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After 16 seasons in the NFL, Dwight Freeney has officially decided to retire.
Dwight Freeney, Colt for life. https://t.co/Asrt4PXBjI
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) April 19, 2018
One of the great Colts of all time will end his career, as he should, in a Colts uniform. Freeney was selected 11th overall in the 2002 draft and quickly began making an impact, netting 13 sacks and 9 forced fumbles as a rookie.
In 7 of 11 seasons as a Colt, Freeney recorded 10 or more sacks, and his speed combined with his patented spin move kept opposing left tackles up at night. He will leave the league having pulled down 125.5 sacks, tied for 17th all-time. In his time with the team, he also was a three-time First-Team All-Pro and a seven-time Pro Bowl selection.
When the Colts moved on to a 3-4 defensive base and on from Freeney, his production didn’t stop. He was a valuable contributor for the Chargers, Cardinals, and Falcons. As a part of the Cardinals during their 2015 season, he made a highly entertaining watch as a locker room guy during the team’s time on All or Nothing, the series that followed the Cardinals through that season.
Freeney’s post-Colts career was sneaky good. He was the best pass rusher during Atlanta's playoff run at age 36, including 7 hurries and a sack in the Super Bowl.
— Gregg Rosenthal (@greggrosenthal) April 19, 2018
Watching Freeney line up opposite Robert Mathis and wreak havoc upon the opposing offenses over the years was a pleasure for us as Colts fans, and one we probably didn’t properly appreciate. It is good to see him honored like he should be; as a Colt legend and a truly great player.