end zone, grabbed Dan Orlovsky's pass and beat the Houston Texans, 19-16, on Thursday night at Lucas Oil Stadium. It might have cost the Colts the No.1 pick in next year's draft _ the whole thing shakes out next weekend _ but as a moment, it was as glorious as any Wayne has produced.

Wayne held his arms wide after the catch, a stadium full of stands chanting his name. Then he went over to Orlovsky and handed him the game-winning football.

"Dan called the plays, executed the plays, and did a great job of putting the ball where I could catch it," Wayne said. "For the last few weeks, I've been seeing Dan at his locker, studying the game plan, sweating, looking like he's got a lot on his mind. I'd walk by and just say, 'Hey, throw left. Throw left. Throw left.' He did that today and I'm glad he listened."

Orlovsky said he thought of Wayne's suggestion/chant as he began the 12-play, 78-yard drive that took 97 seconds to reach pay turf.

"It sounds stupid, but it kind of sat in me," Orlovsky said. "I was in my hotel room thinking about the last home game of the season and the question marks about the future. I thought if it ever got to the point where somebody needed to make a play, I wasn't going to go anywhere but him."

If the Colts had lost the game, they would have secured the No.1 pick in next year's draft and the (Andrew) Luck that comes with it. Instead, they're now tied with the Vikings and Rams. Indianapolis (2-14) will play its final game in Jacksonville on Jan.1, and short of benching Orlovsky and leaving Robert Mathis at home, they'll likely win that one, too.

So the top pick may be gone, but it seemed that Wayne's touchdown catch _ and another deep catch that helped set it up _ brought back the Colts' offensive vibe.

Before the game started, Colts owner Jim Irsay told the NFL Network that if quarterback Peyton Manning is healthy, he'll be playing for the Colts next season. He also disputed some hyperbole that the next Manning (Luck, presumably) is in the draft.

If Manning's back, he'll surely want Wayne, who's up for free agency. Maybe the Manning era isn't over. Maybe this sudden possible loss of Luck could force fate a different direction.

Wayne ranked his touchdown, a rare moment of pizzazz in a drab season, as one of his finest.

And it was, because it was a proud player making the clutch play. It was a defiant jab at those who thought the Colts would cash it in because of the losses and the draft-pick situation and the general national dismissal of the team.

Mathis, another free-agent-to-be, seemed to get things started with a sack/strip of T.J. Yates early on.

Wayne, with eight catches for 106 yards, took the fire of pride to the end.

"It's big, not knowing what my future is going to be," Wayne said. "We wanted to get a win. You can't get anything better than this. We kept fighting, kept fighting. Guys believed in each other. The defense did a great job playing football all day. The offense kept chopping wood."

For most of the game, Orlovsky set the offense up with quality direction, but was forced to settle for four Adam Vinatieri field goals as the payoff.
When Neil Rackers made it 16-12 with 1:56 left, the idea of an Orlovsky game-winning drive seemed a fantasy limited primarily to Orlovsky. Oh, and Wayne.

"When it went down to two minutes, I thought, you know, this is what we do," Wayne said. "This is how we make our money right here."

None other than Manning turned to Orlovsky on the sidelines.

"Two minutes," Manning said to Orlovsky, then told him to work to drive within range with one minute left.

How many times has Manning delivered those 2-minute drives? It's second nature. As if emboldened by Manning, and Wayne's constant "throw left, throw left," Orlovsky went to work.

He hit Pierre Garcon for 11 yards. He hit Jacob Tamme for 10 yards. He found Donald Brown for a couple. Then, with less than a minute, he hit Wayne downfield for 34 yards. A couple penalties, a tipped pass that fell short of a wide-open Tamme and a third penalty made it 1st-and-goal at the 1-yard line.

Orlovsky threw left.

"I kind of knew he was going to throw it," Wayne said. "I had to sell out my man. He gave me that look before he snapped the ball. I knew it was coming my way and I had to go up and get it."

As the pass sailed toward Wayne, the lousiest season in years didn't matter.

This was one of those moments.

Wayne's moment. Orlovsky's moment. A stadium full of fans' moment.

Enjoy it. The future holds no guarantees.


(mlive.com)

Peyton Manning isn’t the only longtime Colt who’s likely to leave Indianapolis next year. One of Manning’s favorite receivers, Reggie Wayne, said today that he thinks he may be leaving the Colts as well.

Asked by a reporter whether Thursday night against the Texans will be his last home game with the Colts, Wayne said that’s entirely possible.

“Well, it could,” Wayne said, in comments distributed by the team. “I am well aware of that and I’ve come to the conclusion that in every athlete’s career they are going to be faced with this decision at some point in time, whether it is a long career or a short career.”

Wayne has been with the Colts for his entire 11-year NFL career, and he hasn’t missed a game since his rookie year. He’s been a staple of the Colts’ offense, but we’ve all seen this year that the Colts have to make massive changes, and with the 33-year-old Wayne becoming a free agent after the season, he’s likely to go elsewhere as the Colts begin a youth movement.

If Wayne is done in Indianapolis, he says he’ll miss the local fans.

“I truly appreciate them,” Wayne said. “They come out with the Reggie signs, and no matter what the situation is they are always there cheering and it could be a little tough. Everybody said it would be a little emotional for me.”


(profootballtalk.com)

Reggie Wayne's 72nd career touchdown catch was neither his most spectacular nor his most important. There's a chance it could even be his last for the Indianapolis Colts, depending on how the offseason shakes out.

But Wayne, the 11-year receiver out of the University of Miami, preferred to call his 18-yard reception of a Dan Orlovsky pass that gave the Colts the lead for keeps in their first win of the season "routine."

"Just ran what we call a corner route and I'm just glad Dan looked my way and gave me the opportunity to make a play," Wayne said. "He threw a pretty good ball and the rest was just catching it."

The third-quarter touchdown put the Colts on top 10-6 en route to a 27-13 victory over the Tennessee Titans. Indy (1-13) will be back at Lucas Oil Stadium again on Thursday night to host the Houston Texans (10-4). And while the Colts have been tabbed almost a touchdown-underdog, they at least won't carry the specter of a winless season on their shoulder pads.

"It was good for us to go out here and win," said Wayne, one of several veteran players in the final year of a contract as the Colts decide whether to reload with the possible return of Peyton Manning or rebuild through the draft. It was great to win at home.

"Hopefully, it's contagious. Hopefully, we can win these next two games which are divisional opponents and go out have some good thoughts at the end of the year and look back on this and hopefully be better next year."

Until Wayne's touchdown catch — and, for that matter, throughout a shaky fourth quarter — it looked like the Colts might be adding to a bank of bad memories. The offense was stagnant and a fumble gave the Titans the halftime lead and momentum.

But good defense and a penalty on a punt return gave the Colts field position, and they managed to drive 43 yards in seven plays, the last a pass to the left corner of the end zone that Wayne hauled in while tip-toeing the chalk.

"He ran a great route and I just threw it to a spot where he could make a play on it and he made a great play — which he continues to do," said Orlovsky. "Every time he walks by my locker during the week he says, 'throw left' and I'm finding it is pretty easy to do."

It hasn't been a great season for Wayne or the Colts. The only quarterback he ever had worked with in the NFL was Manning, and he's been through three this year — Kerry Collins, Curtis Painter and now Orlovsky.

A string of seven 1,000-yard seasons is in jeopardy (he has 59 catches for 781 yards and three touchdowns with two games to go). Only Marvin Harrison (eight), Tim Brown (nine) and Jerry Rice (11) have more in NFL history.

That's why a man with 846 career receptions for 11,529 yards — all second in franchise history to Harrison — isn't that impressed by a single score.
"Snaps are down, passing opportunities are cut down," he said. "I faced reality a long time ago that individual goals are probably not going to be reached. But it's not about that. We have to have the mentality to win these last three games."

That would certainly change the offseason strategy, with both Minnesota and St. Louis sitting at two wins, ready to snatch the No. 1 pick from the Colts.

But as they've said for weeks now, the opportunity to draft Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck never has been a goal.

Sunday's win proved that players like Wayne haven't packed it in, said coach Jim Caldwell.

"It certainly has a lot to do with the veteran players that hung in there together. It certainly has to do with the type of men that we also have in our organization, they are men of character and integrity. They are not a bunch of guys that complain a whole lot and things of that nature."


(courierpress.com)

The only number that matters in a lost season: one.

One win, perhaps today against the visiting Tennessee Titans, would keep the Indianapolis Colts from joining the 2008 Detroit Lions as the only 0-16 teams in NFL history.

On a personal level, here's another number with meaning: 252.

That's Reggie Wayne's target over the final three games -- 84 yards per game -- to tack up an eighth consecutive season with at least 1,000 receiving yards. That would tie Marvin Harrison's club record. In NFL history, only Jerry Rice (11) and Tim Brown (nine) had longer streaks.

Asked if the coaching staff realized he needed a boost to keep his streak alive, Wayne smiled.

"You might want to ask them that," he said. "Ask my offensive coordinator that. Tell my quarterback that and maybe they can help me out a little bit. I feel like I can get the remaining yards this game. But who am I? I'm no genie."

Wayne, 33, is in the final year of his contract, and his 11-year career with the Colts has been about being available and productive:

His 142 straight regular-season starts and 163 consecutive games played are the longest streaks among active receivers.

He's had a catch in 93 straight games, second to Harrison's club-record 190.

The string of 1,000-yard seasons, though, is in serious jeopardy. The absence of Peyton Manning and resulting revolving door and inconsistency at quarterback too often has rendered the passing game impotent.

Overall, the Colts have run the fewest offensive plays in the NFL (759) and the offense has suffered the highest percentage of three-and-outs (48-of-150, 32 percent). They are also last in time of possession (25:20).

Individually, Wayne has suffered with 56 receptions, 748 yards and two touchdowns.

"Snaps are down, passing opportunities are cut down," he said. "I faced reality a long time ago -- weeks ago, months ago -- that individual goals are probably not going to be reached. Right now, it's not even about that. We've got to go in with the mentality to win these last three games."
But, wouldn't 1,000 yards be nice?

"It would be great," Wayne said. "But if not, it was a good run. They say all records are made to be broken. All streaks are made to come to an end at some point. Just keep truckin', keep playin'. "



(indystar.com)

WR Reggie Wayne remains as the Colts' number one receiver despite the fact that WR Pierre Garcon has caught four more passes (60 to 56) and four more touchdowns (6 to 2) so far this season. Wayne is in the final year of his contract.




(cbssports.com)

Reggie Wayne was held to five catches for 55 yards in Sunday's game against the Patriots.
Wayne was a complete non-factor and finished third in targets behind Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie. He was outmatched when up against Kyle Arrington and didn't register a catch until the fourth quarter. The Patriots were using Julian Edelman and Matt Slater in dime packages before the Colts did any of their scoring. Wayne's closer to being waivered at this point than he is fantasy relevant.


(rotoworld.com)

For an idea of just how far and fast the Colts have fallen since losing Peyton Manning before the season, consider that Reggie Wayne has been out of the news since, well, September. This is what happens when you go from one of the NFL's most productive wide receivers to the situation Wayne currently finds himself: a weekly non-factor thanks to a suddenly inept Colts offense.

Manning's replacement, Curtis Painter, has completed just 55 percent of his passes (5 TDs, 7 INTs), and as a consequence, Wayne has just 42 receptions for 530 yards and a lone touchdown. He's on pace for his lowest totals in catches, yards and touchdowns since 2003. Understandably, he's frustrated.

"I always feel 'this week' I'm going to have a big game," Wayne said, according to the Indianapolis Star's Mike Chappell. "So, (today) is going to be my big game of the year. Won't be hard, you know what I mean?"

Wayne's best game came in the opener, a seven-catch, 106-yard effort in a beatdown at the hands of the Texans. In the nine games since, Wayne has had four receptions or fewer seven times and his longest catch of the season is just 36 yards.

"The only way I go without snapping (with) the media is every game when I come in, first thing I do is put my helmet and stuff down and grab my phone," Wayne said. "Always got a text message from my wife and it's a picture of my kids.

"I don't think she's doing it on purpose, but when I see my kids, that calms the storm. They bring everything back."

It was less than four months ago that Wayne was hoping for a new contract. His value has taken a hit this season and he's certainly in line for less than that he could've expected back in August. The drastic drop in productivity isn't his fault, although we suspect that won't much matter when he negotiates his next deal.


(cbssports.com)

Last week when Reggie Wayne found out about the streak being broken at 149 straight weeks a proCane has scored an NFL TD, he responded by saying: “It sucks.”

Wayne though followed up his comment by saying: “I’ll start a new streak this week.” Sure enough Wayne started a new streak by scoring 56-yard TD (his 1st TD since Week 1) finishing the game with 5 receptions for 122 yards.

To see the full 149 week streak click here.

So here is to the beginning of a new streak that we will chronicle:

Week 12 2011:
Reggie Wayne - 1 TD - Indianapolis Colts

Reggie Wayne caught five passes for 122 yards with a touchdown in Sunday's loss to the Panthers.

Credit the Panthers' embarrassing tackling for Wayne's breakout. On his 56-yard score in the fourth quarter, Wayne spun out of two tackles and hopped through another on his way to the end zone. He also avoided the coverage of Chris Gamble for most of the day. Wayne gets another tasty matchup against the Patriots next week.


(rotoworld.com)

Indianapolis Colts WR Reggie Wayne didn’t need to be told on Monday. He had already mentioned to his wife how a scoring streak was about to come to an end with the culmination of New England’s victory over Kansas City.

Until last weekend, a player from the University of Miami had scored a touchdown in the NFL for 149 consecutive weeks. The streak started in Week 15 of 2002.

Wayne, like most, is proud of his “U” heritage. So it was a bit of a bummer that this run ended.

Asked what he thought about it, the 2001 first-round pick said, “It sucks.”

On an offense without QB Peyton Manning, everybody’s offensive numbers are down. Kerry Collins didn’t get it done. Curtis Painter can’t get it done. Dan Orlovsky has yet to get a chance to start.

So Wayne has only one TD this season. It was an acrobatic grab in the back of the end zone for the Colts’ only points in a 34-7 loss at Houston in the season opener.

But true to proud “U” form, the 11th-year pro suggested it’s time for him and his fellow Hurricanes to begin anew in the NFL.

“I’ll start a new streak this week,” Wayne said.

Click here to order Reggie Wayne’s proCane Rookie Card.


(indystar.com)

With a season low 3 catches for 13 yards, Reggie Wayne was still able tosurpass Larry Centers for 19th-most catches in NFL history. Wayne now has 828 career receptions.



Click here to order Reggie Wayne’s proCane Rookie Card.

Perhaps no position for the Colts could see more turnover after the season than wideout, where Reggie Wayne, Pierre Garcon and Anthony Gonzalez all have expiring contracts. It is a fait accompli that Gonzalez won't be back, as he has been a healthy scratch a number of times this season and has fallen out of favor with the front office. Garcon, the club's most consistent offensive weapon this season, has made a strong case for being re-signed. The biggest question could be what to do with Wayne, who we hear has been sending out the vibe to local media that his time with the club soon could be over. Although Wayne has struggled without QB Peyton Manning this season, we hear that is as much about QB Curtis Painter's inability to see the whole field and locking on to Garcon, with whom he feels most comfortable. If Manning is back next season, word is he will make a strong push for Wayne being re-signed.

Click here to order Reggie Wayne’s proCane Rookie Card.


(profootballweekly.com)

Reggie Wayne sat at his locker-room cubicle Sunday afternoon in Lucas Oil Stadium, alone with his thoughts and a statistical recap of the Indianapolis Colts' latest misadventure.

The veteran receiver scanned a page, then shook his head. Looked again, and shrugged. A third glance, another reaction that was equal parts frustration and simmering anger.

What grabbed Wayne's attention?

"Final score and just knowing we didn't go out there and play the game we know we can do," he said, still trying to digest the 31-7 loss to the Atlanta Falcons before a sellout crowd of 65,218. "We have a good, tough week of practice, and to come out there and lay an egg offensively sucks, man.

"Hopefully we can get some angry guys to become even angrier and try to get this thing turned around. I believe we're the only team without a win. That alone is enough said."

Click here to order Reggiw Wayne’s proCane Rookie Card.


(indystar.com)

Somewhere, somehow, rumors about Reggie Wayne and Robert Mathis getting traded popped up. As Phil Wilson at the Indianapolis Star notes, the rumors aren't really rumors so much as conjecture, based on the fact that they're free agents and there was a mention that the Colts should trade both guys in order to acquire picks in the 2012 NFL Draft.

That's not an unreasonable take, but Colts owner Jim Irsay said Saturday that neither player will be heading anywhere other than Lucas Oil Stadium for their home games this year.

"No,the trade rumors aren't true," Irsay tweeted on Saturday morning. "I'm negotiating 2 buy Mars though..so I can ensure inter-galactic,NFL dominance for the 25th century."

OK. Well at least I know I have something in the bag for Sorting the Sunday Pile, even if it lacks a clear-cut, pop-culture reference.

But back to dealing Wayne and Mathis -- it's not that likely to happen even though it probably should. (And, technically, still could.) Both guys are older than 30 and in the final year of their respective contracts. Wilson believes the Colts should extend both guys after this year; others feel differently.

Indy might not net all that much for the pair (or, more likely, if they're individually wrapped), but it seems reasonable that a contender with issues at wide receiver might be interested in Wayne. The Bills, the Titans, the Ravens, the Texans, the Chargers, the Redskins -- really anyone with a winning record would be upgraded by adding Wayne.

Click here to order Reggie Wayne’s proCane Rookie Card.


(cbssports.com)

With the trade deadline only four days away, and with an eleventh-hour deal or two typically being made, speculation has arisen that the Colts could send elsewhere one or two of their disgruntled free-agents-to-be:  receiver Reggie Wayne (pictured) and defensive end Robert Mathis.

Phillip Wilson of the Indianapolis Star traces the spitballing to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, who apparently said that the Colts should trade Wayne to the Bills and Mathis to the Jets.  That idea has quickly become rumor, even though at this point there’s no reason to believe either deal could happen.

Wilson thinks that the Colts should keep both players.  But if the Colts already have decided neither to use the franchise tag nor to give new contracts to one or both players, why not dump them now in exchange for future picks?

The hidden benefit, of course, is that it would be a legitimate way to weaken the team as part of a not-so-subtle effort to “Suck for Luck.”


(profootballtalk.com)

Comments

The sampler box is a gift from Michael Irvin and sits front and center on a shelf in Reggie Wayne's cubicle in the Indianapolis Colts locker room.

Inside are Montecristo cigars. The style? Operation Hope.

"I am a cigar guy and that's the first time I've seen that," Wayne said of the Operation Hope label. "I don't know if Michael Irvin sent that to me for a reason.

"I have to check into that."

It might have been encouragement from one former University of Miami wide receiver to another. The Colts are one of the NFL's four winless teams heading into today's meeting with the Kansas City Chiefs at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Operation Hope?

"I thought that was awesome," said Wayne, who received the Montecristos for appearing on Irvin's radio show last week.
Wayne fashions himself a cigar connoisseur.

"I like to sit on my patio in Miami, even here, and light one up," he said. "Probably one or two a month. I get in those moods."
Wayne is itching to tear into Irvin's gift box but won't until he has a reason to celebrate.

"It's going to stay closed until we win," he said. "I'm going to bring it with me every game.

"I might light 'em all up at once."

Click here to order Reggie Wayne’s proCane Rookie Card.


(indystar.com)

Indianapolis Colts WR Reggie Wayne reeled in his 800th career reception in the second quarter. Wayne finished the game with 3 catches for 24 yards.

Wayne was targeted 13 times, but displayed a startling lack of chemistry with Kerry Collins, who routinely overthrew him on timing routes. Wayne has drawn 32 looks through Indy's first three games, but managed to catch just 14 of them. With Collins dealing with a possible concussion, Wayne could have Curtis Painter throwing to him in Week 4 against the Bucs.

Click here to order Reggie Wayne’s proCane Rookie Card.

Indianapolis Colts WR Reggie Wayne needs two more receptions to reach 800 for his NFL career.




Click here to order Reggie Wayne’s proCane Rookie Card.


(kffl.com)

Making his first start in a Colts uniform, quarterback Kerry Collins relied on a man who has played for no other team than Indianapolis during his 11-year tenure.

Reggie Wayne’s seven catches for 106 yards and a touchdown led all Colts receivers in the opener at Houston. The outing marked Wayne’s 36th regular season game with 100+ receiving yards. The total ranks second in club history to Marvin Harrison (59).

Following linebacker Pat Angerer’s recovered fumble in the fourth quarter, Collins found Wayne on a six-yard pass in the back of the end zone for the Colts’ only touchdown on the afternoon.

Wayne did a masterful job of getting both feet down to complete the scoring play. The scoring play marked the fifth consecutive season-opener that Wayne has had a touchdown reception.

With offensive captain Peyton Manning sidelined with a neck injury, Wayne took the initiative to deliver a message to his teammates during the second half.

“It really came in the fourth quarter when Reggie (Wayne) pulled the whole offense together on the sideline,” running back Joseph Addai said about what message to take from the Houston game. “He told us all that we got beat pretty bad today but it doesn’t end here. We all have our heads up going forward.”

Click here to order Reggie Wayne’s proCane Rookie Card.


(1070thefan.com)

When Reggie Wayne lines up wide to Kerry Collins' left for the Colts' first offensive snap Sunday in Houston, he will take over as the AFC South’s active leader in consecutive games started.

It will be No. 130 in a row in the regular season, and it will come on the day when Peyton Manning's streak ends at 208.

Wayne will be just eighth among active streaks, with Tampa Bay cornerback Ronde Barber in line to move to 184. (Alan Faneca, also on Mike Sando's list here, has retired.)

Tennessee right guard Jake Scott will increase his streak, built with the Colts and Titans, to 105.

I know the streak meant a lot to Manning because it’s a testament to his toughness, a quality he doesn't typically get enough credit for. As we've written earlier this week, his neck injury is not a toughness issue.

As the Colts go forward Sunday without him, the streak’s not the thing he’ll be thinking of or lamenting. It's OK for us to spend a second lamenting it, though.

Click here to order Reggie Wayne’s proCane Rookie Card.


(espn.com)

Reggie Wayne caught six balls for 105 yards and a touchdown in the Colts' third preseason game.

The highlight of Wayne's night was a 57-yard touchdown bomb down the left sideline on a badly blown coverage by the Packers. How any defense could let Wayne get that open -- even in a preseason game -- is beyond us. Regardless, Wayne remains one of the most precise route runners in football and will get open on possession routes this season. He's just not a deep threat anymore.

Click here to order Reggie Wayne’s proCane Rookie Card.


(rotoworld.com)

We'll see what kind of chemistry Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne has with quarterback Kerry Collins on the field, but Wayne doesn't sound interested in establishing any rapport.

With the team uncertain about when Peyton Manning will be able to play — he still is recovering from neck surgery — Collins came out of retirement and signed with the Colts on Wednesday. Wayne didn't exactly lead the welcome wagon.

"We don't even know him, we ain't vanilla, man, we ain't no simple offense," Wayne told the Associated Press. "So for him to come in here and be the starter, I don't see it. I think that's a step back."

While Manning has been rehabbing — he hasn't even practiced with the team yet — third-year quarterback Curtis Painter has been working with the No. 1 offense. Dan Orlovsky is another quarterback on the roster.

"I don't care who you are," Wayne said. "I mean I'm not going to let anyone just come in here and just push someone (like Painter) aside like you're that dog now, you know what I mean?"

Perhaps Wayne was talking out of frustration because he hasn't been able to work with Manning, who has never missed a start in his previous 13 seasons. Painter, meanwhile, tried to be diplomatic about the Colts signing Collins.

"It was a business decision for them," Painter said. "It doesn't change much from my thought process. I need to go out there and be ready for any situation."

Wayne also had some words of support for backup Curtis Painter, which voiced an interesting but flawed premise (at least based on statistics).

"I don't want to make it seem like I'm not welcoming or having open arms to anybody that comes to our organization," Wayne said to the local media. "If they open the doors for Kerry Collins to come, then that's fine. I can't do (anything) about that anyways. But I'll be damned if we're going to open the doors for someone else, and just drop our heads on who we already have. The Colts are big on protecting their own, so I'm (going to) help protect our own."

One thing is certain: If Manning comes off the physically unable to perform list, it's unlikely the Colts would keep four quarterbacks on their active roster. Painter or Orlovsky probably would be the odd man out.

Click here to order Reggie Wayne’s proCane Rookie Card.


(sportingnews.com)

INDIANAPOLIS — Colts receiver Reggie Wayne has returned to practice after missing five days for personal reasons.

Coach Jim Caldwell still has not said why Wayne was out.

The five-time Pro Bowler hadn’t practiced since last Wednesday and skipped Friday night’s preseason game against Washington. Indy lost 16-3.
On Monday, Caldwell said he expected Wayne back within 24 hours. He made it back onto the field Tuesday.

Wayne has been a vital cog in the Colts’ high-scoring offense for years, first as the complimentary receiver to Marvin Harrison, then as Peyton Manning’s No. 1 option. Last year, Wayne had a career-high 111 receptions for 1,355 yards and six touchdowns.

His return comes as Peyton Manning missed yet another practice while he rehabs from offseason surgery to repair a nerve in his neck.

Click here to order Reggie Wayne’s proCane Rookie Card.


(wasingtonpost.com)

Rosenthal mentioned in his preview of Friday night’s preseason games that the Colts, already without their most important player in Peyton Manning, could be without receiver Reggie Wayne against the Redskins.

They were.

After the game, coach Jim Caldwell told reporters (via comments distributed by the team) that “Reggie was out of town on a personal issue, he’ll be back.”

But when will he be back?  Mike Chappell of the Indianapolis Star pointed out on Wednesday that Wayne was gone, due to a personal issue.
The nature of the personal issue is unclear.  It’s impossible to rule out that Wayne is merely unhappy with his personal income.

Before training camp opened, Wayne continued his pitch for a new contract, but he said he wouldn’t hold out.  “I’m a Colt. What else I’m gonna be?” Wayne told the Star. “I’m going to go to work. That’s what I do.”

Last year, Wayne skipped a mandatory minicamp due to his desire for a new deal.  He then hinted he’d hold out from training camp, but he ultimately showed up.

The Colts usually don’t share chapter-and-verse detail regarding potential distractions and/or disappointments.  So it’s hard to tell at this point whether Wayne’s “personal issue” has any link to his ongoing desire to get a new contract.

Wayne, 32, is due to earn a base salary of $5.95 million in 2011.

UPDATE:  Philip Wilson of the Star reported via Twitter last night as to Wayne, “I heard he’s a new dad.”  Why wouldn’t the team just say that instead?



(profootballtalk.com)

ANDERSON, Ind. — Reggie Wayne paused Tuesday to meet with the media and answer one of the burning questions of the Indianapolis Colts’ 2011 training camp.

Why, exactly, has the Pro Bowl wide receiver been wearing a garish red watch throughout practice?

“Like I told you, man, to make sure I’m right on time before I run right by you,” Wayne told the media at Anderson University to a chorus of laughter. “If I run in there and score a touchdown, I want to make sure what time it is. I want to make sure I’m right on time, right on schedule. That’s what it’s about.”

Wayne certainly has been on schedule so far.

He said he hasn’t felt this good since his rookie season, and he’s looking forward to Saturday’s preseason opener at St. Louis.

But his best timing Tuesday was comedic.

Wayne said he has four or five “colorful” practice watches that he’s worn over the years. But he’s developed a bit of a superstition around the red model this time around.

“I normally rotate them,” he said. “But this camp, there’s something about this red watch that’s been standing out. I’m keeping it going. I’ve had a good camp so far. So if it’s not broke, don’t fix it.”

Does that mean Wayne might be tempted to continue wearing the watch once the regular season begins?

“Nah,” he said. “As much as I want to, I don’t want Mr. (NFL commissioner Roger) Goodell to give me a little letter. But if I could, I would.”

He’s found a far more effective accessory anyway.

New wide receivers coach Frank Reich was a quarterback for 14 NFL seasons, primarily with the Buffalo Bills. He’s best known for leading the largest comeback in league history, erasing a 35-3 second half deficit to beat the Houston Oilers 41-38 in overtime during a playoff game following the 1992 season.

Reich also completed the first touchdown pass in Carolina Panthers history in 1995. The recipient was current Colts offensive line coach Pete Metzelaars.

And Wayne already has fallen under his spell.

“Him being a quarterback, he understands a lot of things,” Wayne said. “He understands what’s kind of tough to do as a receiver and what’s not tough to do, and a lot of coaches aren’t able to display that or give you that. But I love Frank. He’s come in and really helped me get better, already, and once again I’ve got to make him look good. That’s what it’s all about.”

Reich has a quote, “Plant the seed for speed,” that already has become something of a motto for Wayne during this camp.

And he said he’s not going to allow the absence of quarterback Peyton Manning to slow him down.

The offense has a job to do no matter who is under center, and Wayne’s not about to look for reasons not to get the job done.

“This is not my first rodeo,” he said. “So if it’s Peyton in there or (Curtis) Painter or Coach (Jim) Caldwell, it doesn’t change. I know where to line up. I know what to do. I know what’s expected of me. We just need to gel together and just play together. Just play Colts football, that’s basically it.”

Click here to order Reggie Wayne’s proCane Rookie Card.


(heraldbulletin.com)

ANDERSON, Ind. -- Some people think the clock is ticking on Reggie Wayne. He had a few more drops last year, but considering the coverages he saw based on the lack of other threats, he had a remarkable season in 2010.

He’ll be every bit a featured guy this fall as the team considers a new contract for him going forward.

Today he talked about a different ticking clock, the bright red one on his wrist.

He’s a watch guy, and would wear one on game days if it was allowed.

He’s always got one on at practice.

“At practice I wear a watch,” he said. “I’m not policing the practice or anything. I don’t mind work. But when they ask me what time it is, I tell them it’s time to go deep.”

Wayne was in a great mood and the watch conversation was a clever one, with several of us taking turns trying to get him to reveal a bit more about why he wears one and how many he’s got and what they’re worth, as if the next nugget would really expose something about him.

It didn’t, I don’t think. But it was fun. So I'll share though some of you will ask why I did.

Why does he wear it?
“Make sure I’m right on time before I run right by you. If I run that nine route for a touchdown, I want to make sure I know what time it is. I want to make sure it’ll be right on time, right on schedule, that’s what it’s about.”

Does he wear it in games?
“No, as much as I want it, I don’t want Mr. Goodell to give me a little letter. But if I could, I would. Always in practice. A lot of players ask me what time it is. I’m like Father Time.

The late punter Reggie Roby was big on wearing a watch.
“That’s what I’ve heard. I heard he was a big watch guy, maybe it’s something with the Reggies, I don’t know.”

How many does he have, does he rotate them?
“I normally rotate them, but this camp there is something about this red watch that’s been standing out. I keep it going, I’m having a good camp so if it’s not broke don’t fix it.”

“I’ve got about four or five watches, they’re all nice and colorful.”

Then you’ve got different ones for when you are dressed up?
“Oh definitely, I can’t wear a practice watch with a nice suit. It don’t roll that way.”

How much money have you spent on watches?
“Let’s not talk about that … Let’s just say for every dress watch I have, I probably can buy 30 pair of shoes.”

OK, thank you for playing along. I’ll try to dig back into my stuff and give you some football.

Click here to order Reggie Wayne’s proCane Rookie Card.


(espn.com)

ANDERSON, Ind. -- Reggie Wayne's contract issue apparently is no issue at all.

"If it was an issue, I wouldn't be here," the Indianapolis Colts five-time Pro Bowl receiver said Monday. "It is what it is. I've got about seven or eight months left on this contract. I guess we will wait until the season's over and figure out what the rest will be."

Wayne, along with defensive end Robert Mathis, boycotted all team-related functions last year before reporting to training camp. They withheld their services to show displeasure over the team's refusal to address their contracts.

Each again is at camp. Each is signed through this season.

Vice chairman Bill Polian said Mathis and Wayne will be priorities after this season.

"I've got to honor (the final year)," Wayne said. "Ain't that what they say? 'Honor your contract?' I'm honoring it, so go from there."
Wayne, 32, is in his 11th season. How much longer does he hope to play?

"Man, they've got to put me out. Take me out back behind the barn," Wayne said. "I haven't felt this good in years. I felt so good I cut all my facial hair.

"I feel young. I feel like the old 2001, 2002 Reggie."

Click here to order Reggie Wayne’s proCane Rookie Card.


(indystar.com)

ANDERSON, Ind. -- After taking expensive steps to ensure the Indianapolis Colts have a roster capable of challenging for a championship by getting unsigned players in the fold, owner Jim Irsay turned his attention to a pair of Pro Bowl players still under contract.

His message to defensive end Robert Mathis and wide receiver Reggie Wayne was about patience. Each player's contract expires at the end of this season, and each wants an extension.

"At this point," Irsay said Sunday afternoon, "I don't anticipate that sort of thing, an extension or anything like that."

At some point, Irsay, vice chairman Bill Polian and general manager Chris Polian will sit down and look ahead to 2012.

"We always talk about next year, where we're going to be with the (salary) cap, what type of situation we're going to be in because it's going to come quickly," Irsay said. "We prepare for next year whether it's Pierre (Garcon), or Robert and Reggie."

Wayne, 32, has a base salary of $5.95 million this year. Mathis, 30, has a base of $2.4 million.

Bill Polian stressed that the Colts have a history of taking care of their own, at the proper time. The team rarely addresses a player's contract until it expires.

"Nothing could underscore that more than (Sunday)," Polian said. "Peyton Manning comes back to finish his career. Joseph Addai comes back. Ryan Diem comes back to finish his career. That's what the Colts and Jim Irsay are all about."

Wayne, Mathis and any other player seeking an extension apparently will have to wait. It's anybody's guess how each will react to the "be patient" message.

"We won't sign Robert and Reggie early," Polian said. "But they will be, along with Pierre probably, the No. 1 priorities next year. And we always achieve those priorities. The fact of the matter is we address them in due course."

Click here to order Reggie Wayne’s proCane Rookie Card.


(indystar.com)

ANDERSON, Ind. — Veteran wide receiver Reggie Wayne came out of the chute firing and catching Monday as the Indianapolis Colts went to work at Anderson University.

Wayne turned an interview with the media into a series of sound bites on a cornucopia of topics.

Apparently he is feeling very healthy.

“I feel good,” he said. “I haven’t felt this good in years. I felt so good, I cut all of my facial hair off. I feel young. I feel like the old 2001-02 Reggie. So hopefully we can get a glimpse of those fresh legs and make some plays.”

With all of the bumps and bruises the team suffered at wide receiver a year ago, any news of healthy bodies at that position is indeed encouraging.

Peyton Manning’s absence isn’t troubling Wayne at all. He is far from distraught that right now Curtis Painter has the No. 1 job.

“This is business as usual,” Wayne said. “Don’t try to blow this up the wrong way. I’m kind of eager to get in there with Curtis. I’m a Curtis Painter fan. He has been taking some hard hits from the media and from spectators the last few years. But, I’m a big fan of his and am kind of eager to get out there and get some reps with him. Hopefully we can make each other be good.”

It appeared to work that way in the afternoon practice. Painter put a ball out there that appeared it would be just beyond Wayne’s reach. But Wayne got a couple of fingertips on the aerial, pulled it in and scampered downfield. It drew the loudest applause of the practice session.

Make no mistake about it, Wayne is still anxious to get Manning back. He has no doubts that whenever Manning returns, he will pick right up where he left off.

“Hopefully it’s like riding a bike,” Wayne said. “I taught my son how to ride a bike years ago. If I put him on a bike right now hopefully he will still know how to ride it. I’ve been here for 11 years so hopefully what me and Peyton have done in 11 years will be like clockwork. The sooner we can get him out here, the closer we are to finding out, but until then it’s me and Painter.”

All of the player movement since the collective bargaining agreement has also been a source of interest to Wayne.

“I’ll tell you what, it’s going to be a real interesting look for (video game) Madden,” he said. “It’s kind of weird just sitting back, looking at TV and seeing different guys end up in different places so rapidly. I guess it’s been fun because I had no dealings in it. I’m kind of like you guys sitting back being a spectator and just keeping my own two cents to myself.”

Still, the end goal is to end up back at Lucas Oil Stadium for the Super Bowl.

 “Yeah, we’ve got a chance to do something that’s never been done before (playing in that game in a team’s hometown),” he said. “But at the same time we will keep our same focus and that is take care of our division.”

That focus started Monday.

Click here to order Reggie Wayne’s proCane Rookie Card.


(heraldbulletin.com)

Earlier this month, Colts defensive end Robert Mathis took to Twitter to deny reports that he would hold out for a new contract once the lockout is resolved.

“Haven’t thought of scheming up a #PayMePlan yet for 3 reasons. (1)18 is up (2) 87 needs his (3)free agents will b addressed b4 me,” Mathis said, later adding "I have every intention on doing my job once the NFL gives us our job back. I never been a locker room cancer & wont start now. #GoColtsDammit."

We bring this up for several reasons. First, Mathis is right, once there's officially a 2011 season, one of the Colts' first priorities will be to give Peyton Manning a bunch of well-deserved money. Because without him Indianapolis is, at best, a six-win team.

Second, Reggie Wayne does "need his" too, but like Mathis, he has no intentions of holding out. Details via the Indianapolis Star

The five-time Pro Bowl selection is in the final year of a six-year, $39 million contract he signed in 2006. He's due a base salary of $5.95 million this season.

That's hardly chump change, but below market value for a player of Wayne's caliber. The average salary of the top 10 receivers in 2010 was $8.65 million. Over the past seven seasons, Wayne leads NFL receivers with 643 receptions and 8,849 yards, and ranks fifth with 58 touchdowns…. Wayne reported for the start of the 2010 training camp, and plans to do likewise later this month. Barring an unforeseen hiccup in the labor process, the Colts are expected to report to Anderson University on July 31 for the start of camp.

"I'm a Colt. What else I'm gonna be?" Wayne said, dismissing a question about a possible camp holdout. "I'm going to go to work. That's what I do.''

As PFT's Michael David Smith notes, despite the Star claiming that Wayne's salary is "below market value," the reality is that he's 33, typically the beginning of the end for NFL wide receivers. "The Colts found out the hard way with Marvin Harrison that giving a big contract to a receiver in his 30s can be a costly mistake," Smith writes.

That's not to say Wayne is over the hill; he's not. In fact, he's vital to what the Colts do offensively. It's just that he's nowhere near as important as their 35-year-old quarterback. And like Mathis, Wayne sounds like he understands that.

Click here to order Reggie Wayne’s proCane Rookie Card.


(cbssports.com)

Check out photos of Edgerrin James and Reggie Wayne and James’ Summer Youth Camp. proCane Tamara James also joined James and Wayne at the camp.





Click here to order Reggie Wayne’s or Edgerrin James’ proCane Rookie Card.


(twitter.com)

(hurricanesports.com)

A number of old wide receivers have generated headlines this offseason, and could continue to generate them in the coming months. With that in mind, here, with some help from some pro scouts, are my best wide receivers who will be 32 or older when the season is scheduled to begin.

1. Reggie Wayne. It’s hard to believe he is 32. Wayne caught a career high 111 passes in 2010. His big play production was down a bit, but that probably was due more to the fact that he was the only consistent receiving weapon the Colts had. He remains a premier performer and a rarity.

2. Steve Smith. He is destined to be a former Panther soon, but it’s not because Smith as lost a lot. He might not be quite as fast as he was, but he still has explosive play making ability, and he plays physically. Smith needs to be paired with a veteran quarterback because he is an undisciplined route runner who sometimes will freelance.

3. Chad Ochocinco. He remains a special athlete with top separation skills. His quickness off the line is exceptional. That’s why there may be a trade market for this guy. Ocho has lost a step in straight line speed, however, and doesn’t outrun cornerbacks anymore. He also doesn’t compete the way he used to. Old Ochocinco does his best to avoid the middle of the field. Don’t ask him to block anyone, either.

4. Terrell Owens. He isn’t the same kind of all-around receiver he once was. T.O. is now inconsistent in his route running. He doesn’t separate well versus man to man, and is best on vertical routes, underneath routes and crossing routes. But at 37, he has been less affected by age than most because he is more reliant on muscle and size than speed. T.O. still can get yards after the catch and make big plays. Some team will sign him as a bargain free agent.

5. Santana Moss. Last year, at the age of 31, Moss had a career high for catches but a career low for yards per catch. He still has some of his excellent short area quicks, but his long speed is not what it was. Because Moss is a smaller receiver at 5-10, the party could end pretty quickly for him.

6. Donald Driver. At 36 he isn’t what he was, but he’s still a player who most teams would love to have. Driver has too many drops these days and is best as a role player. He can work the slot as well as almost anyone, as he has the quick feet, technique and physicalness to separate and make plays in a crowd.

7. Derrick Mason. He never has been fast, so Mason hides his 37 years well. He knows how to get open with double moves, change of speed, toughness and all the tricks. His craftiness has served him well on the back end of his career. As an underneath route runner/possession player, Mason remains very effective.

8. Hines Ward. Ward may not be as flashy a receiver as he is a dancer these days, but he remains a solid starter going into his 14th season in Pittsburgh. He does not run as well as he used to, and he has a hard time separating. But he is physical and effective in traffic. He also has excellent chemistry with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. He fits perfectly where he is, but might not look so good on a lot of other teams.

9. Randy Moss. The 34-year old free agent still can blow by soft coverage, but it takes him longer to reach full speed than it used to. He is mostly a vertical player at this stage of his career who isn’t very effective on short and medium routes. He no longer gives you much after the catch. He is easily taken out of his game by press coverage.

10. T.J. Houshmandzadeh. The fact that he will be on his third team in as many years tells you something. He has lost a little speed, but never was a speed dependent player. Houshmandzadeh can find open windows in zones and use his strength to make plays. He can be effective as a third receiver who plays the slot. The fact that he has a reputation for being difficult to manage makes him less attractive to potential suitors.

Others include Deion Branch, Brandon Stokley, Brian Finneran and Joey Galloway. Plaxico Burress was not included because he did not play in the NFL last year.

Click here to order Santana Moss’ proCane Rookie Card.


(nationalfootballpost.com)

Your eyes tell you that Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne didn't look quite as quick last year as he did in previous seasons. He didn't seem to catch so many passes in wide-open spaces as he did before. When he did catch the ball, there always seemed to be a defender right there to keep him from gaining any extra yardage.

But then you look at the numbers, and you see that Wayne caught 111 passes, the most he ever has. He amassed 1,355 yards, his second-highest total ever. He only had six touchdown receptions -- which was a disappointment to his fantasy owners -- but his scoring totals have always fluctuated in his career.

So has Wayne lost a step, or is he still at the top of his game? Well, if we really knew the answer to that one, we'd have gotten out of the housing market four years ago, sold those Citibank shares back in 2000 -- and never even considered drafting Randy Moss last year. We never saw Moss' 28-catch, 393-yard season coming on the heels of his 83-catch, 1,264-yard season in 2009. But Reggie Wayne is not a candidate to suffer a Moss-like drop in numbers.

It's true that Wayne is 32 at the start of the 2011 season. But former Colts teammate Marvin Harrison had three 1,000-yard seasons and caught more than 10 touchdown passes three times after turning 32 -- and they came while sharing targets with Wayne.

There is no other wideout on the Colts to take Peyton Manning's attention away from Wayne. Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie have shown potential, but have been inconsistent or in and out of the lineup. Tight end Dallas Clark's return may hurt Wayne's total number of looks. At the same time, a healthy Clark should help open up the field more for Wayne once again.

Bottom Line: Nothing lasts forever, but we're not ready to throw dirt on Reggie Wayne's fantasy value just yet. He's still a No. 1 fantasy receiver.

Click here to order Reggie Wayne’s proCane Rookie Card.


(nfl.com)

Here's a paste from Reggie Wayne's Blog page posted yesterday (May 23, 2011) “WHAT’S UP WORLD..... 
Haven't said what's up in a minute, so I'm stopping by to say what's up. Went to Indy this past week to workout with the players and do a few drills. I must say it was still a little cold out there at this time of the year. We had a pretty good turnout. I believe we had somewhere between 40 to 50 guys in attendance. Guys were excited to see each other and we all are looking forward to coming together and having an outstanding season. And playing in our own back yard for the Superbowl. GO COLTS!!!!

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(reggiewayne.com)

Comments

Check out photos from the 2011 UM Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony featuring proCanes Dan Morgan, Santana Moss Reggie Wayne and Bobby Hill. Congrats to all four of them and the other 4 inductees of this year’s class.

The former greats inducted into the UM Sports Hall of Fame on Thursday:

Daphne Jongejans-Bousquet, diving (1985-88) — UM’s only eight-time All-American women’s diver, a three-time Olympian (1984, 88, 92) for The Netherlands.

Ian Duvenhage, women’s tennis coach (1982-88) — Led team to seven consecutive NCAA appearances and a top-five ranking for four of those seasons. Won the USTA doubles title in 1983, while coaching.

Bobby Hill, baseball (1997-99) — UM’s career leader in stolen bases, with 139, and second in runs scored. Holds school-record 87 runs scored in 1998, when he hit .404. Second-round draft pick of Cubs in 1999.

Yolanda McCray, track (1995-99) — NCAA 100-meter hurdles champion in 1999. Six-time All-American. Graduated with six UM school records in hurdles (2), relays (3) and the 60-meter dash. Now in U.S. Army.

Dan Morgan, football (1997-2000) — UM’s career leader in tackles (532). As a senior, won the Butkus Award, Bednarik and Nagurski Awards as the nation’s top defender.

Santana Moss, football (1997-2000) — All-American who set UM records for receiving yards (2,546), all-purpose yards (4,402), punt-return yards (1,196) and punt-return touchdowns (6).

Tyce Routson, diving (1995-97, 2000) — Four-time NCAA champion (platform 1997 and 2000; 3-meter 1995 and 97). Eleven-time All-American.

Reggie Wayne, football (1997-2000) – Career receptions leader (173) and second in career receiving yards (2,510). Second to Moss in receiving yards (2,510) and tied for third in career touchdowns with 20.







Click here to see the rest of the photos! -->

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Read More...

Santana Moss came to Jungle Island ready to shine. He didn’t want just any outfit to wear for one of the most special nights of his life.

“I called my tailor last week and said I needed some threads that represent my school colors,’’ said Moss, shortly before he was inducted into the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame. “I threw this together — wanted to bring out some orange and green.’’

The former UM receiver wore a green-and-orange plaid jacket, gold tie, beige linen pants and cream-colored leather shoes to match his cream shirt.

Moss, now with the Redskins, did not disappoint. Nor did the other former UM greats inducted Thursday, including Indianapolis Colts receiver Reggie Wayne and retired Carolina Panthers linebacker Dan Morgan.

All seven former UM athletes were warmly received by a full house of 450 loyal Hurricanes fans, including football coach Al Golden. Only one inductee, track star Yolanda McCray, couldn’t make it because she is serving in the U.S. Army.

“I’m thankful, man,’’ Moss said. “Even to this day in the NFL, I know a lot of my knowledge comes from my days at UM.”

Said Wayne: “I am so proud to be in this situation. I am being inducted at one of the best athletic universities ever.’’

And this, from Morgan: “After all the dedication and hard work we’ve put in, to be recognized like this is definitely a huge honor.’’

The athletes seemed in awe of one another. Former UM tennis player and women’s coach Ian Duvenhage, now the men’s coach at Vanderbilt, said he was shocked when he heard the other UM athletes in his class.

“I was pleasantly surprised when I found out about this honor, but when I realized who I was included with, I was mortified. I was like, ‘Wait a second, these people are all superstars. What am I doing with them?’ ”

Click here to order Reggie Wayne’s or Santana Moss’s or Dan Morgan’s proCane Rookie Card.



(miamiherald.com)

Indianapolis Colts receiver Reggie Wayne was home relaxing last fall when he got the phone call.

“Congratulations!’’ announced close friend Santana Moss, a Washington Redskins receiver and University of Miami teammate of Wayne’s in the late 1990s.

“Thank you,’’ Wayne replied skeptically.

“So, what exactly am I being congratulated for?’’

At 7 p.m. Thursday, Wayne will be one of three former UM football players – including Moss and retired NFL linebacker Dan Morgan – to be inducted into the UM Sports Hall of Fame at Jungle Island.

The other five: divers Daphne Jongejans-Bousquet and Tyce Routson, women’s tennis coach Ian Duvenhage, baseball player Bobby Hill and track-and-fielder Yolanda McCray.

“So sweet!’’ said Wayne, 32, the father of boys ages 7 and 1. “The brotherhood of my UM teammates has stuck with me like nothing else.’’

Morgan, 32, played at Coral Springs Taravella High and is the father of a 3-year-old son and daughters 5 and 2. He is traveling to the ceremony from his home in Charlotte, N.C., where he once played for the Carolina Panthers. Morgan called Thursday’s honor “crazy’’ and said his UM memories “are just as fresh in my head now as they were back then. I think of coming in with guys like Reggie and Santana, coming off the probation years and having that little weight room with barely any air-conditioning. We wanted to win so badly. In some ways, we’re like the forgotten people who were a big part of helping bring the Miami program back.’’

Not nearly forgotten, though they graduated and left to become NFL first-rounders just nine months before their younger teammates won UM’s first national title in 10 years. Wayne, Morgan and Moss were freshmen in 1997 and played through 2000, the year the Canes went 11-1 and were edged out by Florida State in the final Bowl Championship Series standings.

Theirs was the class that never got to the promised land, but laid the groundwork for their successors to get there. Theirs was the class that became Hurricanes in the midst of severe NCAA sanctions, determined to bring the program from its low point to the mountain top.

The Seminoles, losers to UM in 2000, went on to lose to Oklahoma in the BCS national championship game, while UM defeated Florida in the Sugar Bowl. The Canes could only lament their lone 34-29 loss at Washington in the second game of the season – quarterback Ken Dorsey’s first road start. That would be UM’s last loss before a momentous 34-game win streak that included a national title and ended with the Fiesta Bowl loss to Ohio State in another national championship game.

“I always consider our class as builders of the foundation,” said Wayne, who went 5-6, 9-3, 9-4 and 11-1 under Butch Davis. “We had a bunch of true freshmen who didn’t know the difference between our left and right feet, but we hung in there as brothers and took the good with the bad, took coaching pretty well and made it our business to get better every year. We showed everyone the way. But just think. If we could have redshirted, we would have won a title.

“Still, the way my life has gone,” said Wayne, a former Super Bowl champion and New Orleans native who lives with his family in Southwest Ranches, “I wouldn’t take it back for anything in the world. It’s storybook.’’

Moss, 31, grew up in Miami, graduated from Carol City High and has an offseason home near Pompano Beach. He said he was in awe when he learned he was to be inducted, like his teammates, in his first season of eligibility.

“I went down the list and was like, ‘Man! Did this guy get in yet? Did that guy get in yet?’ ” said Moss, who has a 6-year-old daughter and sons 10 and 1. “The years have gone by so fast, but I’ve never forgotten a moment that I spun at that school.

“I was pushed onto the field and I grew up from there. I caught the first pass thrown to me, a post corner on the sideline from Ryan Clement against Pittsburgh. It was the third game of my freshman year. Those are memories you never forget.’’

Some of Moss’ favorite UM moments: Beating FSU for the first time as a senior and his last game in the Orange Bowl against Boston College, a 52-6 victory in which he scored three touchdowns and set the all-time UM all-purpose yards record with 4,402. He also broke a 62-year-old UM career punt-return record by accumulating 1,196 yards over his four seasons.

Morgan’s favorite memory was defeating the top-ranked Seminoles 27-24. “Absolutely the happiest time in my Hurricane history,’’ said the linebacker who won the Bednarik and Butkus Awards and Nagurski Trophy in 2000.

And Wayne’s most cherished memory, besides breaking the UM record for career receptions (173), which still stands: “Making a pledge after our 5-6 freshmen year that we wouldn’t cut our hair until we made a bowl game – me, Santana, Darryl Jones, Ed Reed, Delvin Brown… We beat N.C. State in the Micron PC Bowl

in 1998, and I went back to my old look. The dreads and stuff were never me.

“The years do go by fast,’’ Wayne said. “But I’ll always be a Hurricane.’’

Click here to order Reggie Wayne’s or Santana Moss’s or Dan Morgan’s proCane Rookie Card.



(miamiherald.com)

The 43rd Annual UM Sports Hall of Fame banquet is next Thursday, March 24th at Jungle Island...headlined by Dan Morgan, Santana Moss and Reggie Wayne!

Tickets are $85 each and can be ordered by calling 305-284-2775...reception starts at 6 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m.   Other inductees include baseball's Bobby Hill, NCAA track champion Yolanda McCray, Olympic diver Daphne Jongejans-Bousquet, NCAA champion diver Tyce Routson and former women's tennis coach Ian Duvenhage.

The 19th Annual UM Sports Hall of Fame Golf Tournament is Friday, March 25th at Miccosukee Golf and Country Club...go to UMSportsHallofFame.com for details.

Click here to order Reggie Wayne’s or Dan Morgan’s or Santana Moss’ proCane Rookie Card.

With a contract set to expire after the 2011 season, we hear that All-Pro WR Reggie Wayne could be playing his final season in a Colts uniform. Wayne, 32, is coming off a terrific '10 campaign, but he has been adamant about wanting a long-term deal — not something the Colts generally do with players in their 30's. Don't rule out the possibility of the Colts drafting a wide receiver in April, with Wayne serving as a mentor next season.

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(profootballweekly.com)

Reggie Wayne, WR. Fantasy owners love to complain about Wayne, but before you do, check the stats. He ranked second in the NFL with 111 receptions (a career high) and third in receiving yards (1,355). Yes, it would be nice to see him score more than six TDs like he did last year, but he's just one season removed from getting in the box 10 times. Wayne has a tendency to be a boom-or-bust player, but he ranked tied for 11th in our WR per-game consistency rankings through Week 16 last season, which isn't bad at all. At 32, Wayne isn't a young pup, but, like Manning, he's showing no signs of slowing down, and he figures to have at least a couple more good seasons in him. He's a solid WR1 in all formats.

Click here to order Reggie Wayne’s proCane Rookie Card.



(sportingnews.com)

It feels weird on this potentially depressing day in NFL history to write about anything but the labor mess.

But there’s only so many “They’ve arrived!” posts we can write, and Florio won’t hand out the daily food ration until I meet my post quota, so the show must go on.

There is some doubt in Indianapolis that the show won’t go on for Reggie Wayne past 2011.  (How’s that for a segue?)  In a mailbag for the Indianapolis Star, Mike Chappell said the following about Wayne’s contract situation.

“Reggie is entering the final year of his contract and turns 33 in November,” Chappell writes.   “I’m not certain if the Colts will be very interested in giving him a long-term contract after 2011, and I seriously doubt Reggie would be interested in some short-term deal. He’ll need to maximize what will be his final contract.”

Wayne will be a tricky player for the Colts to address.  Bill Polian isn’t a fan of overpaying for past production, and there’s no doubt Wayne lacks the deep speed that he used to have.  (Wayne’s yards-per-catch was a career low in 2010.)  Then again, Polian is a fan of keeping Peyton Manning happy.

In the end, we agree with Chappell: Wayne is unlikely to get the big long-term deal he wants with the Colts.

Click here to order Reggie Wayne’s proCane Rookie Card.



(profootballtalk.com)

INDIANAPOLIS – He is proud to be in Honolulu, Hawaii this week.

Part of that is because Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne worked to get there, and part of it is because he waited – five years before he made his first Pro Bowl.

But Wayne, who has followed his five years waiting and working toward one of the NFL's most prestigious post-season honors with five consecutive Pro Bowl appearances – the longest streak among active NFL wide receivers – said he's more proud of something else.
Pro Bowl honors? One-hundred reception seasons?

The admiration of peers?

All of that's nice, Wayne said recently, and without question it matters, but he said what matters to him most isn't as much the honors as what it took to attain them.

Which is why when Wayne was asked recently what mattered most – five Pro Bowls or having played in 150 regular-season consecutive games – the answer came quickly.

He said it also came easily.

“Game streak – without a doubt,” Wayne said recently late in the 2010 NFL season, a season in which the Colts won a seventh AFC South title in eight seasons and a season on which Colts.com will continue looking back in the coming weeks.

Wayne said the reason is simple.

The honors are the result, and the reward. But the game streak?

To Wayne, that not only defines what he is about, it is the foundation on which accolades, performance – a career – are built.

“My whole thing with me is consistency,” Wayne said. “Yes, there have been consistent Pro Bowls the last five years – and 1,000 yards the last whatever years. But that's all individual stuff. That can get done.

“What's hard to do is to be accountable every week. That is not easy to do.”

Easy or not, Wayne has done it – not only the last five years, but practically since joining the Colts a decade ago.

Wayne, a first-round selection by the Colts in the 2001 NFL Draft from the University of Miami, missed three games as a rookie with a high-ankle sprain, but hasn't missed a game since. He said late this past season he spent that season trying to adjust to the Colts, trying to figure just how to make it in the NFL.

He said he spent a lot of time that season, and in subsequent seasons, watching eight-time Pro Bowl selection Marvin Harrison, and what he said he learned was how to work – not just occasionally, and not just for extended stretches, but every day and every play.

“I looked at it and thought, 'This is a future Hall of Famer – for him to do what he's doing on a consistent basis, he has to be doing something right,'' Wayne said. “I had to put all that Miami stuff on the backburner, and I had to do it the way he did it. Not only in the way he carried himself, but also the way he practiced.”

Somewhere along the line, he not only practiced and carried himself like Harrison, he started producing like him, too.

Wayne, after catching 27 passes for 345 yards and no touchdowns as a rookie, improved statistically each of the next six seasons, catching 49 passes for 716 yards and four touchdowns in 2002 and 68 passes for 838 yards and seven touchdowns in 2003. He surpassed 1,000 yards for the first time the following season, catching 77 passes for 1,210 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2004, then caught 83 passes for 1,055 yards and five touchdowns in 2005.

The following season, he made the Pro Bowl for the first time after catching 86 passes for 1,310 yards and nine touchdowns, then led the AFC in receiving yards with his first 100-reception season in 2007, finishing with 104 receptions for 1,510 yards and 10 touchdowns.

He caught 82 passes for 1,145 yards and six touchdowns the following season, then followed a 100-reception, 1,264-yard, 10-touchdown season in 2009 by catching a career-high 111 passes for 1,355 yards and six touchdowns.

He became the seventh player in NFL history with three seasons of 100 or more receptions this past season, and the 11th player with 100 or more receptions in back-to-back seasons.

As he has done on several occasions throughout his career, Wayne produced this past season amid multiple injuries to players around him in the offense, a list that included three front-line skill players placed on injured reserve: tight end Dallas Clark and wide receivers Austin Collie and Anthony Gonzalez.

“I go into it the same no matter what,” Wayne said. “(Colts Head) Coach (Jim) Caldwell does a great job of reminding us as a team, 'You don't have to do anything special. Just stay with your signature move, whatever that move is – and just do it a little better.' As soon as you start saying, 'Man, (tight end) Dallas (Clark) is out. Man, (wide receiver Austin) Collie is out. I have to do this or that,' that's when you lose focus on what your best move is.

“I just play with the same intensity, but the main thing is, 'Don't take it down a notch. If anything, take it up even more.' Nothing changes with me on that aspect. I keep it all the same. I just go out there and whenever my number's called, I do whatever I can do to keep the chains moving and keep the crowd cheering.”

And the way to do that, Wayne said, hasn't changed – even after 10 NFL seasons, and even after five Pro Bowl appearances.

“I feel like whenever Sunday came or whenever game day is, I'm answering the bell,” Wayne said. “Sometimes, freak things happen for guys – knees, shoulders, whatever the case. There's nothing you can do about it. But we're all going to have nicks and bruises. You have to learn how to play with those, play through them. I take pride in being there every week.

“And this is how I look at it: if you're there every week, you have a better chance to make the Pro Bowl, a better chance to get to 1,000 yards. I feel like everything joins being there every week. I look at being there, playing every week, as the nucleus.”

(colts.com)

A year ago Colts quarterback Peyton Manning and receiver Reggie Wayne were preparing for the Super Bowl, but this year they have to settle for the Pro Bowl. And Wayne said the Colts’ struggles in 2010 helped him understand that Manning (who had a career-high 4,700 passing yards but also his most interceptions and lowest passer rating since 2002) isn’t perfect.

Asked today by Jay Glazer on NFL Network how he responded to Manning faced while throwing 11 interceptions during a three-game losing streak, Wayne said that was a stunning part of the season for him.

“It was a shock,” Wayne said. “The main thing we realized, he’s not immortal. He’s real. He’s not a machine. It goes to show you this game is so competitive, even the guys on top can hit a wall somewhere. As a team we just stuck behind him, kept pushing, told him, ‘Keep throwing,’ and hope he throw it to us. And it was good, everybody stuck together and we found a way out of that rut.”

At least, the Colts found a way out of that rut until they met the Jets in the playoffs, and the Colts lost while Wayne caught one pass for one yard.

“My number wasn’t called the way I wanted, but that’s the way it goes,” Wayne said of that loss to the Jets. “I was a little upset, basically, because we took an L — we lost — and you feel like you didn’t get your number called enough to help the team move on. It’s playoff time. You want to win, you don’t want to go home. It was tough for me — that was the first time I had been in that situation. But it is what it is. I’ve just got to keep playing ball, I guess.”

Wayne stressed that he’s excited about continuing to play ball, and that at age 32, he hopes to have many more years of playing with Manning. Even if the 2010 season didn’t go quite the way he wanted.

Click here to order Reggie Wayne’s proCane Rookie Card.



(profootballtalk.com)

It's not unusual for a Pro Bowl quarterback or running back to thank his offensive line by taking its members to the annual AFC-NFC all-star game, which will be played Sunday in Honolulu.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne kept his invitations closer to home.

"Shout out to my big brother Reggie Wayne," Colts wide receiver Pierre Garcon announced Thursday via Twitter, "for taking all of the WRs to Hawaii with him."

Wayne will be making his fifth Pro Bowl appearance. That leaves him three shy of former teammate Marvin Harrison and one short of former Colts wide receiver Raymond Berry, a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Click here to order Reggie Wayne’s proCane Rookie Card.



(indystar.com)

OFFENSE
Quarterback-Tom Brady, New England.
Running Backs-Jamaal Charles, Kansas City; Arian Foster, Houston.
Fullback-Vonta Leach, Houston.
Tight End-Jason Witten, Dallas.
Wide Receivers-Roddy White, Atlanta; Reggie Wayne, Indianapolis.
Tackles-Jake Long, Miami; Joe Thomas, Cleveland.
Guards-Logan Mankins, New England; Jahri Evans, New Orleans.
Center-Nick Mangold, New York Jets.
Kicker-Billy Cundiff, Baltimore.
Kick Returner-Devin Hester, Chicago.
---
DEFENSE
Ends-Julius Peppers, Chicago; John Abraham, Atlanta.
Tackles-Haloti Ngata, Baltimore; Ndamukong Suh, Detroit.
Outside Linebackers-Clay Matthews, Green Bay; James Harrison, Pittsburgh.
Inside Linebacker-Patrick Willis, San Francisco; Jerod Mayo, New England.
Cornerbacks-Nnamdi Asomugha, Oakland; Darrelle Revis, New York Jets.
Safeties-Troy Polamalu, Pittsburgh; Ed Reed, Baltimore.
Punter-Shane Lechler, Oakland.
---
SECOND TEAM
OFFENSE
Quarterback-Vacant.
Running Backs-Michael Turner, Atlanta; Adrian Peterson, Minnesota.
Fullback-Ovie Mughelli, Atlanta.
Tight End-Antonio Gates, San Diego.
Wide Receivers-Brandon Lloyd, Denver; Calvin Johnson, Detroit, and Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City (tie).
Tackles-Jason Peters, Philadelphia; Sebastian Vollmer, New England.
Guards-Chris Snee, New York Giants; Carl Nicks, New Orleans.
Center-Maurkice Pouncey, Pittsburgh.
Kicker-David Akers, Philadelphia.
Kick Returner-Leon Washington, Seattle.
---
DEFENSE
Ends-Osi Umenyiora, New York Giants; Justin Tuck, New York Giants.
Tackles-Vince Wilfork, New England; Kyle Williams, Buffalo.
Outside Linebackers-Cameron Wake, Miami; DeMarcus Ware, Dallas.
Inside Linebackers-Brian Urlacher, Chicago; Ray Lewis, Baltimore.
Cornerbacks-Devin McCourty, New England; Charles Woodson, Green Bay.
Safeties-Nick Collins, Green Bay; and Antrel Rolle, New York Giants, Eric Weddle, San Diego, Malcolm Jenkins, New Orleans, Quintin Mikell, Philadelphia, Chris Harris, Chicago, Michael Huff, Oakland, Michael Griffin, Tennessee, and Darren Sharper, New Orleans (tie).
Punter-Mat McBriar, Dallas.



(miamiherald.com)

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne was named to the Pro Bowl Weekly/Professional Football Writers of America All-NFL Team. This marks the second-straight season and third time in his 10-year career Wayne has been named to the list.

Once again, Wayne emerged as the top target for Peyton Manning and the passing game in 2010. Despite finding the end zone just six times, Wayne caught 111 passes for 1,355 yards–both career highs. His 111 receptions ranked second to Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Roddy White (115).

Wayne displayed some impressive performances for the Colts this season–including one game with 15 receptions for 196 yards and another with 14 receptions for 200 yards. 2010 also marked the seventh-straight season Wayne crossed the 1,000-yard mark–so it’s no surprise he made the list again this year.

Click here to order Reggie Wayne’s proCane Rookie Card.



(coltschronicle.com)

6 proCanes made early exits out of the NFL playoffs after he wildcard round this weekend.

Reggie Wayne (Colts), Javarris James (Colts), Jon Vilma (Saints), Jimmy Graham (Saints), Jeremy Shockey (Saints), Antonio Dixon (Eagles) all lost their respective games and will start their offseason.

Below are the remaining proCanes in the NFL playoffs.

AFC: Ed Reed (Ravens), Ray Lewis (Ravens), Tavares Gooden (Ravens), Willis McGahee (Ravens), Brandon Meriweather (Patriots), Vince Wilfork (Patriots).

NFC: Kelly Jennings (Seahawks), Spencer Adkins (Falcons), Devin Hester (Bears), Greg Olsen (Bears), Sam Shields (Packers).

Indianapolis receiver Reggie Wayne was fuming after the Colts' playoff loss to the Jets on Saturday night. One of the league’s most prolific receivers matched up with Darrelle Revis and caught one, 1-yard pass. That was the lone time Peyton Manning targeted Wayne.

"It's bull. It's bull, man," said Wayne, per Mike Chappell. "I give everything I've got no matter what. Every day, I give it everything. And . . . one ball, that's all..."

"I shouldn't have even suited up. I should have watched the game like everybody else. I was irrelevant."

You’d want to be upset over his role and the result. You’d like for Manning to have looked to him more. You’d like for offensive coordinator Clyde Christensen to have designed more things to get him looks. And, of course, Wayne is free to do better work against Revis, which prompts Manning to throw to him.

Said Colts coach Jim Caldwell on Sunday: “Reggie was expressing some disappointment obviously in not getting it more. But just in terms of how we do what we normally do, week-in and week-out, plays are called that we think are going to give us an opportunity to convert and gain yardage, and all our quarterback does is read through his progressions and does his normal thing. It’s just one of those games.”

Last year we went into the Colts' offseason wondering about Wayne’s role in Tracy Porter’s crucial pick-6 that sealed the Saints’ Super Bowl win. Manning shouldn’t have made that throw, but Wayne didn’t seem to run a crisp route or put up much resistance as Porter jumped it.

This year we go into the Colts’ offseason wondering if Wayne, who made a play for a contract extension last season but is signed through 2012, will carry a bad feeling about the end of the season, and if it will play a role in another contract protest.

Click here to order Reggie Wayne’s proCane Rookie Card.



(espn.com)

Indianapolis Colts star wide receiver Reggie Wayne returned to practice on a limited basis today after not practicing Wednesday due to a knee injury.

Wayne was limited as well as defensive tackle Antonio Johnson (chest).

Click here to order Reggie Wayne’s proCane Rookie Card.



(nationalfootballpost.com)

17 proCanes will participate in the 2010 NFL playoffs. 8 from the AFC and 9 from the NFC. Below is a list of the players.

AFC: Reggie Wayne (Colts), Javarris James (Colts), Ed Reed (Ravens), Ray Lewis (Ravens), Tavares Gooden (Ravens), Willis McGahee (Ravens), Brandon Meriweather (Patriots), Vince Wilfork (Patriots).

NFC: Kelly Jennings (Seahawks), Jon Vilma (Saints), Jimmy Graham (Saints), Jeremy Shockey (Saints), Antonio Dixon (Eagles), Spencer Adkins (Falcons), Devin Hester (Bears), Greg Olsen (Bears), Sam Shields (Packers).