Reggie Wayne is a former Indianapolis Colts wide receiver who was one of the biggest threats on offense in the early 2000s. He was a key part of the Colts' Super Bowl XLI victory and is a surefire future Pro Football Hall of Famer.
Early Life and College Career
Reginald Wayne was born on November 17, 1978, in New Orleans. He was the youngest of three sons. Their father, Ralph, was a former linebacker for Grambling State, but Reggie was more interested in baseball as a child. His focus shifted to football in high school. After graduating, Wayne received an athletic scholarship offer from the University of Miami. From 1997 to 2000, he played for the Hurricanes, had a streak of 36 consecutive games with at least one reception, and set the college record for most receptions by a freshman in a season. He finished his college career with 2,510 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns.
NFL Dominance with the Colts
In the 2001 NFL Draft, the Colts selected him in the first round with the 30th overall pick. Reggie played his entire professional career with the Colts. After a few years of adjusting to the NFL, he became one of Peyton Manning's primary targets in the 2004 season, when Manning set a then-record with 49 passing touchdowns. Reggie caught twelve of those touchdowns, surpassing 1,000 receiving yards for the first time in his career. This season was the first of seven consecutive seasons with 1,000 or more receiving yards. In 2006, Wayne signed a new six-year contract with the Colts and was rewarded with his first Pro Bowl selection. The Colts reached Super Bowl XLI that season, where they defeated the Chicago Bears 29-17. Reggie scored a 53-yard touchdown in the first quarter of that game. He also played in Super Bowl XLIV in 2009, but the Colts lost to the New Orleans Saints.
Retirement and Legacy
Near the end of his career, after Tony Gonzalez retired, Wayne became the active leader in career receiving yards. Reggie played his last NFL season in 2014. He underwent elbow surgery in the following offseason and then became a free agent. He signed a one-year contract with the New England Patriots but did not appear in any official games for the team. In January 2016, Wayne announced his retirement. In fourteen NFL seasons, he amassed 14,345 receiving yards and currently ranks tenth all-time in that category. Reggie was a six-time Pro Bowl selection. In 2018, he was inducted into the Colts Ring of Honor, and in 2020, he was a Pro Football Hall of Fame nominee.
Life After the NFL
In 2018, Reggie unofficially joined the Colts coaching staff as a consultant for the wide receivers. He also occasionally works as an expert for press and television.