Freeney, Wayne named finalists for Pro Football Hall of Fame

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Two Indianapolis soccer legends are one step nearer to the Professional Soccer Corridor of Fame in Canton, Ohio.

Retired Colts gamers Dwight Freeney and Reggie Wayne are amongst 15 modern-era finalists for the category of 2023.

• Freeney, a defensive finish and out of doors linebacker, was drafted by the Colts within the first spherical of the 2002 NFL Draft and remained with the workforce by the 2012 season. He helped Indianapolis defeat the Chicago Bears in Tremendous Bowl XLI and appeared in seven Professional Bowls. Freeney additionally performed for San Diego, Arizona, Atlanta, Seattle, and Detroit earlier than retiring in 2018.

• Wayne, a large receiver, performed 14 seasons with the Colts after being drafted within the first spherical of the 2001 NFL Draft. Wayne helped lead the Colts to victory in Tremendous Bowl XLI, was a six-time Professional Bowl choice, and is ranked tenth all-time in each NFL receiving yards and NFL profession interceptions. Wayne retired in 2016 and in March 2022, was employed because the broad receivers coach for the Colts.

Freeney is considered one of three first-timers on the poll.

Different finalists embrace Jared Allen, Devin Hester, DeMarcus Ware, and Darren Woodson. Extensive receiver Andre Johnson, who performed for the Colts in 2015, additionally made the lower. Retired Colts defensive finish Robert Mathis, named a semifinalist for the corridor in November, didn’t make the ultimate poll.

As much as 5 of the 15 finalists will be chosen to be a part of this yr’s class. The inductees will probably be introduced in the course of the NFL Honors present on Feb. 9.