Latest news with #ReggieWayne
Fox News
4 days ago
- General
- Fox News
Colts great Reggie Wayne fights back tears while remembering late owner Jim Irsay: 'He had the biggest heart'
Indianapolis Colts great and current wide receivers coach Reggie Wayne fought back tears during the team's first media availability on Wednesday following the death of longtime owner Jim Irsay. It was an emotional moment for Wayne, a six-time Pro Bowler and a member of the Colts' Super Bowl XLI winning team, as he spoke about his relationship with Irsay, who passed away in his sleep last week at age 65. "It's like losing a family member. There were times that I felt like [Irsay] treated me like I was one of his sons even though he didn't have any," Wayne managed a smile as he spoke to reporters. "When you lose something like that, it definitely shocks the soul." Irsay famously began his football career as a ball boy when his father first purchased the team in 1972 – when the Colts still played in Baltimore. He slowly moved up the ranks and became the youngest team owner at 37 when he took over for his father following his death in 1997. "He had the biggest heart in the city. I think we all know how caring he was, how easy he was as far as giving… I think he was definitely the heart of this city," Wayne continued. Wayne played his entire 14-year career with the Colts after being drafted out of the University of Miami with the 30th overall pick in 2001. He led the league in receiving yards in 2007, was three-time All-Pro and ranks second in franchise history for most receiving records behind Marvin Harrison. He returned to the Colts in 2022 as an assistant coach. While reminiscing about his time with Irsay, Wayne struggled to explain the message he shared with receivers after learning about Irsay's passing. "I told the receivers, I said, 'A lot of y'all don't really know him but he would've done anything for anybody. He would've gave the clothes off his back," he said tearfully. "He cared about his players. He cared about his team. He cared about the city. And it wasn't just the players, he cared about the people in the building. He was that dude. And I told them, I said straight up 'Man, y'all don't really know him but y'all got to push your ass for him. Because he would've done that for y'all. So, that's what I told them. I said, 'Y'all got homework to do, man. Read about him. Learn about him. So that you really know the type of person he was.'" Irsay battled health and addiction issues in his life. Despite his struggles, he restored glory to the franchise and left an everlasting impact on the organization. Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Colts legend Reggie Wayne bursts into tears discussing Jim Irsay's death at heartbreaking press conference
A grieving Indianapolis Colts legend Reggie Wayne broke down in tears Wednesday as he discussed the recent passing of team owner Jim Irsay. 'I told the receivers, a lot of y'all don't really know him but he would've done anything for anybody,' Wayne said told reporters. 'He would've gave the clothes off his back… I said, y'all got to push your asses for him. He would've done that for y'all. So, that's what I told them. I said, ''Y'all got homework to do, man. Read about him. Learn about him.'' Now the team's receivers coach, the 46-year-old Wayne remembered Irsay for his humanity by sharing a story about his own brief foray into free agency in 2012. Coming off a 2-14 season, Wayne expected to sign elsewhere and was already lining up trips to visit the Chicago Bears and Kansas City Chiefs. That's when he got a phone call. ''No, you're not taking that trip,'' Irsay told Wayne, as the former Super Bowl champion recalled with reporters on Wednesday. Now the team's receivers coach, the 46-year-old Wayne remembered Irsay for his humanity by sharing a story about his own brief foray into free agency in 2012 What followed was Irsay's passionate plea for Wayne to stay in Indianapolis, where he became one of the league's best receivers alongside Peyton Manning, Marvin Harrison and Edgerrin James. Ultimately Wayne stuck around on a three-year, $17 million deal. 'You could've asked for $30 million,' Wayne remembered Irsay telling him. 'I would've gave it to you.'' Irsay would later add Wayne to the Colts' ring of honor. The 65-year-old billionaire passed away last week after months of health issues and years of battling drug and alcohol addiction. No other details about his death have been released. He was in charge when the Colts won the Super Bowl against the Chicago Bears with Manning at quarterback in 2007 and oversaw the construction of their Lucas Oil Stadium. In a devastating Instagram post, Manning said he was 'heartbroken' by the tragic news In a devastating Instagram post, Wayne's long-time teammate wrote: 'I am heartbroken to hear about Jim Irsay's passing. 'He was an incredibly generous and passionate owner and I will always be indebted to him for giving me my start in the NFL,' Manning continued. 'His love for the Colts and the city of Indy was unmatched. His impact on the players who played for him will not be forgotten. 'My thoughts and prayers are with his family and everyone in the Colts community. He will be missed. Jim, rest in peace my friend, #18.' The Irsay family fortune comes from their heating and cooling (HVAC) empire, not to mention the Colts, a team Jim's late father bought in Baltimore in 1972 before famously moving the franchise to Indianapolis nine years later. According to The Athletic, the oldest of Irsay's three daughters, Carlie Irsay-Gordon, is expected to assume principal ownership duties of the Colts. However, it's reported that Irsay preferred all three of his daughters, Carlie, Casey Foyt and Kalen Jackson, would work together as co-owners.
New York Times
4 days ago
- General
- New York Times
Colts legend Reggie Wayne reflects on life, legacy of Jim Irsay as Indianapolis begins OTAs
INDIANAPOLIS — The emotional dam had held up well, but the final question made it crack. Former Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne, who is now the team's receivers coach, tried to hold back his tears Wednesday as he stood before the media. He'd just been asked what he wanted his pupils to know about former team owner Jim Irsay, who died last week. Wayne doubled over, clinched the lectern and muttered under his breath, 'That's why I ain't wanna do this s—,' as he gathered his thoughts. Advertisement When Wayne raised his head, he opened his heart. 'He cared about his players. He cared about his team. He cared about the city,' Wayne said as tears streamed down his face. 'And it wasn't just about the players, he cared about people in the building. He was that dude. And I told them, I said straight up, 'Man, y'all don't really know him, but y'all gotta bust y'all ass for him. ''Because he would've did that for y'all.'' Wayne spoke for over four minutes when responding to that final question of his media session that, despite it being the first day of offseason training activities, was all about Irsay. Wednesday marked the first time the team had been made available to the media since Irsay's death, and for one day, Wayne traded in his usually tough exterior for a chance to be vulnerable about Irsay, who 'treated me like I was one of his sons,' instead of one of his employees. "He's that dude." #ThankYouJimIrsay — Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) May 28, 2025 Wayne said Irsay always showed players the utmost respect, perhaps because of the titles he once wore before calling himself an owner. Irsay started as a Colts ball boy, and he'd later become the NFL's youngest GM at 24 and youngest owner at 37 after his dad, Robert, died in 1997. 'Y'all got homework to do, man,' Wayne remembers telling his receivers about Irsay. 'Read about him. Learn about him, so you'll really know the type of person he was.' But some stuff can't be found in a book or via a Google search, like the story Wayne told Wednesday about a contract negotiation he had with Irsay in 2012. Wayne was a free agent and was seriously considering heading to another franchise until he got a direct call from Irsay. The two came to an agreement on a three-year pact worth $17.5 million that kept Wayne in Indianapolis. Advertisement 'I actually did that deal with (Irsay) by myself. I gave my agent 3 percent and I don't even know why!' Wayne said, laughing through the tears. 'But then once I come here and re-sign … he said, 'You know what? You could've asked for ($30 million), and I would've gave it to you.' I said, 'Damn!'' Wayne flashed a wide smile as he reflected on that moment and the overall life and legacy of Irsay. The former star receiver first met Irsay in 2001, when the Colts selected the 22-year-old Wayne in the first round of the draft. Twenty-four years, six Pro Bowls and one Super Bowl victory later, Wayne is preparing for his fourth season as the Colts wide receivers coach. The gray hairs sticking out of his beard are reminders of how much time has passed and the sometimes-painful changes that come with it. Wayne spoke about Irsay in the present tense a few times Wednesday, revealing just how fresh Irsay's death is to those who knew him personally. The Irsay family will have a private memorial service Monday in Indianapolis, with a public tribute to be announced at a later date. In addition to Wayne, a few current players shared their memories of Irsay. Cornerback Kenny Moore II recalled a time when he had a death in his family during the season, and Irsay was able to 'align some travel' for him to visit his loved ones and attend the funeral. Defensive tackle DeForest Buckner noted Irsay's generosity as well when looking back on a trying 2024 campaign that included a trip to IR due to a high ankle sprain. 'I mentioned wanting to go to Panama to get some stem cell treatment for my ankle … and it wasn't even a flinch,' Buckner said. 'The Irsay family, obviously, they flew me out there on one of their jets, got me out there to get the treatment (and) brought me back. Just little things like that, he's willing to do whatever it takes for the organization, for those around him, for those that he cares about. And that's just the footprint that he's leaving behind.' 💙 #ThankYouJimIrsay — Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) May 29, 2025 Indianapolis coach Shane Steichen echoed the sentiments of his players, and like Wayne, he teared up from the podium while thanking Irsay for giving him his first shot to be an NFL head coach. The Colts will wear black patches on their jerseys this season to honor Irsay, and amid a four-year playoff drought, Steichen vowed to turn the tide in 2025. Advertisement 'We're gonna win for Jim this year,' Steichen said. The Colts' QB competition began Wednesday as Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones split first-team reps on the first day of OTAs. Richardson started under center to begin practice, and Jones was with the second unit before they flip-flopped. Steichen said that will remain the plan for all nine days of OTAs, and each QB should get about 170 first-string reps during that span. Richardson showed flashes of brilliance Wednesday amid a few erratic throws, which has been the theme of his career. He delivered a laser to rookie tight end Tyler Warren across the middle for a first down in 7-on-7 and layered in another downfield throw near the sideline to tight end Will Mallory. But Richardson was also intercepted by linebacker Liam Anderson in 7-on-7 and badly missed an open Alec Pierce while rolling to his right. Richardson finished 8-of-14 passing in 7-on-7 and 2-of-4 in 11-on-11. Second-year receiver AD Mitchell and fourth-year tight end Jelani Woods each had a downfield drop that hindered Richardson from having a better performance. Jones was steadier than Richardson through the air, which shouldn't come as a surprise given Jones' career 64.1 completion percentage. The ex-Giants QB was 11-of-12 passing in 7-on-7, highlighted by a deep crosser to Warren, and 5-of-5 in 11-on-11. Jones' only incompletion was when he was nearly picked off by cornerback Samuel Womack. Warren, the Colts' first-round pick this year, certainly looked the part in his first practice with the veterans. He made a handful of catches across the middle and repeatedly gashed the defense, regardless of who was throwing him the ball. • Star running back Jonathan Taylor is training in Florida, according to Steichen, and was not present for Wednesday's voluntary OTAs. Wide receiver Josh Downs and tight end Drew Ogletree were in attendance but did not practice due to soft tissue injuries. Linebackers Zaire Franklin (left ankle surgery) and Jaylon Carlies (shoulder surgery) were sidelined as well. Cornerback Charvarius Ward only participated in individual drills because he had been away with his family, Steichen said, and the Colts want to ease him back into team activities. • The Colts and Ravens will have joint practice in Baltimore ahead of their preseason game Aug. 7, per Ravens coach John Harbaugh. Indianapolis will then host the Packers for joint practice before their preseason matchup Aug. 16. Advertisement • Woods and safety Daniel Scott were back in action after both were sidelined for the last two seasons. Scott, a fifth-round pick by the Colts in 2023, tore his ACL in 2023 and tore his Achilles in 2024. Woods, a third-round pick by Indy in 2022, was plagued by hamstring issues in 2023 and sustained a season-ending toe injury during the preseason last year. (Photo of Jim Irsay and Reggie Wayne in 2015: Joe Robbins / Getty Images)
Indianapolis Star
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Indianapolis Star
Why Reggie Wayne is fully committed to coaching with Colts now
INDIANAPOLIS — The man the Colts had to spend half a decade convincing to come back to the sideline has now become a fixture of the Indianapolis coaching staff. Reggie Wayne is now headed into his fourth season as the Colts wide receivers coach, the man who presided over the construction of a room that produced three receivers with 800 yards or more last season. Early in his coaching career, Wayne used to joke he was still coaching on a trial basis. Wayne hasn't made as many of those jokes lately. 'It's a cycle,' Wayne said. 'It's like that Christmas gift that keeps on giving.' Colts news: Colts issue warning to season-ticket holders who put too many tickets on resale market The investment Wayne's made in the Indianapolis receivers is what keeps bringing him back. The Colts keep drafting young wide receivers to place in Wayne's care, and that creates a bond that's hard to break. 'If I dipped, then I'd feel like I'm letting dudes down, and that's never going to end,' Wayne said. 'I just go with the flow.' By now, Wayne knows he loves coaching. The only thing that could get him out of the business at this point is his family.
USA Today
07-02-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Former Colts WR Reggie Wayne doesn't make 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame Class
Former Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne was not one of the four players a part of the 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame class. This year's class includes Jared Allen, Sterling Sharp, Antonio Gates, and Eric Allen. Wayne was one of 15 modern-era finalists for this year's Hall of Fame class, which also included kicker Adam Vinatieri. This was the sixth time that Wayne had been named a finalist for the Hall of Fame. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, in order to be selected, a 50-person selection committee could pick up to five players from that group of 15 finalists to be a part of this year's class. Then, collectively, among the votes received from the 50 voters, a player has to earn a minimum positive vote of 80% in order to make the Hall of Fame. Wayne, who is currently the Colts wide receivers coach, would also spend his entire career in Indianapolis, where he was a six-time Pro Bowler, a one-time All-Pro, and was a member of the Colts' Super Bowl Championship team in 2006. Wayne totaled 14,345 receiving yards in his career with 82 touchdown receptions over 211 games. In eight of his 14 seasons, Wayne eclipsed the 1,000-yard receiving mark, and on four occasions, he surpassed 1,300 yards, including a career year in 2007 when he led the NFL in receiving yards with 1,510.
