Indianapolis Colts Football

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS SIGN LB-CAESAR RAYFORD

The Indianapolis Colts today signed free agent linebacker Caesar Rayford and waived linebacker Jake Killeen.

Rayford, 6-7, 265 pounds, spent the last three seasons with the Utah Blaze of the Arena Football League where he totaled 68 tackles, 22.5 sacks, 26.5 tackles for loss, 16 passes defensed, seven forced fumbles, seven fumble recoveries and two interceptions returned for touchdowns. He also blocked six kicks, including an AFL single-season record five in 2011. In 2012, Rayford started all 18 games and recorded 21 tackles (17 solo), 7.5 sacks, seven tackles for loss, three passes defensed, one forced fumble and one blocked kick. Prior to joining the Blaze, he played for the Spokane Shock of the AFL and the B.C. Lions of the Canadian Football League.

Rayford played in 35 games at the University of Washington and recorded 13 tackles (seven solo), 5.5 sacks, 5.5 tackles for loss, four passes defensed, one forced fumble and one blocked kick. As a senior in 2007, he tallied career highs with 10 tackles and 4.0 sacks in 13 games.

Killeen was originally signed by the Colts to a reserve/future contract on January 10, 2013. He spent the last three years in the Indoor Football League playing for the Tri-Cities Fever. In 2012, Killeen played in 15 games, leading the team with 10.5 sacks, forcing three fumbles and recording one interception.

COLTS DAILY HEADLINES: MAY 23RD DAILY HEADLINES

Each morning Colts.com will take a look at the top headlines surrounding the Indianapolis Colts from around the globe. What is the local and national media saying about the Colts?

Take a look below at the top five pieces from Thursday, May 23^rd.

Colts QB Andrew Luck learns about organized team activities

By: Mike Chappell, Indianapolis Star

With Wednesday’s OTA practice open to the media, a few extra eyes got a look at Luck’s first complete minicamp after school conflicted last season.

Luck missed virtually all of OTAs last year but that is not the case in 2013 with a new offense being installed this spring.

Chappell wrote that Luck had his ups and downs in 11-on-11 work on Wednesday, finding T.Y. Hilton on more than one instance for a touchdown while also throwing an interception to inside linebacker Kelvin Sheppard.

“It’s great to get out on the field with the defense and troubleshoot some stuff,” Luck said. “All of us haven’t run this offense; I ran some of this stuff at Stanford.”

Irsay pledges funds for tornado relief

By: Mike Florio, Pro Football Talk

Florio and Irsay have had a few interesting interactions in the past but this one is for a good cause on both sides.

Like he has done so many times, Irsay’s in the news thanks to his charitable contributions.

Irsay has vowed to donate up to $25,000 to the relief efforts down in Oklahoma areas that were ravaged by this week’s tornado.

Florio writes…”we applaud Irsay’s efforts, we encourage other billionaires, millionaires, thousandaires, and hundredaires to do what they can, and we’ll be glad to publicize other efforts by other NFL teams to raise money to help folks whose insurance policies will take them only so far through this time of intense crisis.”

Colts Notebook: Luck enjoys first taste of OTAs

By: George Bremer, Anderson Herald Bulletin

Bremer’s notebook from Wednesday’s OTA goes into a bit more detail in describing the red zone action.

Along with pointing out two more touchdown throws for Luck, Bremer also credits new cornerback Greg Toler for some impressive pass breakups.

Other notebook items include first round draft pick Bjoern Werner moving around defensively and an update on inside linebacker Pat Angerer.

“We’re just trying to put (Werner) into the whole picture,” Colts linebackers coach Jeff FitzGerald said. “He’s going to learn his responsibilities (at rush linebacker). What I see from him is the ability to play ‘rush’ linebacker or ‘sam’ linebacker somewhere down the road. So he’s setting his feet, he’s getting wet. I think we’ve got him in the right spot right now, but we will have flexibility with him in time as he develops.”

BETHEA’S 107 GAMES PLAYED DWARFS YOUTHFUL SECONDARY IN INDIANAPOLIS

The Colts secondary currently has 17 members.

Of those 17, just one was with the team prior to the 2012 season.

Antoine Bethea is the mainstay and his 107 games of experience in a Colts uniform is almost half of the total number the rest of the secondary carries with them into 2013.

This is season No. 8 for Bethea and while OTAs for some veterans might not seem like a drag, the Pro Bowl safety remembers his days as a youthful defensive back trying to make the roster.

“At one point, you were that young guy and you never really want to be that guy walking around the locker room, never really saying anything to you, feeling like a loner,” Bethea said. “So most definitely you’ve got to pull those guys closer and show them the ropes.”

Bethea was one of the loudest voices on the practice field on Wednesday as the unit attempts to gel in year two of a new defensive system.

The secondary was very active on Wednesday afternoon with numerous pass breakups and a pair of interceptions.

To many Colts fans the names in the secondary are still a bit foreign but ask Bethea, and the system is beginning to sound familiar with a year of experience.

“This time last year my head was spinning in circles but this year right now, I feel a lot more comfortable to really just go out there, make plays and use my athletic ability,” Bethea said.

“We are talking a lot more, very vocal and that’s a good thing.”

Back in 2006, there was Bethea as a rookie starting safety helping the Colts capture Super Bowl XLI.

Now he stands in the secondary as the elder statesmen, by a wide margin, and it’s the hunger he sees in the guys around him that has the No. 41 striving to get back to the game’s pinnacle.

“We’ve got some young guys that are ready to step in and help this team, so I’m excited,” Bethea said. “I’m pretty sure they’re excited. I’m sure it’s overwhelming right now with everything that the coaches are throwing at them but they are doing a good job.”

COLTS DAILY HEADLINES: MAY 22TH EDITION

Each morning Colts.com will take a look at the top headlines surrounding the Indianapolis Colts from around the globe. What is the local and national media saying about the Colts?

Take a look below at the top five pieces from Wednesday, May 22^nd.

Indianapolis still pointing toward bid for 2018 Super Bowl

By: Mike Chappell, Indianapolis Star

The news of the day around the NFL on Tuesday came with the announcement of Super Bowl L (2016) being awarded to San Francisco and then Super Bowl LI (2017) to Houston.

What all this means for Indianapolis is the push is there for the city to try and bring Super Bowl LII (2018) back to the state capitol.

“I would be surprised if we didn’t go forward,’’ said Allison Melangton, president of the Indiana Sports Corporation and president of the 2012 Super Bowl Host Committee.

Former Colts quarterback Jim Harbaugh to drive Indy 500 pace car

By: Curt Cavin, Indianapolis Star

Jim Harbaugh has had a whirlwind past few months and he will add to that on Sunday as he drives the 2013 Indy 500 pace car.

Harbaugh will drive the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray on Sunday before Johnny Rutherford (who normally drives the pace car during IndyCar races) takes over once the checkered flag drops.

Cavin’s article highlight’s the No. 4 and it’s importance in this year’s running of the 500.

Of course, Harbaugh donned No. 4 during his time with the Colts.

Former Boiler excelling as Colts GM

By: Mike Cleff, WLFI.com

WLFI, a West Lafayette radio station, was joined by Grigson earlier in the week to touch on a variety of subjects including his days at Purdue.

Grigson, who was a co-captain during his final season with the Boilermakers, sees some correlation between his success with the Colts and his time in West Lafayette.

“In my first year on this job, I drew on from those experiences. Because I looked at times, things I’d gotten through in sports, and Purdue specifically, to where I would say, ‘you know what? I can get through this because I’ve been through worse physically and mentally before.’ So I’d definitely say my experiences at Purdue helped propel me to what I’ve done here,” Grigson told WLFI Sports Director Mike Cleff.

COLTS WITH TWO FANTASTIC GRABS AMONG NFL’S TOP 100 PLAYS FROM 2012

Beginning a little over two weeks ago, “NFL AM” started a countdown of the top 100 plays from the 2012 season. The morning show on NFL Network airs every weekday at 6 a.m. and this week will end with the top 50 plays left.

The Colts have already found themselves on the list twice with the entries below.

99. Hilton scores go-ahead touchdown

-During his stellar rookie campaign, it was Hilton’s speed that usually highlighted his touchdown catches. But in this instance, the 5-9 receiver showcased his leaping ability in out jumping a pair of Dolphins defensive backs for a 36-yard touchdown to give the Colts a 20-17 lead late in the third quarter, in a game that pitted two teams with 4-3 records in the thick of the AFC playoff picture.

81. Wayne doesn’t need two hands

-There was just something about those orange gloves on that early October afternoon. Wayne set a career-high with 13 catches for 212 yards with this one-handed snag among the highlights. On a third-and-six, Wayne got past All-Pro cornerback Charles Woodson and was able to locate the ball while extending his left hand to haul in Andrew Luck’s pass.

COLTS TAKE NO. 12 SPOT IN CBS SPORTS NFL POWER RANKINGS

The jerseys are being donned by the Colts players this week at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center and with another phase of OTAs marks one step closer to the begin of the 2013 regular season.

Pete Prisco from CBS Sports has come out with a version of the 2013 Power Rankings and the Colts come in at the No. 12 spot, a far cry from where many pundits had them at this time last season.

Here is what Prisco had to say about the Colts ranking:

They shocked a lot of people last year, and Andrew Luck will be better, but the schedule is tougher too. Do they have a step-back season?

AFC Teams in the top-15 of the rankings are as followed:

• 1-Denver
• 4-New England
• 7-Cincinnati
• 8-Baltimore
• 9-Houston
• 12-Indianapolis

Three 2013 NFC West opponents of the Colts find themselves in the top-15 (2-San Fransisco, 5-Seattle, 15-St. Louis)

COLTS ROOKIE CLASS VISITS INDIANAPOLIS MOTOR SPEEDWAY AND BANKERS LIFE FIELDHOUSE

The Colts 2013 rookie class isn’t a month into their new city but they are slowly being ingrained to what Indianapolis is all about.

With some extra planning from Director of Player Engagement David Thornton, the Colts rookies had a weekend that many Hoosiers would dream of in visiting two iconic images in the state capitol.

It all began on Friday afternoon as after a week of work at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center, the rookies had a little bonding time at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for “Fast Friday.”

“It’s absolutely amazing,” kicker Brandon McManus said while standing in the IMS pagoda looking over the straightaway.

“When we pulled it, we pulled right inside and half the players didn’t even know that we were inside the track. It’s like it’s own little town or city inside the track.”

Stormy weather on Friday afternoon didn’t damper any of the rookies spirits as the awe of being inside the world’s largest stadium quickly set in.

Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard welcomed the rookies to the Speedway and gave the class a short speech on the magnitude of an impact they will have on the Circle City.

Next on the agenda was a trip down to the social media center where the players interacted with fans and took their turn at an IndyCar simulator.

“Indianapolis is synonymous with lots of sports but if you go anywhere around the world people mention the Indy 500,” IMS Public Relations/Media Liaison Suzi Elliott said. “It was important for us to get them here and expose them to our event and our venue and welcome them to the city.”

The trip did not end without the players heading down to the car garages where they toured various team garages.

Next, was a chance to step foot on the track where the rookies kissed the historic yard of bricks before a few hopped inside of an impala and were driven around the 2.5 mile oval.

For nearly every member of the rookie class, it was the first time that any of them had been to a race track.

A few will be back on Sunday to experience the 97^th running of the Indianapolis 500. This past weekend’s visit to IMS was followed up with a trip to Bankers Life Fieldhouse for the Pacers clinching Game 6 victory which made for an exciting first weekend away from football for the 2013 Colts rookies.

“It’s real nice because you have a bunch of guys from all over the country and from outside the country like Bjoern (Werner),” offensive guard Hugh Thornton said.

“To have us all together in the community, that’s what we are all about and that’s what the Colts are all about. We are all just about giving back and now we are at the biggest event in Indianapolis to support the race.”

Colts draft picks Hugh Thornton, Montori Hughes and Khaled Holmes meet fans inside the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

SPECIAL HOOSIER HOSPITALITY

Components almost too many to number helped make Indianapolis a rousing success as it hosted Super Bowl XLVI.

Those who visited the city came away with a deep appreciation for the local acuity and spirit that positioned Indianapolis and surrounding areas alongside the 13 previous Super Bowl sites and ahead of most of them.

Local organizers had 8,000 volunteers who invested 150,000 hours in the planning and implementation of Super Bowl XLVI.

Then-Governor Mitch Daniels lauded the efforts that spanned the state he led, mentioning the “seasoned” nature of volunteers who helped rev the engine.

One outstanding memento from the event came back to mind today when reading a local article written by Allison Melangton about the passing of a true Hoosier hero.

Bev Meska of Michigan City displayed the warm human touch that makes the words “Hoosier Hospitality” much more than a phrase.

Meska, then 81, personally knitted 250 Super Scarves that were among the hoped-for 8,000 that would be given to volunteers and provided to many visitors – including both participating teams.

Melangton wrote the Meska was not necessarily a football fan and likely had not watched many previous Super Bowls, yet she wanted to do her part to represent her state.

Like all who knitted the keepsakes, she included a hand-written note to provide background on the scarf.  In the note, she thanked recipients for selflessly volunteering to make Super Bowl XLVI a success.

When the project started, Meska, who started knitting at age 16, didn’t know how 8,000 would be produced.  Knitting 10 Super Scarves was her goal, and her heart took her the rest of the way.

Bev was not alone.  The final tally of scarves made was 13,024, with scarves being made from 45 states, Washington D.C and four different countries (Canada, England, South Africa and Belgium) once word of the project spread.

What was a special time for Indianapolis came because of the efforts of many wonderful people.

Bev Meska was one of those people, and she passed away on May 11.

Melangton wrote that Bev left behind a true legacy.

Indiana is a poorer place without Bev in it.  Her example is found in many residents of this great state, and learning her story and admiring her heart needs to be remembered and celebrated.

Bev, thank you.

COLTS DAILY HEADLINES: MAY 20TH EDITION

Each morning Colts.com will take a look at the top headlines surrounding the Indianapolis Colts from around the globe. What is the local and national media saying about the Colts?

Take a look below at the top five pieces from Monday, May 20^th

Chuck Pagano checks off ‘bucket list’ item at Indy Motor Speedway

By: Will Brinson, CBS Sports

After the Colts rookies got to experience the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Friday afternoon, their head coach followed suit on Saturday.

Chuck Pagano took in one of the most iconic stadiums in all of sports and was even able to ride around the historic track with Mario Andretti.

“It’s one of those bucket list deals you check off,” Pagano said via Fox 59 in Indy. “It’s one of those things you’d never thought you would have a chance to do.”

“Unbelievable, exhilarating,” Pagano said. “The speeds, the excitement of sitting behind Mario Andretti, the all-time great. It was just fabulous.”

Monday Morning Quarterback

By: Peter King, Sports Illustrated

It might be the offseason, but King’s Monday Morning Quarterbacks is still a must read.

In this week’s entry he takes a look at New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and the comment the All-Pro signal caller made which will surely make a few heads turn around the NFL.

“Going into my 14th year, I have never had more confidence in how I am throwing the football. I’ve never felt better throwing the football.”

As far as Colts fans go, the good news is the Patriots and Colts aren’t on the schedule for the first time since the 2002 season.

IS A BIG A WIDE RECEIVER NEXT IN LINE FOR THE COLTS?

The names and stories are all over the Colts locker room.

There’s Jerrell Freeman who turned three years in the Canadian Football League into setting a Colts season record in tackles last season.

Further down the wall of lockers is Justin Hickman who’s roots also extend into the CFL.

Jeremy Kelley knows those names and Ryan Grigson’s pedigree for exploring all options in completing a full roster was something that intrigued the 6-6, 225-pound wide receiver to sign with the Colts.

“Once I get here, I find out that there’s a couple of more guys that were under the radar type guys that took the road less traveled,” Kelley said.

“It’s a good feeling to see some familiar faces but also at the same time they believe in those guys. Those guys do have a shot. It’s proof and I believe that I’m one of those guys that just had to go through the ringer to get to where I’m at.”

With the frame of a slender tight end, Kelley brings something to the receiver position that hasn’t been seen in Indianapolis.

The Colts receiving corps is filled with electric, jitter-bug type targets and Kelley feels he brings a dimension that can only add to the diversity of the group.

“That’s what I kept hearing when I came out here–Indy’s never had big wideouts,” Kelley said.

“I feel like I’m big enough, fast enough to bring a change. Whether they want to use me as a red zone threat, whether they want to use me as an inside, big target across the middle, whether they want to use me to block for screens, being bigger, being stronger, I think that makes me accessible to do more things.”

Kelley, who has spent the last two seasons in the Arena Football League following a stint in the CFL, participated in the Colts rookie minicamp from May 10-12.

When the first rookie minicamp practice concluded, there was the thump of the jugs machine running near midfield as Kelley was the lone member to stay after for extra reps.

The following day, there was Kelley again the lone rookie in the Colts locker room with iPad in hand, dissecting a playbook he hopes to still be in come September.

“It’s necessary, especially a guy in my position, being a free agent coming out of Arena, Canadian leagues and what not,” Kelley said of the extra work.

“It’s just perfecting your craft. For me, it gives me that confidence on the field and now I can go out and I can trust what I’m doing and just play.”