Former Syracuse football star Dwight Freeney is set to be immortalized by the Indianapolis Colts. Here are all the details and what’s next for Freeney.
Finally, one of the greatest Syracuse football players of all-time is being recognized by the team he spent the majority of his NFL career with. Dwight Freeney is set to be enshrined into the Indianapolis Colts Ring of Honor.
The news was confirmed on the Colts’ Twitter page. Colts Owner, CEO Jim Irsay provided this statement on Dwight’s career with the Colts and this accomplishment:
"“From the first day Dwight Freeney stepped on the field we knew he was special,” said Colts owner & CEO Jim Irsay via Colts.com. “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.”"
Freeney will become the 16th member of the Ring of Honor in Colts’ history. That list also features Syracuse alum Marvin Harrison who was inducted back in 2011.
Dwight Freeney was taken with the 11th overall pick in the 2002 NFL Draft. After that selection, there was a 10-year drought of Syracuse first-round draft picks, until Chandler Jones was taken with the 21st overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft.
Dwight retired back in 2018 when he signed a one-day contract with the Colts. Freeney spent 11 of his 16 seasons in the pros with the Colts. He also spent time with the San Diego Chargers, Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, Seattle Seahawks, and the Detroit Lions. Although during his prime years with Indianapolis Dwight dominated opponents, wowed fans, and made his mark on the Colts’ organization:
- Freeney played in three Super Bowls (winning Super Bowl XLI as a member of the Colts).
- Seven-time Pro Bowl selection.
- Ended his career with 125.5 sacks, which ranked 17th in NFL History at the time of his retirement. He also finished fifth in NFL History with 47 forced fumbles. Speaking of sacks, Dwight didn’t just dominate in the regular season, he also played his best when it mattered most. Freeney is also fifth all-time in postseason sacks with 11.
- He had seven double-digit sack seasons during his time with the Colts.
If we continued to list the accolades and accomplishments of Freeney’s career, this article would never end.
Dwight Freeney provided a statement on receiving this honor from the Indianapolis Colts:
"“Honored and humbled to be inducted into the Indianapolis Colts Ring of Honor. It was truly special being part of an incredible organization with amazing teammates and unbelievable fans. I loved every minute of my time there.”"
We know Dwight’s induction will take place during the 2019 season, but exactly when has not been revealed yet by the team.
Now the only thing missing from Freeney’s resume is a bust in Canton, Ohio cementing him as one of the game’s premiere edge rushers of all-time. It’s not a matter of “if”, it’s a matter of “when” Dwight Freeney will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.