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Colts 2009 Schedule
Colts survive 49ers 18-14, win 16th straight The Indianapolis Colts won their 16th straight regular-season game, the equivalent of an undefeated season, and Jim Caldwell became the first rookie coach since the NFL merger to open his career with seven consecutive wins thanks to Sunday's 18-14 victory over San Francisco . Joseph Addai threw his first NFL touchdown pass and Reggie Wayne caught a career-high 12 passes for 147 yards for Indianapolis (7-0). San Francisco (3-4) lost its third in a row despite a solid performance from Alex Smith, who made his first start in nearly two years. Smith was 19 of 32 for 198 yards with one TD and one interception. Three-time MVP Peyton Manning wasn't nearly as efficient as he has been most of the season, yet finished 31 of 48 for 347 yards.
October 15, 2009 Colts Sign Matt Stover At Kicker Position while Vinatieri Undergoes Surgery The Indianapolis Colts have signed kicker Matt Stover in place of Adam Vinatieri after their star kicker underwent surgery to repair pain felt in his knee over the last several games. 41 year old Stover has played in Baltimore for the last 13 season and is also the NFL's 5th all-time leading scorer with 372 consecutive extra points. Adam Vinatieri had been playing well, including 4 extra points and a 23 yard field goal on Sunday against the Tennessee Titans; however the pain was becoming unmanageable which lead to the corrective operation.
October 13, 2009 Colts release defensive end Ed Johnson again
DT originally released in '08 after arrest cut 2nd time for unknown reasons
By Phillip B. Wilson The Indianapolis Colts waived starting defensive tackle Ed Johnson for unknown reasons Tuesday in a roster move that will deprive an improving defense of arguably its best run-stuffing lineman. The team declined comment, but Johnson's name appeared on the league waiver wire. A team spokesman said any comment on roster moves would be made today. It's the latest in a series of setbacks for the talented-but-troubled Johnson. The third-year pro had been given a second chance this season after a 2008 release, prompted by an arrest for marijuana possession and speeding. The team cut him after one regular-season game last year. After no other NFL team gave him a look, the Colts re-signed him in the offseason. He missed the season opener, a one-game suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy, punishment for last year's arrest. Johnson entered the league undrafted after a checkered college career at Penn State, where he had three incidents. The release likely means the end of his career and is a major blow for an unbeaten team playing its best defense. The Colts had allowed just 163 yards rushing in the past three games, the second-lowest yield over such a span in franchise history.
October 12, 2009
The Minnesota Vikings,
Denver Broncos The Indianapolis Colts (5-0) had no challenge Sunday against the Tennessee Titans (0-5) and beat them easily. The Colts defense did not give up a touchdown and limited the Titans to three first half field goals. They held Titan's quarterback Kerry Collins to 164 yards on 19/32 attempts (59%) and had an interception. They kept the Titans under 100 yards rushing and gave Peyton Manning plenty of time to do his thing. Manning threw three touchdowns, going for 309 yards on 36/44 (82%) and throwing one pick. Manning has now thrown for at least 300 yards in every game this season. The Colts still couldn't get much going on the ground, with Joseph Addai only getting 27 yards on 14 carries (1.9 avg), but they didn't need it. The Colts are on another level than the Titans and it was obvious in this game. This was the Titans worst game offensively of the year, only getting a total of 245 yards. Vince Young got some garbage time in the 4th quarter, but showed nothing. Stopping the run was about the only thing the Titans did well. The Colts definitely need their running game to improve, as Peyton Manning can't do everything himself against the good teams in this league. The Colts are 5-0, sit atop the A.F.C. South, have the fourth-ranked offense in the league, and the eighth-ranked defense. When we dig a little deeper, we find that the Colts have the No. 1 passing attack in the NFL, and are 29th running the ball. The rushing offense is already an improvement over last year, when they were ranked 31st in the league. On defense, the Colts are eighth against the pass and 15th against the run. Another incredible stat is the Colts defense is tied for second in points allowed per game. So far, on average, they are only giving up 14.2 pts./game. Another important stat is the number of third downs the defense is allowing opposing teams to convert. The Colts are currently ranked eighth in this category.
The Colts have a bye coming up this weekend.
October 07, 2009 Sanders practices yet his return is uncertain Bob Sanders has returned to practice for the first time since undergoing offseason surgery on his right knee, but it's still uncertain when the Indianapolis Colts veteran safety will be ready for a game. Coach Jim Caldwell said Sanders participated in the team's light workout Monday, has steadily "ramped up'' his rehabilitation regimen and anticipates Sanders practicing in a limited capacity this afternoon. The NFL's 2007 Defensive Player of the Year has been inactive for the first four games of the season. Asked if there was a chance Sanders could be available for Sunday night's game in Nashville against the Tennessee Titans, Caldwell replied, "At this point, I would not be able to tell you that in earnest.'' However, starting middle linebacker Gary Brackett is expected to play after missing the past two games with a knee injury. "He's back practicing and we feel good about where he is,'' Caldwell said of the team's defensive captain.
Colts release LB Jordan Senn, re-sign RB Chad Simpson The Indianapolis Colts have released LB Jordan Senn and re-signed RB Chad Simpson, Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post is reporting. Senn, 2008 rookie free-agent signee who was released shortly before the season, re-signed with the Colts two weeks ago and and has played extensively at nickel linebacker each of the past two games. Simpson returned kicks for the Colts the first three weeks of the season and was released shortly before the Colts' victory over Seattle this past Sunday. He missed practice last week with an abdomen injury. This move could mean MLB Gary Brackett is ready to return from the knee injury that kept him out the last two weeks. Brackett is a superior defender in coverage, the role Senn played the last two weeks. Simpson was released last week to make room for Mike Hart, but with Brackett returning, it seems likely Simpson will return to his role as kickoff returner, a role played by T.J. Rushing last week.
October 04, 2009 Manning ties Tarkenton with 342 career TD passes Peyton Manning threw two touchdown passes in the first half Sunday, tying Fran Tarkenton for third on the NFL's career list with 342. The three-time MVP tied Tarkenton's mark with an audible and a nifty throw to rookie Austin Collie for a 21-yard score with 3 seconds left in the first half. That gave Indy a 21-3 lead. Manning also threw a 5-yard TD pass to Reggie Wayne late in the second quarter. It was Wayne's 55th career TD catch from Manning, who joined Dan Marino as the only quarterbacks in league history to throw 55 TDs to two different receivers. Brett Favre, with 469 TDs, and Marino, with 420, are the only players ahead of Manning and Tarkenton. The Colts won their 13th straight regular-season game, the longest current streak in the NFL, and also won their eighth straight at home dating to last season. Indy's defense limited Seattle to just 49 yards rushing, Seneca Wallace was 33 of 45 for 257 yards, lost a fumble and was sacked five times, including once by Dwight Freeney who played after reports earlier this week indicated he would miss two to three weeks. October 01, 2009 NFL names Manning AFC player of month Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning has been named AFC Offensive Player of the Month for September, the NFL announced on today. Manning led the Colts to a 3-0 start by completing 66-of-96 passes (68.8 percent) for 983 yards and 7 TDs with two interceptions for a 117.7 passer rating. His rating, yardage and touchdown totals rank second in the NFL and he has thrown for more than 300 yards in all three games. The player of the month honor was the fourth of Manning's career.
September 30, 2009
September 29, 2009 Freeney likely out two games Doctors are expecting Indianapolis Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney to miss two to three weeks with a strained quadriceps, a league source said Tuesday morning. It should be pointed out that in the past; Freeney has been a notoriously quick healer. But if doctors are correct, Freeney would miss the Colts' next two games against Seattle and at Tennessee before Indianapolis hits its bye week on Oct. 18. Under that schedule, Freeney could return for the Colts' game Oct. 25 at St. Louis. Freeney was apparently injured Sunday night, when Cardinals offensive tackle Levi Brown pulled the Indianapolis defensive end's face mask and Freeney heard a pop in his quad. He underwent an MRI exam on Monday and the Colts received the results Monday night.
September 28, 2009 Peyton Manning and The Indianapolis Colts carve up Arizona Cardinals as Colts win it 31-10 On the field where little brother Eli led the New York Giants to a Super Bowl triumph two seasons ago, Peyton Manning(notes) threw four touchdown passes in his first game there, three in the second quarter, to power the Indianapolis Colts past Kurt Warner(notes) and the turnover-plagued Arizona Cardinals 31-10. Manning completed 24 of 35 for 379 yards with one interception. "He knew what plays to call at the right time," Arizona defensive tackle Darnell Dockett(notes) said, "and we couldn't stop them." With Manning throwing strikes and the defense coming up with four sacks and three takeaways, including two inside the 10-yard line, the Colts (3-0) dominated the 2008 Super Bowl runners-up. The Colts also bulled into a position of early prominence in the AFC South. They lead Jacksonville and Houston by two games and defending champion Tennessee by three. To compare the Cardinals to a good high school football team would be insulting to high school football teams across the country. In the Cardinals 31-10 loss to the Indianapolis Colts, the Cards gave up more than 500 yards of total offense and played four agonizing quarters of stupid football. By game's end, the home crowd was booing Warner and the high-powered offense of the Cardinals.
Colts await MRI on DE Freeney Dwight Freeney spent the first three quarters Sunday night in the Arizona Cardinals backfield. He was relegated to watching the final 15 minutes from the Colts locker room. The Colts are hoping Freeney won't be a spectator this Sunday after hurting his right quadriceps in Indianapolis' 31-10 victory over the Cardinals. Team officials were trying to get answers Monday about the severity of the injury and how much time, if any, the Colts' top pass-rusher might miss. After the game, Freeney said he "felt something pop" in his leg. Caldwell confirmed that the Colts' career sacks leader had an MRI on Monday, though the results weren't expected back until later in the day when players and coaches were not available to reporters Miami Dolphins quarterback Chad Pennington didn't have enough time and Peyton Manning only needed a little. As Manning spent most of the night on the sideline and just enough time reaching the end zone. The Indianapolis Colts had the ball for less than 15 minutes, but Manning made the most of his chances, helping his team come from behind four times to beat the Miami Dolphins 27-23 Monday night. Manning threw touchdown passes of 80 yards to Dallas Clark and 48 yards to Pierre Garcon . The first came score on the first play from scrimmage, the latter with 3:18 left for the game's final points.
Manning's first pass was his
longest completion since 2005 in Week 12 Colts vs. Pittsburgh Steelers. The Colts had the ball for only 14:53, the lowest time of possession for a winning team in the NFL since 1977. They ran 35 plays to 84 for the Dolphins. ''It's really disheartening,'' Miami coach Tony Sparano said. Friday, September 25 Colts LB Gary Brackett, CB Kelvin Hayden miss practice third consecutive day The Indianapolis Colts' injury situation continued developing Friday afternoon, with MLB Gary Brackett (knee) and CB Kelvin Hayden (hamstring) missing a third consecutive practice. WLB Clint Session practiced for a second consecutive day, meaning that while Brackett and Hayden appear unlikely to play when the Colts visit the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium Sunday night, Session may have made enough progress from an ankle injury sustained in Miami Monday to play. "Gary's still being worked on constantly," Colts Head Coach Jim Caldwell said Friday, adding that Brackett's injury could be best described as a strain. "He's getting better. It's kind of a day-to-day thing." Caldwell added that Session has made "some progress." "He did some limited things (Thursday), so we feel good about that," Caldwell said. The Colts released their official injury report Friday afternoon, with RB Joseph Addai (not injury-related/rested), Brackett, WR Anthony Gonzalez (knee), Hayden, CB Marlin Jackson (not injury-related/rested) and S Bob Sanders (knee) listed as not practicing. Participating fully were DE Dwight Freeney (back) and Session. Brackett, Hayden, Freeney and Session are listed as questionable and Sanders and Gonzalez have been ruled out. If Brackett can't play, four-year veteran Freddy Keiaho likely will start at MLB. Caldwell said he likely will call signals and have the in-helmet radio communication with the sidelines. If Session is unavailable, second-year veteran Philip Wheeler likely will start. Of Keiaho, Caldwell said, "He's a guy who can play a lot of positions and play them well. That's the great thing about him." Keiaho started at weak-side linebacker the past two seasons while Wheeler was beaten out for the strong-side linebacker job by four-year veteran Tyjuan Hagler in camp. Caldwell said Hayden "is still nursing" his hamstring injury, but added "he's at a stage right now where he's better I think than expected." With Hayden perhaps out, rookie CB Jerraud Powers and four-year veteran Tim Jennings could start at corner. Jennings started there last week with Powers out with a groin injury. Powers practiced all week this week. Jackson doubled his snaps from the opener against Miami Monday, and it appears likely he will remain in the nickelback role he has played while returning from a knee injury sustained last season. "We're just kind of moving him along at a comfortable pace," Caldwell said.
Colts sign linebacker Jordan Senn The Indianapolis Colts have signed linebacker Jordan Senn after defensive captain Gary Brackett was injured late in Monday night's game at Miami. Brackett went down in the final minute of Indy's 27-23 victory, clutching his left leg. Coach Jim Caldwell has provided no details on the injury but said Wednesday that Brackett was day-to-day. Senn played in 15 games with the Colts last season. He was released two weeks ago when Indy signed safety Aaron Francisco. If Brackett cannot play Sunday night at Arizona, the Colts may use former starter Freddy Keiaho at middle linebacker.
The first victory of Jim Caldwell’s era as Indianapolis Colts head coach didn’t come with the panache of a Peyton Manning pass or the wizardry of a Reggie Wayne catch on Sunday. It came with Dwight Freeney tripping up Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback David Garrard time and time again in the backfield. It came with the linebackers swarming to the ball. It came with the secondary deflecting almost every meaningful pass. The Colts’ revamped defense wasn’t perfect in a 14-12 victory at Lucas Oil Stadium, but it was improved. It kind of got overlooked in a busy Week 1, but Peyton Manning tying Johnny Unitas’s franchise record of 118 wins is pretty special when you consider that Manning did it in the opener of his 12th season, while Unitas spent 17 years with the horseshoe on the side of his helmet. Has one franchise ever been blessed with two quarterbacks as good as Unitas and Manning?
The Indianapolis Colts visit LandShark Stadium to take on the Miami Dolphins on ESPN's Monday Night Football to conclude Week 2 NFL action.
Bob Sanders Sep.05, 2009 Indianapolis Colts S Bob Sanders will begin the 2009 season on the active roster. Sanders, the 2007 Associated Press NFL Defensive Player of the year, spent training camp and preseason on the Physically Unable to Perform list. But when the Colts released their 22 moves to the NFL's 53-man roster limit on Saturday, Sanders was not on the list, meaning he is on the active roster. The Colts have not yet set a timetable for Sanders to return to the lineup. Sanders missed 10 games last season with a knee injury and missed 12 games with a knee injury in 2007, but made the Pro Bowl following the 2005 and 2007 seasons. Sanders is eligible for next Sunday's regular-season opener against Jacksonville, but it's highly doubtful he's far enough along in his rehabilitation to play. The Indianapolis Colts waived rookie defensive tackle Terrance Taylor and running back Mike Hart onSaturday. Taylor was a fourth-round pick in April. Hart, Michigan's career rushing leader, was a sixth-round pick in 2008. Of the 22 players released in the cutdown, seven were drafted since 2006. Offensive linemen Jaimie Thomas and Steve Justice, who started games last season as rookies, were both released. Other former draft picks released were defensive end Marcus Howard, cornerback Dante Hughes and offensive lineman Michael Toudouze. Defensive tackle Ed Johnson has been suspended for the season opener and does not count against the current 53-player roster. The Colts waived the following players.
Indianapolis also waived the following injured players.
DB-Nick Graham
August 17, 2009 Colts' defensive tackle Brock fractures hand, out 3 weeks
By Mike Chappell Indianapolis Colts defensive end Raheem Brock will miss at least three weeks after fracturing his left hand Friday's preseason opener against Minnesota. "I'll be out until the season opener," he said after watching this morning's practice at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. The Colts open the regular season Sept. 13 against Jacksonville in Lucas Oil Stadium. Coach Jim Caldwell said Brock's injury will require surgery. Brock's injury is the latest to hit the Colts' defense. End Robert Mathis did not practice this morning after suffering a bruised thigh against the Vikings. Safety Antoine Bethea has yet to return to practice since suffering a broken bone in his right hand during drills last week. Also, safety Bob Sanders remains on the physically unable to perform list after undergoing surgery on his right knee during the offseason. Roster moves The Colts signed rookie defensive tackle John Gill and waived offensive tackle Brandon Barnes.
August 13, 2009 Colts rule 11 players out of preseason opener The Indianapolis Colts have ruled 11 players out of Friday night's preseason opener against Minnesota, including five starters. Pro Bowl safety Antoine Bethea, cornerback Kelvin Hayden, right tackle Ryan Diem, tight end Dallas Clark and wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez are all on the list. Bethea is out with a cracked bone in his right hand. Clark has a slight concussion. Hayden has been resting a hamstring injury and Diem has been out with a back injury. Gonzalez is a new addition to the injury list. Coach Jim Caldwell blamed a strained hamstring. Bob Sanders, the NFL's 2007 defensive player of the year, remains on the physically unable to perform list.
August 7, 2009 Howard Mudd reveals retirement plans
By Mike Chappell Howard Mudd announced his retirement this morning. And this time the long-time Indianapolis Colts assistant won't be coming back. Mudd, 67, said the upcoming season, his 12th as the Colts' offensive line coach and 36th in the NFL, will be his last. He retired in May because of concerns with the league's pension program, but was rehired as the team's senior offensive line coach. "This is my last trip around the world or my last roundup, whatever that is,'' Mudd said after this morning's training camp practice at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. He recalled a heart-to-heart talk he had with his wife, Shirley, during the summer at their home in Seattle after he agreed to return to the team for one more season. "I told her,'' Mudd said. "I framed her face (in his hands) and said, 'Shirley, this is it.''' Offensive coordinator Tom Moore also returned to the team after retiring under the same circumstances. He's not following Mudd's roadmap. "I'll coach as long as someone will hire me,'' said Moore, 70. Like Mudd, Moore has been with the Colts since 1998. This season marks his 33rd in the NFL as an assistant coach.
August 6, 2009 Raheem Brock deals with death of half sister Family tragedy prompted him to curtail offseason training
By Mike Chappell As much as Raheem Brock tries to keep his mind focused on the monotony of training camp, it often drifts to Shiane Dixon. "I think about her all the time," the Indianapolis Colts veteran defensive lineman said, his gaze off in the distance. Dixon was one of Brock's biggest fans, frequently attending Colts games. She was his 12-year-old half sister. "We were close," he said. "I've got three daughters, and they hung out together a lot." That ended, though, and Brock's world was rocked June 29. Dixon was killed when she was thrown from a vehicle driven by her mother. Diane Dixon lost control of her SUV on I-95 near Petersburg, Va. When she tried to regain control, it hit a guardrail and flipped four times. Diane Dixon, her 16-year-old son, Hassan, and two other youths were injured in the accident but are recovering. Diane Dixon has been charged with reckless driving and two counts of failure to secure a child; Shiane was not wearing a seat belt. The day before the accident, Brock hosted his family and their friends. They drove to his home in Philadelphia from Boyds, Md. Hassan attended a football camp at Temple University, Brock's alma mater. The next morning, Diane Dixon and the kids piled into the SUV and headed to Disney World in Orlando, Fla. "I got the call and it was terrible," Brock said. "Nothing like it." Football became secondary. He stopped his preparations for training camp. His family needed him. His father, Zachary Dixon, was devastated. "He was falling apart," Brock said. "I tried my hardest to get him on his feet and get him going again." Help came almost every time the telephone rang. "A lot of guys called me up, players and coaches," Brock said. Former Colts coach Tony Dungy was quick to contact Brock. In 2005, Dungy lost his son, James, to suicide. "Coach Dungy talked to my dad and helped him out," Brock said. "I've just taken some advice from Tony on how to deal with it, how to help my dad." Now in camp, Brock receives support from his teammates, although safety Antoine Bethea conceded he's hesitant to pry. "It's hard to know how to bring it up," Bethea said. "When that time comes, when I think he's OK with it, we'll talk." Coach Jim Caldwell said support is critical even if it's simply being there for a grieving teammate or offering a hug. "Sometimes it's tough to say in words," Caldwell said. "All of us have felt that way with Raheem, with him going through this tough situation. Sometimes it's just a call to check on him to see how he's doing. Maybe just an arm around him." At the end of the season, Brock and his father plan to get matching tattoos in memory of their sister and daughter. Additional Facts Brock sets up fund Colts defensive lineman Raheem Brock has set up a scholarship fund at Rocky Hill Middle School in Clarksburg, Md., where Shiane would have been an eighth-grader. Individuals interested in donating can visit Brock's Web site, raheembrock.com.
August 5, 2009
August 2, 2009 Colts agree to terms with RB Brown Top draft pick Donald Brown has agreed to terms with the Indianapolis Colts just before the start of training camp. Team president Bill Polian made the announcement Sunday afternoon, as the team reported to Terre Haute. He did not disclose details of the contract, which is expected to be signed before the Colts open practice Monday. The NFL Netword reported that Brown received a five-year, $12.8 million deal, with $6.8 million guaranteed Brown, a running back from Connecticut, is the last unsigned rookie of the Colts' eight draft picks. Indianapolis announced last week that it had signed all of its other rookies.
August 1, 2009 Colts Come to Terms w/ Second-Round Pick Fili Moala The Indianapolis Colts came to a four-year agreement with second-round choice Fili Moala of Southern Cal, according to a source. His agreement leaves the Colts with two unsigned draft choices - first-round choice Donald Brown and third-rounder Austin Collie. Camp for the Colts opens on Sunday but the team is optimistic it will have every draft choice in camp on time. Moala is a 6-4, 305-pound defensive tackle who is expected to see significant playing time for the Colts' defense this season.
July 29, 2009 Colts shuffle roster, prep for training camp
By Mike Chappell The Indianapolis Colts continued to shuffle their roster in preparation for training camp, agreeing to terms to four draft picks and waiving seven players. Coming to terms are defensive tackle Terrance Taylor, a fourth-round pick out of Michigan; quarterback Curtis Painter, a sixth-round pick out of Purdue; seventh-rounder Pat McAfee, a punter out of West Virginia; and seventh-rounder Jaimie Thomas, a guard out of Maryland. All agreed to four-year contracts. Financial terms were not immediately available. The Colts previously signed cornerback Jerraud Powers, a third-round pick out of Auburn, to a four-year, $2.4 million contract. Still unsigned are running back Donald Brown (first round), defensive tackle Fili Moala (second) and wide receiver Austin Collie (fourth). To make room for the draft picks on the 80-man roster, the team waived defensive backs Brannon Condren, Brandon Foster and Brandon Harrison, quarterback Chris Crane, defensive lineman Pat Kuntz, offensive lineman Cornelius Lewis and linebacker Tyrell Sales. Kuntz was a product of Roncalli H.S. and Notre Dame. The Colts report to Terre Haute Sunday for the start of training camp.
July 28. 2009
Lucas
Oil Stadium sells out
A tax
increase may be the only way Colts Got Milk Indianapolis Colts officials this morning announced they signed a deal to make Fair Oaks Farms Milk the Official Milk of the team. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. "They will be supplying the milk for our players, coaches and staff throughout the year," said Tom Zupancic, Colts senior vice president of sales and marketing. "The Colts and Fair Oaks Farms are like minded Indiana companies that stress quality, health and community. Just like the Colts, Fair Oaks Milk and the Dairy Adventure are truly an experience." "As a real Indiana dairy we understand the commitment, hard work, and dedication that is required to be a winner on and off the field," said Fair Oaks Farms CEO Gary Corbett. Fair Oaks Farms, located about 100 miles north of Indianapolis, is one of the largest family owned dairy farms in the country. They're known for all-natural cheeses, bottled milk, and gourmet ice cream, all made from the milk of the dairy's cows that have received no added hormones or antibiotics. Fair Oaks Farms and the Dairy Adventure offer an up-close dairy farm experience which has attracted more than 1 million visitors since it opened in 2004.
Manning helps Wheaties debut new box Peyton Manning is helping General Mills create a new cereal formula that will "live alongside" the original Wheaties product and is geared toward athletes. The product will be unveiled Sept. 9. Beginning today, Manning and others are featured in a six-part web series on the Wheaties Web site. "As someone who loves Wheaties, it was truly a privilege to be given the opportunity to help develop a new formula that will be enjoyed for generations of champions to come," said Manning, in a news release. "It was a unique experience to work alongside these other great athletes in the development of this product, and we were able to give our insight into what athletes really need to fuel performance." The new product, Wheaties Fuel, is targeted to men.
EARLIER: The Breakfast of Champions is bringing some early morning star power to Conseco Fieldhouse. Wheaties-maker General Mills is holding a press conference at 10:30 a.m. today with Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, Boston Celtics power forward Kevin Garnett, Gold Medal decathalete Bryan Clay, World Champion triathlete Hunter Kemper, and exercise expert Dr. John Ivy of the University of Texas at Austin. We don't know what's on today's agenda, but on the Wheaties Web site Ivy talks about hitting a "home run" by "evolving" the iconic, 85-year-old bowl of wheat flakes and using celebrity athletes like Manning to tell that story. The bio on Manning features a image of him tossing a football and states: "With a brand new season in front of him, you can be sure Peyton will do whatever it takes to win. This includes helping create a cereal designed to help meet his nutritional needs, and yours." In a Webisode, Ivy says: "Peyton Manning, I heard he likes cereal and knows quite a bit about it." In the same video, Manning -- who was on the front of the Wheaties box in 2004 -- says it's been an honor to help the company be part of a makeover. And he shows a classic Wheaties with '84 Olympics gymnast Mary Lou Retton, covered in protective wrap, to Ivy. "Don't touch," Manning jokes to Ivy.
June 9, 2009 Colts Re-Sign Andrus Although the Indianapolis Colts have expressed confidence that Adam Vinatieri will recover in time for the regular season from surgery on his right hip, they are taking precautions just in case the veteran kicker is sidelined for longer than anticipated The Colts have re-signed kicker Shane Andrus. Andrus has prior stints with the Colts during the preseason in 2007 and 2006. However, the 28-year-old former Murray State kicker hasn't kicked during the regular season.
Sunday, June 7, 2009 Gonzalez misses practice with right leg injury Colts receiver Anthony Gonzalez missed the team’s practice Sunday because of an injured right leg. Coach Jim Caldwell didn’t give details about the injury, which occurred during Saturday’s mini-camp practice at Franklin College. Gonzalez stayed on the field after hurting his leg, but spent the rest of practice stretching it out. Caldwell said Gonzalez, who’s expected to replace Marvin Harrison in the Colts’ lineup, could return to the field Tuesday or Wednesday when Indianapolis finishes its scheduled offseason workouts. Gonzalez is yet another addition to Indy’s growing list of injured players. On Sunday, the Colts announced offensive lineman Steve Justice and receiver Sam Giguere are recovering from injuries, too. Justice had back surgery this past week, while Giguere has been out since breaking a bone in his leg during practice last month. The Colts didn’t say which leg Giguere hurt, but he’s expected to be ready for the start of training camp in August. He’s competing with Pierre Garcon, Roy Hall and Austin Collie to be Indy’s No. 3 receiver. Justice is the second Colts player to have surgery this past week, joining kicker Adam Vinatieri, who had his right hip repaired earlier in the week. Justice is expected to return when training camp opens, while Vinatieri is expected to be ready for the start of the regular season. Two other offensive linemen, left tackle Tony Ugoh and guard Ryan Lilja, said they also had offseason surgery. Ugoh had arthroscopic surgery to clean out his right knee and has been practicing. For Lilja, it was the third surgery he’s had for a knee injury that kept him out all of last season. Moore, Mudd to return to Colts on Aug. 1 ESPN.com news services Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay said Saturday night that former coaches Tom Moore and Howard Mudd will begin their roles as team consultants on Aug. 1, according to the Indianapolis Star. While Moore, the former offensive coordinator, and Mudd, the former offensive line coach, won't work under those titles any more, Irsay said they will perform similar duties to those they'd done since 1998. "They're coming back," Irsay said to the Star. "They're coming back as consultants and they're going to be involved big time. Jim Caldwell will determine what that will be." The two retired last month because of concerns with changes to the NFL's pension program. June 6, 2009 Vinatieri undergoes hip surgery Associated Press Indianapolis Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri had surgery on his right hip this week and is expected to be ready for the regular season.
Vinatieri, one of the NFL's great
clutch kickers, was treated by Dr. Marc Phillipon, who operated on
Yankees star Alex Rodriguez. The Colts said Vinatieri had discomfort in his hip for more than a year and the pain had become more bothersome. Team president Bill Polian said Vinatieri was in Vail, Colo., where he had the surgery. Vinatieri made the winning kick in two of New England's Super Bowl victories and made the tying and winning kick against Oakland in a blizzard during the Patriots' first Super Bowl run. Vinatieri has four Super Bowl rings in 13 NFL seasons. In other Colts medical news . . . cornerback Marlin Jackson participated in drills and is ahead of schedule after anterior cruciate ligament surgery in December. Running back Mike Hart also is expected to be ready for the regular season after ACL surgery.
Former Pro Bowl running back Joseph
Addai has missed offseason workouts because of arthroscopic knee surgery. May 20, 2009 Former Packer Winters joins Colts staff
Longtime Packers center Frank
Winters has joined the Indianapolis Colts coaching staff as an
offensive line intern. Moore, Mudd retained as Colts' consultants Retired assistant coaches Tom Moore and Howard Mudd will be returning to the Indianapolis Colts for the 2009 season, but only on a part-time basis, according to a report on cbssports.com. Colts owner Jim Irsay has agreed to bring both Moore and Mudd back as team consultants. "I've talked to them and know they would like to come back and do it and be part of it. They're going year to year [as far as their futures], but they want to be part of it, and I'm for that," Irsay told Clark Judge, the web site's National Football League writer, during a break at the league's spring meetings in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. "If I really felt they didn't want to coach or if I really didn't think they were ready to get after it I wouldn't have done this. But they are. They are passionate about coming back this year." Moore, 70, and Mudd, 67, had announced their retirements last week. They both cited a recent decision by NFL owners that allowed teams to opt out of the league's pension plan as the reasons for their surprise announcements. "This thing [the pension controversy] has thrown them for a loop, but I told them, 'Look, guys, I don't care about 2008 and 2010. This is all about [2009], and we're really focused about getting after this thing. As an owner, you're not going to have a chance like this - I mean, with this group of guys - every year. The gods of fate determine injuries, but going in with the draft we had - with [first-round draft pick] Donald Brown and the [defensive] tackles we got - and with the players we already have, I really like this football team," Irsay told Judge. "I like [first-year head coach] Jim Caldwell, too, and his leadership and what he's bringing. Tony isn't around, because it's Jim's team now, but Tony is around in the sense that his influence and his leadership are with all of us and with the players on the team. So it's about as ideal as you can get." It's been quite an off-season of change for a Colts franchise that has posted six straight 12-win seasons and seven consecutive 10-plus win seasons. "We anticipated losing Tony and [Pro Bowl wide receiver] Marvin [Harrison], but in terms of a transitional year we know the big thing is Tony. You know your head coach, but history says there's always that carry-over aspect when your head coach leaves. With how much we think of Jim Caldwell and how much he's close to Tony and how much he's prepared for this job and how he has Peyton there. We think we'll be OK," Irsay said. "But it's not just Peyton. We have [Dwight] Freeney and [Robert] Mathis and [Bob] Sanders &ldots; Reggie Wayne, Jeff Saturday, Joseph Addai, Anthony Gonzalez, Dallas Clark. We've got a lot of guys on this roster, and we have a lot of leaders, too. Our team is pretty close, but it comes down to: Do you have a quarterback and do you have those eight blue [chip] players? People feel you probably need eight, and I'm talking about Pro Bowlers in their primes who can contribute. If you have greatness at quarterback, you might not need eight, but we have the Mathises, the Freeneys, the Waynes and the Sanders." League rules mandate that a coach who retires isn't allowed to become a consultant for six months from the day his papers were initially filed. That means that Moore and Mudd won't be available until sometime in November. "They're longtime friends," said Irsay. "I told them, 'It's business, but be rational. No one is trying to stick it to you. Don't make it 'us against the world' and the big-bad owners. That's not the case. There is uncertainty, but that's life. I'm not going to let anything happen to you that's unjust.'"
May 15, 2009 Colts name offensive coordinator, O-line coach
By Mike Chappell The Indianapolis Colts have moved quickly to fill the voids created by the retirement of offensive coordinator Tom Moore and offensive line coach Howard Mudd. During a morning interview with 1070-The Fan, team president Bill Polian said Clyde Christensen has taken over the coordinator's duties and Pete Metzelaars assumed full-time offensive line responsibilities. Christensen had held the dual role of receivers coach and assistant head coach while Metzelaars was Mudd's assistant. It's uncertain how the team will replace Christensen, who has been receivers coach since 2002. "The main cogs in terms of operating the program are in place, have been in place and were prepared to do this,'' Polian said. "It's just a transition that we would rather not have made, but we knew full well that it's likely we were going to have to.'' May 15, 2009
Colts' offense takes hit: Offensive coordinator, line coach could possibly return as consultants
By Mike Chappell Two integral components of the Indianapolis Colts offense have officially left the team. But coordinator Tom Moore and line coach Howard Mudd may not be gone for good. Owner Jim Irsay confirmed Thursday afternoon his two longtime assistant coaches have filed their retirement papers. Each chose to retire after more than 30 years in the NFL because of a recent change in the league's pension plan. Neither Moore, 70, nor Mudd, 67, could be reached for comment Thursday. Although Moore and Mudd are no longer part of coach Jim Caldwell's official staff, either or both could possibly return as consultants by the start of training camp, pending pension guidelines. Players report to Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Terre Haute on Aug. 2. The Moore and Mudd departures are part of a massive staff overhaul since the end of the 2008 season: Tony Dungy retired in January after seven seasons as coach and was succeeded by Caldwell. Shortly thereafter, Larry Coyer replaced Ron Meeks as defensive coordinator. Ray Rychleski was named to replace Russ Purnell as special teams coach. Frank Reich assumed Caldwell's duties as quarterbacks coach. "We've made it through a number of transitions in the past and we'll make it through this one," Irsay said. "As an organization, we've always responded well to challenges. "I like the continuity we've been able to maintain combined with the new blood. The new blood has energized us." Additional Facts Coaching turnover In the seven seasons from 2002-08, the Colts had the same faces at head coach, offensive coordinator, defensive coordinator, offensive line coach, special teams coach and quarterbacks coach. In 2009, all will be different. A look:
2002-08 o Head coach: Tony Dungy o Offensive coordinator: Tom Moore o Defensive coordinator: Ron Meeks o Offensive line coach: Howard Mudd o Special teams coach: Russ Purnell o Quarterbacks coach: Jim Caldwell
2009 o Head coach: Jim Caldwell o Offensive coordinator: TBD o Defensive coordinator: Larry Coyer o Offensive line coach: TBD o Special teams coach: Ray Rychleski o Quarterbacks coach: Frank Reich
Note: Dungy, Moore, Mudd, Meeks and Purnell combined for 136 years of NFL coaching experience through last season. This will be the first NFL coaching season for Rychleski, the second for Reich and the 11th for Coyer. It will be Caldwell's ninth year but first as head coach.
Colts cut job of longtime personnel adviser A longtime player personnel official for the Indianapolis Colts has left the team in a front-office restructuring. The team says the jobs held by 71-year-old Dom Anile (AH-neel-ee) and several others in the scouting department have been eliminated Anile was director of football operations for the Colts from 1998 to 2003, then was assistant general manager for scouting in 2004 and 2005. Since then, he had been a consultant for player personnel. Team president Bill Polian has often cited Anile as a key to the team's successful drafts and considers Anile one of his closest friends. It's another major change in an offseason that has already included the retirement of coach Tony Dungy. Colts assistant coaches Mudd and Moore may retire Changes in NFL's retirement benefits package said to be reason The changes seem to just keeping coming for the Indianapolis Colts. According to various media and Internet reports, longtime offensive line Howard Mudd has decided to retire from his coaching position with the team. And veteran offensive coordinator Tom Moore may also decide to hang up his headphones as well. Mudd, who has worked 11 seasons with the Colts and has been a National Football League assistant for 35 years, apparently made his decision after learning of planned changes in the NFL's retirement benefits package. League owners approved a change in the pension program for non-playing personnel in meetings two months ago. ESPN.com writer Chris Mortensen indicated Wednesday that the 67-year old native of Midland, Mich., feels as if he has to take his entire lump-sum pension payment now because if he does not exercise that right at 65 under the revised plan, he will be allowed only to accept annuity payments upon retirement that will be reduced to 50 percent value for his immediate survivors if he dies. Mudd has already maximized his pension because he has surpassed the formula that requires a coach's age and league tenure to equal 75. He has been an NFL assistant for 36 consecutive seasons. A league source told Mortensen that there were several factors that motivated owners to change the pension program, including a loophole that enabled a tenured assistant coach who hit the 75 formula to retire and take a lump sum only to return to a team as a high-paid consultant. While the Colts have yet to make an official announcement concerning Mudd's fate, the executive director of the NFL's Coaches Association said Wednesday that the former San Francisco 49ers offensive guard has already filed the necessary paperwork that preceded a retirement. "Howard gave me his permission to talk about this because he doesn't want to and won't," Larry Kennan told the Indianapolis Star. "He doesn't want to jeopardize what he already believes is a tenuous position. I know [team president] Bill Polian and [Colts owner] Jim Irsay are trying to work things out so he can continue coaching, but right now it doesn't look like it's going to happen." Keenan added that Moore, who is 70 and has been an NFL assistant coach for 32 years, is also contemplating walking away for the same reasons. Should Mudd step away, assistant offensive line coach (and former Wabash College standout) Pete Metzelaars would most likely take over. Metzelaars, who played tight end with several NFL teams, was the Colts' interim offensive line coach for several weeks last season while Mudd was recovering from knee replacement surgery. A replacement for Moore, should he decide to retire, could come from within the current coaching staff with assistant head coach/wide receivers coach Clyde Christensen a possibility. Christensen previously served as the offensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2001. "We have the highest personal affection and professional regard for Howard and it would be inappropriate for us to speculate at this time about any decisions he might eventually reach," Pollian said in a statement that was released by the team on Wednesday.
Colts sign Ed Johnson May 5, 2009 In a surprise move, the Colts have decided to re-sign DT Ed Johnson according to a release from the team today. Johnson (6-2, 296) joins the Colts after starting 16 games in 2007 and one game in 2008 for the club. Johnson, who has 73 career tackles, originally was signed as a free agent by the Colts on May 5, 2007. He had 63 stops, 49 solo, with one sack and one forced fumble in 2007, filling in for injured defensive tackle Booger McFarland. Johnson had 10 tackles against Chicago in the 2008 season opener. He was waived September 11, 2008. "We are giving Ed Johnson another opportunity to play for the Indianapolis Colts. We dismissed Ed last year because he knowingly violated a team rule in the area of personal conduct. We consider every violation of a team rule or NFL policy on an individual case-by-case basis, and we evaluate a possible return to the team on that same basis. Ed understands our team rules and our mandate that players represent themselves as professionals at all times. We feel the lessons Ed has learned will allow him to be what we demand from our players," said Colts Head Coach Jim Caldwell. "I would like to thank the Colts, especially Jim Irsay, for this second privilege to join the team. I apologize to everyone for the situation I created last year. I have learned valuable lessons from my mistake, and I want to re-gain the trust of the organization, my teammates and our fans," said Johnson.
Colts sign 2 undrafted rookies Associated Press - May 4, 2009 The Indianapolis Colts have signed quarterback Chris Crane of Boston College and linebacker Mike Tauiliili (taw-EE'-lee-EE'-lee) of Duke, both undrafted free agents. The Colts also waived linebacker Rufus Alexander and punter Mike Dragosavich. Alexander signed as a free agent with Indianapolis in December off the Minnesota Vikings' practice squad and was inactive in three
April 30, 2009 As expected, Edgerrin James was recently released by the Arizona Cardinals. Nearing 31, James' best days are behind him April 29, 2009 Colts Re-Sign Linebacker Freddy Keiaho The Indianapolis Colts have re-signed linebacker Freddy Keiaho, according to his agent. A starter the past two seasons, Keiaho became an unrestricted free agent in February. Keiaho, 26, was a 2006 third-round draft pick who appeared in 39 games, 25 as a starter, the past three seasons.
April 25, 2009
The Indianapolis Colts Donald Brown, Connecticut, 5-10, 210 Great character player who reminds some scouts of Tiki Barber in size and running style. Started 23 of 37 games at Connecticut, carrying 698 times for 3,800 yards (5.44 avg.) and 33 touchdowns, adding 276 yards and two scores on 48 receptions (5.75 avg.), 210 yards on nine kickoff returns (23.3 avg.) and 4,286 all-purpose yards while scoring 210 points. April 26, 2009 A day after taking UConn running back Donald Brown with the No. 27 overall selection in the draft and trading up to address defensive tackle with Fili Moala of Southern California, the Colts moved throughout the roster, adding depth and addressing need with six second-day draft selections:
Third round, No. 92 overall: Jerraud Powers (5-10, 192), cornerback, Auburn University. Powers' Statistics: A starter his final two seasons at Auburn, he finished his career with six interceptions, playing in 36 games after redshirting as a junior. Powers: I just want to come in and try to make an impact wherever I'm needed - corner, special teams, wherever I'm needed. I just want to make an impact and show them I can play. . . . I've been chasing this dream since I was five. For it to happen today, it's a blessing.
Fourth round, No, 127 overall: Austin Collie (6-1, 200), wide receiver, Brigham Young. Collie's Statistics: Caught 215 passes for 3,255 yards in three seasons at BYU, declaring for the NFL Draft following his junior season. He caught 106 passes for 1,538 yards and 15 touchdowns this past season. Collie: I couldn't be happier. I just wanted to get picked up by a team that I thought would be the best fit. I think that's what I got. It's a dream come true and a blessing to go to a team you've always grown up watching.
Fourth round, No. 136 overall: Terrance Taylor (6-0, 319), defensive tackle, Michigan. Taylor's Statistics: Taylor started three seasons at nose tackle for Michigan, starting 36 games and registering 17.5 tackles for loss and six sacks. He had four tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks this past season as a senior. Taylor: I'm a physical player, explosive. I'm a playmaker, a run-stopper. The Indianapolis Colts got a great player. Picking me was one of the best things they could have done.
Sixth round, No. 201 overall: Curtis Painter (6-4, 230), quarterback, Purdue. Painter's Statistics: sixth round (No. 201 overall). Painter completed 987 of 1,648 passes for 11,163 yards and 67 touchdowns with 46 interceptions in four seasons. He started 41 career games for the Boilermakers, completing 227 of 379 passes for 2,400 yards and 13 touchdowns with 11 interceptions as a senior. Painter: I'm extremely excited. It's an organization close to home. The opportunity to come in and work behind a couple of great quarterbacks - it's kind of hard to explain. I don't think you can ask for a better situation as far as getting in there and learning behind some great guys. When I came to Purdue, it was a similar situation in that Kyle Orton was here. I was a freshman and I really learned a lot from mimicking him and seeing the kinds of things he did. It's a great situation to mimic that same scenario.
Seventh round, No. 222 overall: Pat McAfee (6-1, 220), punter/kicker, West Virginia. McAfee Statistics: He handled punt, kickoff, extra point and field goal duties, setting the school record for games played (51), points (384) and extra points made (210). He also finished second in school history in punting average.
Seventh round, No. 236 overall: Jaimie Thomas (6-4, 322), guard, Maryland. Thomas: A two-year starter at left guard, Thomas played in 45 career games, starting 23.
April 24, 2009 Colts will return to Rose-Hulman for training camp The Indianapolis Colts now know where they're headed this summer: Back to Rose-Hulman Institution of Technology. During a news conference Friday, team president Bill Polian announced the Colts will hold camp in Terre Haute, Ind., for the 11th straight year and will hold an open mini-camp practice at Franklin College in June. But Polian refused to drop hints about the more pressing issue - who Indy would take with the 27th pick in Saturday's draft. "It's not the first I've heard of it, obviously I live on the planet," Polian said when asked about numerous mock drafts that have Indy selecting Mississippi defensive tackle Peria Jerry. "But I'm not going to say if he's on the list. And don't read anything into that." Polian is generally cryptic about the Colts' plans. True to form, he was relatively quiet Friday about what the Colts would do this weekend. He said the team has about six players they're looking at in the first round, and believes at least one of them will be there when the Colts pick Saturday evening. "You can never have enough quality depth," he said. "You look for people who can come in and contribute and win, that's what the draft process is all about." The training camp site was another issue. In March, Anderson city officials publicly said the Colts would announce they were moving back to the city that hosted Indy's training camps from 1984-98. Indy contended those officials were speaking prematurely. Apparently they were, though Polian indicated the team would continue to review other sites each year. "If it's economically feasible and the schedule that the league dictates work out, we'd like to go there (Rose-Hulman)," Polian said. "There's lots of talk about the schedule changing, we have an 80-man roster now and all of those things impact training camp and cost certainly impacts training camp. So that is going to change over time." He also said Indy will hold a full-squad mini-camp practice June 6 at Franklin College, a Division III school that is about 20 miles south of the city. Tickets will cost $10 and all of the money, Polian said, will go to the university to help defray costs. It's the second time since 2004 that the Colts have held an offseason workout on a college campus. In April 2004, the Colts went to Ball State's campus in Muncie, a practice that drew a huge crowd. "We did this at Ball State, and it was a rousing success," Polian said. "We think it will be great for our team and great for our fans. Outreach is an important thing for us, it's always an important thing but it's even more important at this time of year and in this kind of economy."
Keiwan Ratliff signed with Steelers The Steelers, despite being right up against the salary cap ($440,000) the day before the NFL draft, have just signed Keiwan Ratliff, CB most recently of the Indianapolis Colts. The terms of the contract are undisclosed, so no way of knowing exactly what his cap number would be. The Colts Salary Cap is at $7.10 million right now. Apr 23, 2009 Colts restructure Wayne's contract to get room under cap Pro Bowl receiver Reggie Wayne has agreed to a restructured contract, which will give the Colts more room under this year's salary cap. Wayne's agent, Joby Branion, confirmed the deal was completed but did not provide details about how much Indianapolis would save. Players frequently restructure contracts by accepting bonuses after agreeing to lower their annual salaries. The bonuses are then prorated over the remaining length of the deal, in Wayne's case three years, to lower the team's salary cap number in the first year. Wayne has been the Colts' primary receiver the past two seasons and is expected to play a more prominent role this year after Marvin Harrison, the franchise's career receiving leader, was released in February. In 2007, Wayne had a career-high 104 receptions for a league-leading 1,510 yards and 10 touchdowns. Last season, Wayne caught 84 passes for 1,145 yards with six TDs. He ranks third all-time on the Colts' career list for receptions (576), yards receiving (8,129) and touchdown receptions (53), trailing only Harrison and Hall of Famer Raymond Berry in each category. Only Harrison has more 100-yard games in franchise history than Wayne's 26, and Wayne has played in the last three Pro Bowls.
Redskins Agree To Terms With Punter Hunter Smith The Redskins are expected to sign Pro Bowl punter Hunter Smith tomorrow, a league source said Thursday, and Smith will join the team for minicamp May 1-3. He has agreed to terms on a one-year deal. The Redskins hope that Smith, a three-time Pro Bowler in 10 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, will help them address their poor performance on special teams last season, and the team has not been settled at the punter spot since the 2004 season. The team signed veteran Dirk Johnson to compete for punting duties in training camp, but he is likely to be released to make room for Smith on the active roster, while the Redskins still have young punter Zac Atterberry under contract. Smith, who has never missed a game in his career, had a 38.8-yard net average last season. He also also an accomplished holder on field goals - another area of concern - and serves as an emergency quarterback for the Colts, who drafted him in the 7th round in 1999 Apr 23, 2009 Indianapolis Colts Sign Blizzard Offensive Lineman Green Bay Blizzard offensive lineman, Brandon Barnes, will be playing in the NFL next season after signing with the Indianapolis Colts this week. The 6'2, 315 pound offen- sive lineman was playing his frst season in the arenafootball2 (af2) league and was seeing great improvement in the frst couple games so far this season. Barnes spent a short period of time with the Baltimore Ravens in 2008 before coming to Green Bay and playing for the Blizzard this season. Head Coach Bob Landsee discussed the signing of Barnes, "The signing of Brandon Barnes by the Indianapolis Colts is an exciting time for our organization as well as the league as a whole. This is the type of opportunity the af2, and specifcally this team, are looking to provide our players. We are very happy for Brandon and know that he is a great example of what we are trying to accomplish here." Being able to play football, develop their skills and get exposure to NFL teams is exact- ly the outcome players want when playing in the af2. The organization wishes Barnes the best of luck with his opportunity to play in the NFL with the Indianapolis Colts. In hopes of replacing Barnes down in the trenches, former Blizzard Aqua Etefa will return to the roster. Etefa received af2 frst team honors while playing for the Blizzard last season and was expecting to play in the AFL this season.
Colts Sign Arena Football C Kyle DeVan To A 2-Year Deal Boise Burn center Kyle DeVan has signed a 2-year contract with the Indianapolis Colts, Burn officials confirmed Tuesday. DeVan left Boise for a tryout Monday, after the Burn's Saturday night loss to Spokane, and was signed Tuesday. DeVan spent part of the 2008 season on the Jets practice squad. Monday, April 20, 2009 Colts Re-Sign Giordano The Indianapolis Colts have re-signed safety Matt Giordano to a one-year, $670,000 contract. Giordano, a special teams Maven, He has appeared in 55 games, six as a starter, since being selected in the fourth round of the 2005 draft.
Dominic Rhodes Signs With Buffalo Apr 17, 2009 The Buffalo Bills added some depth to their backfield on Friday, agreeing to a two-year deal with running back Dominic Rhodes, according to NFL.com. Rhodes, a nine-year veteran out of Midwestern State, spent the 2008 season as a member of the Indianapolis Colts -- his second stint with the team -- after spending one season with the Oakland Raiders. He rushed for 538 yards on 152 carries, while scoring six touchdowns. According to Steve Wyche, the contract is loaded with incentives, while Rhodes should have an opportunity to open the season as Buffalo's starting running back thanks to the three-game suspension issued to Marshawn Lynch, and the fact his backup, Fred Jackson, is currently a no-show for the team's offseason conditioning drills. Speaking of which, Mark Gaughan of the Buffalo News penned an article in Friday's edition of the Buffalo News outlining Jackson's frustration, which stems from the fact he wants the team to reward character guys after their recent comments about placing an emphasis on character (this emphasis must begin next offseason). Here's what Jackson's agent, Jerry Douglas, had to say, via Gaughan's article: "We find the organization's comments regarding the importance of character very interesting given their position on Fred Jackson," said Douglas, who is based in New Jersey. "I think it's a fair statement to say that during his three years with the Bills, Fred has demonstrated his high character and that he is second to none in that department, to say nothing of his on-the-field contributions. Yet the organization is not making a concerted effort to lock in Fred as part of the team's long-term future. Public statements are great as long as you mean what you say." Jackson might have a point, seeing as how the team had three players arrested this offseason, signed Terrell Owens, and now add Rhodes who was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving in February, 2007. I'm not trying to pile on Rhodes here two years after the fact, just pointing out the the Bills' recent comments on placing an importance on character and their offseason moves that seem to fly in the face of such comments. Jackson, meanwhile, has rushed for 871 yards on 188 carries in his two years as a member of the Bills, while scoring three touchdowns. April 16, 2009 Rehab of right knee going smoothly for Jackson Marlin Jackson uses the offseason to sharpen his body and hone his skills. But this year has been like no other for the Indianapolis Colts' starting cornerback. Jackson's trusted timetable was rendered moot Oct. 29 when he tore two ligaments in his right knee during practice. "I had to start working a lot harder and a lot earlier," Jackson said in a phone interview from Tempe, Ariz., where he spent the past three months rehabilitating after two procedures on his knee. "It's been real in-depth and the intensity has been very high, but I had to really get after it right from the get-go." The process will continue when Jackson returns to Indianapolis this weekend. The results, so far, have been encouraging. "I'm pretty far ahead of schedule," he said this week. "Originally, the things (doctors) were telling me were devastating to hear. Now, I know I'll be ready for training camp. No doubt." Jackson put his faith in Dr. James Andrews, a renowned orthopedic surgeon who addressed Jackson's torn anterior cruciate ligament by using a graft from Jackson's right patellar tendon. "It's simple to know to go to him because he's the best in the business," Jackson said. "You don't want to take a chance. You've got to get it fixed right." The rehabilitation process began under Andrews' supervision in Birmingham, Ala., and continued with the Colts' medical staff in Indy before Jackson returned to Athletes' Performance in Tempe, Ariz. That's where he prepared for the 2005 draft -- the Colts selected him with the 29th overall pick -- and where he worked out last offseason. Jackson's most recent stint at the training facility required incorporating knee rehab with his usual routine. On the former, he has regained strength in his right knee and is able to run straight ahead at full speed. He is able to accelerate, decelerate, hop and pull a sled. He's attacking drills that focus on lateral movement, but only in controlled situations. Jennifer Lewis, one of Jackson's physical therapists at Athletes' Performance, described his progress as "impeccable. He's so far ahead of everything. "He has a discipline and a focus that's unmatched in any of the athletes I've worked with. Marlin's focus right now is past the knee. He's really focusing on the future as to how much better he's going to be coming off of this." Jackson's contract with the Colts expires at the end of the 2009 season. Additional Facts Marlin Jackson timeline
April 10, 2009 Daniels Prefers CIB Solution Not Include Downtown Casino April 8, 2009 Colts re-sign free agent LB Hagler The Indianapolis Colts have re-signed linebacker Tyjuan Hagler, leaving the team with five unrestricted free agents. Terms of the deal were not immediately disclosed. Hagler spent his first four NFL seasons with the Colts, starting seven games in 2007 when he had career-highs in tackles (60), solo tackles (34) and sacks (one). He also forced one fumble and recorded another. But he injured his pectoral muscle last summer and missed the first seven games. He wound up starting three games and finishing with 21 tackles and one forced fumble. The Colts earlier signed linebacker Adam Seward, a five-year veteran who also was an unrestricted free agent. The others still unsigned are S Matt Giordano, CB Keiwan Ratliff, RB Dominic Rhodes, P Hunter Smith and DE Josh Thomas. April 4, 2009
Colts set dates for OTAs
First-year coach Jim Caldwell will put the
Indianapolis Colts through their organized team activities (OTAs)
beginning May 19 at the team's West 56th Street complex. Although the
NFL allows teams a maximum of 14 OTA sessions as part of their
offseason conditioning program, Caldwell has scheduled only 10,
according to the league: Colts waive Buster Davis The Indianapolis Colts abruptly cut middle linebacker Buster Davis on Monday. The move is somewhat surprising considering Davis was re-signed by the Colts just earlier this month. Plus, Davis started last season when starting middle linebacker Gary Brackett was sidelined toward the end of the season with injuries. According to NFL.com, Davis recorded 24 tackles in three starts out of six games last season.
A former Arizona Cardinals third-round draft pick from
Florida State, Davis is an undersized, stocky linebacker at 5'9,”
239 pounds.
Colts let LB Keiaho become free agent February 27, 2009 Indianapolis Colts linebacker Freddy Keiaho is a free agent after the team did not make him a contract offer. Keiaho started 25 games in three seasons with the Colts and voided the final year of his contract. He was second on the team with 114 tackles last year. Had the Colts offered the lowest one-year tender, $1.01 million, and Keiaho signed with another team, the Colts would have received a third-round pick in April's draft as compensation. The Colts did offer one-year tenders to offensive lineman Dan Federkeil and linebacker Buster Davis, who are exclusive rights free agents and cannot sign with another team.
Brett Favre swears this is the real deal -- no more last-minute comebacks. The 39-year-old quarterback retired again Wednesday and insisted he won't look back. Well, at least for now. "I have no reason to wonder why you would be so skeptical," Favre said Wednesday with a slight chuckle after announcing that he was leaving the game after 18 record-setting seasons. Favre, who retired last March but returned a few months later, kept this goodbye simple -- no tearful farewell or jam-packed news conference. He spoke to the New York Jets on Wednesday morning, telling team owner Woody Johnson, general manager Mike Tannenbaum and new head coach Rex Ryan that he was calling it a career. "I have family and friends who are like, 'All right, Brett. Is this the real deal?"' Favre said during a conference call. "To me, it is. It is. Believe me. It's been a wonderful career, I couldn't ask for anything more. It was worth a shot for me to go to New York. I wish I could've played better down the stretch. I didn't. "It's time to leave." The Jets placed Favre on the reserve-retired list, meaning the quarterback's retirement paperwork had been filed with the NFL -- something he didn't do last winter with the Green Bay Packers. "Emotionally, I'm OK with it," said Favre, who spent the day on his bulldozer and doing yard work on the grounds at his home in Kiln, Miss. "I really felt like it was time. Obviously, the circumstances last year were a lot different. Physically, if I felt better, we may not be having this conversation, but I think that's more than anything the writing on the wall." Favre's decision came six weeks after his only season with the Jets ended in disappointment as New York went 1-4 down the stretch and failed to make the playoffs. A major reason for the collapse was Favre, who threw nine interceptions in those five games. He said he played with a torn biceps tendon in his right arm that got worse later in the season and needed a cortisone injection after the team's Week 14 game at San Francisco. "It's something that obviously I was able to play with," Favre said. "I don't think I was nearly as productive as the season progressed, but it very well could be fine next year. I'm well aware of that. But then again, it could linger and bother me throughout the year, and I just felt like it was time. I think that, to me more than anything, was a wakeup call." Favre insisted that even if he felt better next season, he's still done with playing. "It's nothing I would second-guess, no," he said. If this is indeed it for Favre, he leaves the game with a slew of NFL records, including career touchdown passes (464), completions (5,720), passing yards (65,127), regular-season wins (169) and interceptions (310). "With Brett, there was always the possibility that he wouldn't play the second year," Johnson said. "We were hoping to get one good year out of Brett Favre. We picked him based on, in our opinion, his giving us the best chance to win last season. We were disappointed not to have made the Super Bowl, but we did some very good things with Brett." The Jets improved from 4-12 in 2007 to 9-7, but the late-season woes cost head coach Eric Mangini his job -- and perhaps tarnished Favre's legacy a bit. "I honestly believe I did everything I could do," Favre said. "I'm proud of everything I've done." New York hired Ryan to replace Mangini, and he, along with Johnson and Tannenbaum, repeatedly said they wanted Favre to return. Instead, Favre spent several weeks after the season at home -- at the suggestion of Tannenbaum -- away from football before deciding to retire. "It would've been fantastic to be coaching Brett," Ryan said. "It's a sad day to see him leave, to see him retiring." The Jets now will move forward with a new quarterback, whether that will be Kellen Clemens, Brett Ratliff or Erik Ainge. "I think it's going to be a great competition between those three," Ryan said. "And if something else comes along, so be it." The Jets could look to sign a veteran free agent such as Jeff Garcia, Kerry Collins, Byron Leftwich or Rex Grossman, or target a quarterback with their first pick -- No. 17 overall -- in April's draft. Clemens was competing with Chad Pennington for the Jets' starting job last summer before Favre came to town. "Jets fans, the Jets coaches and my teammates, even, have not seen the best of what I have to offer yet," said Clemens, who started eight games in 2007. Favre had two years left on his contract and was due $13 million for next season, clearing a chunk of salary-cap space for the Jets. The three-time NFL MVP holds the mark among quarterbacks with 291 consecutive starts, including the playoffs, despite playing through several injuries throughout his career. "The longevity of his career and his love for the game is truly inspiring," All-Pro kick returner-running back Leon Washington told The Associated Press. "I'm privileged to have played with not only a Hall of Fame QB but also a great role model." After the Jets' season-ending 24-17 loss to the Miami Dolphins, Favre said he felt discomfort in his arm "for quite a while." It turned out to be a torn biceps tendon, and he opted not to have surgery. Favre said he began to realize the end might be near when he consistently underthrew his receivers during a Week 16 game at Seattle. "I threw it, and it didn't end up where I wanted it to," he said. "That, to me, was an eye-opener." It wasn't all bad with the Jets for Favre. He threw a career-high six touchdown passes, tying Joe Namath's team record, "in a 56-35 victory over the Arizona Cardinals in Week 4. Favre also helped rejuvenate the franchise, drawing thousands of fans to training-camp practices. Favre finished with 3,472 passing yards and 22 touchdowns, but his 22 interceptions were his most in three seasons. Taken by the Atlanta Falcons in the second round of the 1991 draft, Favre was traded after the season to the Packers for a first-round pick. During his 16 years with Green Bay, he helped lead the team to consecutive Super Bowls, including a victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XXXI in the 1996 season. "Congratulations to Brett on a remarkable career," the Packers said in a statement. "The Packers organization wishes him and his family well. Brett always will hold a special place in Green Bay Packers history, and we remain committed to retiring his number at an appropriate time in the future."
By Mike Chappell February 12, 2009 The Indianapolis Colts' top priority in addressing their 10 pending free agents is retaining starting cornerback Kelvin Hayden, President Bill Polian said today. "You start with Kelvin and work your way down,'' Polian said. And there's ample work to be done, which might include the team using the expensive franchise tag to keep Hayden on the roster. Polian said initial contract discussions with Fletcher Smith, Hayden's agent, are "not going well. That's probably a charitable way to categorize it. There's still a long way to go, but I'm not optimistic at this point.'' Hayden and nine other Colts become unrestricted free agents, and free to negotiate with other teams, on Feb. 27. If the team is unable to reach an agreement with Hayden on a multi-year contract, Polian said he likely would use the one-year franchise designation on the fifth-year player. The one-year franchise tag for a cornerback is $9.957 million. "If we had to use the tag,'' Polian said, "I think we would use it. We're not going to let a good player go out of here because an agent decides that he's not going to be reasonable, and reasonable is relative term.'' Polian said the manner with which the Hayden situation is resolved -- a long-term contract would probably carry a lower salary-cap figure -- will effect how the team deals with its other free agents. That list includes three-time Pro Bowl center Jeff Saturday, running back Dominic Rhodes and punter Hunter Smith. Polian also said no decision has been made on the status of Marvin Harrison. The team could free up $6 million in cap space by terminating the contract of its career receiving leader. "It's entirely possible (he'll return in 2009),'' Polian said. A decision probably will be made by the end of the month. Harrison will be 37 at the start of the '09 season and is coming off one of his least productive years: 60 receptions, 636 yards and five touchdowns.
UPDATE Feb. 11, 2009 Colts defensive tackle Darrell Reid apologized Wednesday for an incident outside an Indianapolis bar over the weekend. Reid was arrested early Sunday morning at the Oxygen Lounge on the north side. Metro officers working security turned Reid away because the lounge had reached capacity. Officers say Reid refused to go, saying he was a Colts player. Police arrested him for disorderly conduct and criminal trespass. However, prosecutors say there's no evidence of misconduct to file charges. "I appreciate that the Marion County Prosecutor's office did their due diligence and decided not to file charges against me. I believe it was the right and just decision to make. This was an unfortunate misunderstanding and I am sorry that this incident occurred. I will continue to strive to be the best person and player I can be. I appreciate the support of the Colts organization, my teammates, friends, family, fans and the community who all believe in me," Reid said in a statement issued Wednesday. 02/08/2009 Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Darrell Reid was arrested for disorderly conduct at a city nightclub early Sunday morning. Reid was arrested at about 1:30 a.m. at Club Oxygen, according to police reports. An off-duty police officer who was working security at the club and assisting on traffic control said Reid was attempting to re-enter the club as it was closing. Another report indicates, Officers working security had stopped people from going into the club after the crowd reached the fire code capacity. Police say Reid insisted on entering, saying he was a Colts player and had to get into the club. After being told several times to leave, Reid refused and was arrrested. Driving a Dodge Charger with several people inside, Reid asked to cut into the traffic, saying he knew the owner. When he was told by the officer to return in an hour, Reid backed up his vehicle and almost collided with another vehicle attempting to exit the parking lot. Reid then was asked again to leave the parking lot but he refused, telling the officer he did not have to because he was a football player with the Indianapolis Colts. Still refusing to leave, Reid started "running off his mouth" and promptly was arrested for disorderly conduct and trespassing. An undrafted free agent out of Minnesota in 2005, Reid has spent the majority of his first four seasons with Indianapolis as a reserve and on special teams. Reid, 26, appeared in all 16 games this past season, recording 19 tackles and two sacks. He also had a team-high 18 stops on special teams.
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