Reggie Wayne Won't Be Re-Signed by Indianapolis Colts

After 14 illustrious seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, wide receiver Reggie Wayne will not return to the team in 2015.

According to Colts.com, the organization announced Friday that it will not re-sign the 36-year-old wideout.

Wayne has spent his entire NFL career with the Colts, and during that time, he has been named to the Pro Bowl six times and won a Super Bowl as well. He is one of the greatest Colts receivers of all time statistically along with former teammate Marvin Harrison.

Following the announcement, Colts owner and CEO Jim Irsay had nothing but good things to say about his longtime player, per Colts.com.

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Reggie is one of the greatest men to ever wear the horseshoe, and we have been blessed to watch him play for the past 14 years. When he first took the field with us in 2001, we knew this day would eventually arrive. That reality is one of the things that makes pro football such a tough business. We feel this decision is in the best interests of the team and for Reggie as it will allow him to seek a better opportunity for playing time elsewhere if he so chooses. Reggie is beloved by the Colts organization and our fans and he will always be a part of the Colts family. I look forward to the day in the near future when our great No. 87 enters the Colts Ring of Honor and the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

"

Wayne had 960 or more receiving yards in every season from 2004 through 2012, but the past couple of seasons have been a struggle. His 2013 campaign was cut short due to injury, and in 2014, he was surpassed by T.Y. Hilton as quarterback Andrew Luck's top target.

With his play on the decline, the Colts felt that it was time to go in a different direction.

As pointed out by ESPN's Andrew Brandt, this is the sad reality for every player, regardless of how great he once was:

Wayne is certainly one of the best, as he ranks inside the top 10 for all-time receiving yards, according to NFL on ESPN:

This move certainly puts Wayne in a difficult position due to the fact that he has maintained his desire to play for the Colts and nobody else, per Phillip B. Wilson of Scout.com:

Although he may not be as quick or dynamic as he once was, he is still an elite route-runner with fantastic hands.

He can't be a No. 1 receiver for a successful team, but he should be able to contribute as a complementary target, which is why it wouldn't be at all surprising to see him continue his career elsewhere rather than retiring despite his past assertions.

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