Former Indianapolis Colts receiver Reggie Wayne to retire

Former Indianapolis Colts receiver Reggie Wayne will officially end his playing days after 14 NFL seasons, he told WTTV CBS-4 in Indianapolis on Friday.

Wayne said that he settled on the decision while watching the Colts beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 25–12 at Lucas Oil Stadium on Nov. 29. That was the first time that Wayne had attended a game in which he was not playing in almost 15 years. 

“I finally turned into a fan, a real fan,’’ Wayne said. “You know me, I’ve got my adult beverage. I’m eating some popcorn. I’m watching fans’ reactions. I’m watching the Jumbotron. 

“I’m literally enjoying the game without having to do all the thinking.’’

Wayne spent all of his NFL career with the Colts, helping the team win Super Bowl XLI and being named to six Pro Bowls. He ranks seventh in the NFL in career receptions (1,070) and eighth in receiving yards (14,345). His 82 touchdown receptions put him second in franchise history behind Marvin Harrison. 

Wayne was signed by the New England Patriots before the 2015 season, but asked for his release after the final preseason game. 

“It was fun, but it’s time. It’s just time. Whenever you can admit that you’re done, you know you’re done.’’