Colts name Freeney to Ring of Honor

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The next Indianapolis Colts Ring of Honor recipient will be Dwight Freeney, the team announced Thursday night in a town hall with season-ticket holders. 

The Ring of Honor recognizes former players, coaches, club officials and fans who made outstanding contributions to the Colts. The names of those people are on displays that ring Lucas Oil Stadium.

Freeney was a defensive end with the Indianapolis Colts teams of the 2000s. The team said in a news release that he played 11 seasons (2002-12) with the Colts after being selected by the team in the first round (11th overall) of the 2002 NFL Draft out of Syracuse. 

CEO Jim Irsay said in a statement: 

“From the first day Dwight Freeney stepped on the field we knew he was special. Sixteen seasons later, Dwight exceeded every expectation we had and became one of the game’s best pass rushers ever. He was an artist and a terror on the field, and his patented spin move was a nightmare for every offensive lineman he faced.  More importantly, he was a leader in the locker room and a gentleman off the field who represented the Horseshoe with honor.  We are proud to have his name and legacy live alongside the greatest Colts to play this game.”