When you think of Dallas Clark, you often think of quarterback Peyton Manning throwing a perfect pass to Clark for a touchdown. The past two seasons we have not heard either of those names for the Colts. After 11 NFL seasons, including his first nine seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, Clark will be calling it quits. He will become the second player in Colts history after center Jeff Saturday to re-sign with the team.
“Its an honor I can’t even explain,” Clark said. “Its amazing just the love and support I have for the Colts and fans, but to see it come back toward me is humbling. For the Irsay family and Colts family to do this is an honor, something I cannot thank anyone for enough. It’s so special I can’t even express how awesome it is.”
Clark, 35, who was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the first round of 2003 draft, had his best season in 2009 as a Colt when he started in all 16 games and caught 100 passes for 1,106 yards and 10 touchdowns.
He is currently the all-time leader in Colts history for catches and touchdowns by a tight end. Former Colts coach Tony Dungy states that Clark was the last piece of the puzzle when they drafted him.
Bill Polian who was team president then took criticism, “We drafted Dallas in 2003 because we needed defensive players,” he said. “Dallas is a special weapon that is going to fit right in to what we do.”
The Colts were 84-31 with Clark in the lineup. He is a member of seven division, two conference, and one world championship. With great talent surrounding him, Clark made moving the chains his personal hallmark.Clark’s favorite career catch could not have come at a better time when it would eventually help the Colts to win Super bowl XLI.
“The catch in Baltimore to seal the road victory and to get us one step closer to the Super Bowl has to be it,” said Clark of the 2007 AFC Divisional Playoff game. “That moment and importance of it sticks out.”
Dallas Clark is retiring Wednesday, June 18 as the all-time franchise leader in receptions and touchdowns among tight ends to finish his career.
