When training camp commences for the Indianapolis Colts, they can rest assured that their star receiver will be there.
Reggie Wayne told the Indianapolis Star that he will not hold out from training camp or other team-related functions, despite still being unhappy with his contract status.
“I’m a Colt. What else I’m gonna be?” Wayne said, dismissing a question about a possible camp holdout. “I’m going to go to work. That’s what I do.” “I’ll keep doing my thing and . . . hopefully I’ll get another contract.”
Wayne skipped team workouts last offseason out of displeasure over his contract, but showed up on time for the start of camp.
The veteran wideout is currently in the last year of the six-year contract he signed in 2006. Scheduled to earn a base salary of $5.95 million this season, Wayne is arguably underpaid compared to the league’s other elite talents.
Suffice it to say Wayne’s earned a new deal. In the last seven seasons, he’s hauled in 643 receptions for 8,849 yards and 58 touchdowns. Over that time span, he leads all NFL receivers in both receptions and yards and ranks fifth in touchdowns.
But even with those gaudy stats, his contract wishes will likely fall on Indianapolis’ backburner while they work on completing Peyton Manning’s new mega deal.
While he’s probably well aware of where the Colts’ priorities lie, Wayne is itching to return to the occupation he’s mastered in his stellar career.
“Whenever they’re ready, man, just call me . . . they’ve got my number,” Wayne said, flashing a smile. “All that back-and-forth stuff (during labor negotiations), you don’t know what’s going to happen. Whenever I see that 317 area code, I know it’s time to go to work.”
