Indianapolis Colts Football

Colts rookies dine at St. Elmo Steak House

When it comes to eating steak, Josh Chapman feels right at home.

Chapman, the Colts fifth round draft pick, was in his comfort zone on Thursday night as he and the 2012 rookie class headed down to St. Elmo Steak House to experience one of the most iconic restaurants in Indianapolis.

The evening included a brief etiquette eating class, which preceded the steak-filled dinner.

“I love steak,” Chapman said. “I’ve had plenty of steaks in my life but this was probably the best I’ve ever had. It won’t be the last time I come here.”

It was the first time Chapman had been to the famed restaurant but the partnership between the steak house and Colts players dates back almost 30 years.

Co-Proprietor Craig Huse welcomed the rookie class to St. Elmo on Thursday evening and hopes the connection between the two continues for years to come.

“To have the players here in their first week or so in Indianapolis is great for us to be able to introduce them to this restaurant, which is such an important piece of Indianapolis,” Huse said.

The past week has been about the Colts rookie class getting acquainted with their new hometown.

Near the end of the dinner on Thursday, the camaraderie between the first-year players could easily be seen as the players were joking back and forth between each other.

“It’s just a process of being a rookie,” Chapman said. “We are all rookies and we got to have some type of fun by bonding with each other.”

The rookies will get some time away from each other starting next week before gathering for their first ever NFL training camp on July 28^th.

With all different storylines and from all over the country, the rookie class is slowly turning from a group of individuals becoming a single, cohesive unit.

“It’s about being one,” Chapman. “You have to be one strong family and that’s what we are always preaching.”

Come September, Colts fans will once again fill the Illinois Street restaurant to watch that family start a new chapter.

“That’s what is great for Colts fans too, they can feel comfortable coming in here in jerseys pregame, postgame and not feel like they are in an intimidating atmosphere,” Huse said. “It’s very comfortable for everyone.”