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Earlier today, Colts outside linebacker Robert Mathis officially announced his retirement from the NFL, saying that this Sunday’s game will be his final one with the Colts.
He’s had an incredibly impressive career with the Colts after being selected in the fifth round of the 2003 NFL Draft, playing 14 years with the franchise and becoming the Colts’ all-time sack leader and the NFL’s all-time leader in strip-sacks. When he plays in Sunday’s game, he’ll tie Justin Snow for the seventh-most games with the Colts with 192.
He’ll go down as one of the greats in Colts franchise history, and he’ll no doubt get his name in the Ring of Honor one day. He’s been a very good pass rusher and a team leader, but it’s clear that he’s not as effective as he once was, and with him being a free agent this offseason, he decided that it’s time to hang it up and take care of his body. After he announced his decision, the congratulations came flooding in from current and former Colts:
Can't help but respect the big Brodie @RobertMathis98 . Mane did things in this game of football that you can't explain .. salute big bro !!
— Donte Moncrief (@drm_12) December 30, 2016
Salute OG! Respect for what u did for the game. We gonna miss you big time...let’s get that W Sun, send him out right #BleedBlue #ThankYou98 pic.twitter.com/dfvTwGc5Gv
— Vontae Davis (@vontaedavis) December 30, 2016
It's been an honor playing with the OG @RobertMathis98 gotta send him out right!
— David Parry (@DavidParry58) December 30, 2016
Honored to play with @RobertMathis98, who is one the best pass rushers in NFL's history. Thanks for being a great teammate and leader. 0.5s!
— Trent Cole (@Pro_Hunt58) December 30, 2016
A True Warrior. A True Pro. A True Man. A True Champion. A True Colt. #98 Robert Mathis. pic.twitter.com/t2H0wY60cU
— Matt (@MattOverton_LS) December 30, 2016
Congrats to @RobertMathis98 on a hell of a career. Been an honor and a privilege lining up next to you the past two seasons
— Henry Anderson (@HenryAnderson91) December 30, 2016
ROBERT MATHIS--All-time NFL leader in forced fumbles, 122 sacks. WE WILL MISS #98! QBs around league celebrating...https://t.co/wV4v2Fha9C
— Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) December 30, 2016
Andrew Luck and @PatMcAfeeShow reflect on the impact @RobertMathis98 had on the Colts and Indianapolis.#ThankYou98 pic.twitter.com/jFdpmjcpAz
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) December 30, 2016
Just found out Sunday will be the last game for @RobertMathis98 Can't say enough about him. One of my favorite players and a great person! pic.twitter.com/b7GSNdRwNm
— Tony Dungy (@TonyDungy) December 30, 2016
Congrats to my man @RobertMathis98 on a hell of a 14yr career!! Glad I had the honor of lining up next to you!! #CMB #Iammybrotherskeeper pic.twitter.com/nCcfbXseId
— gary brackett (@GaryBrackett58) December 30, 2016
Congrats bro!!! Helluva run... one of the best to ever do it!! https://t.co/FE7rrW8tEo
— Antoine Bethea (@ABethea41) December 30, 2016
Congrats my brother! #531 #WeAllWeGot @RobertMathis98 https://t.co/KIFedMnY7A
— Coach June (@CatoJune) December 30, 2016
Damn... my @RobertMathis98 shutting it down. Its not very many I would want in a foxhole with me. HE'S ONE OF THEM... #Warrior #Loyal
— Reggie Wayne (@ReggieWayne_17) December 30, 2016
"This is for my brother from another mother." - @dwightfreeney#9893BringTheHeatBlvd #ThankYou98 @robertmathis98 pic.twitter.com/iIdcXx016v
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) December 30, 2016
Congratulations on a heck of a career, Robert Mathis!