For thirteen years, Jeff Saturday played center for the Indianapolis Colts. After the Colts organization went through major changes, Saturday became a Green Bay Packer. Although he was sporting green and gold, the city of blue was where his heart lied. Earlier this week, Saturday announced his intention to retire from the league hoping to retire as a Colt rather than a Packer.
Saturday joined Peyton Manning in Indianapolis in 1999 and for twelve years the two formed a strong relationship on and off the field. Both Peyton and Saturday were able to reunite on Sunday when they faced each other during the 2013 Pro Bowl. Saturday requested to snap his last ball to Peyton Manning to pay tribute to the great bond that had formed between the two. The two former Colts reunited with long-time teammates and friends, Reggie Wayne and Robert Mathis. Colts rookie QB, Andrew Luck, was also in attendance.
During Saturday's time in Indianapolis, the Colts reached the playoffs eleven times. Among other honors, he made 6 Pro Bowl appearances and was a two-time First Team All Pro player. Throughout his career, Saturday played in (and started) 202 games with 19 playoff appearances. He played in two Super Bowls with the Colts, one of which earned him a ring.
Saturday officially announced his plans for retirement on Friday. The Pro Bowl will be his last ride.
"That's it ... we'll finish it with sunsets in Hawaii and call it a much better career than I would have anticipated," Saturday said.
Saturday hopes to finish his career where it started, in Indianapolis. In fact, he hopes for a one-day contract with the Colts so his dream can be actualized.
It has not been determined whether he will retire in Indianapolis, but Saturday certainly is a Colt in every sense of the word. It would be a surprise if he was not placed within the Colts Ring of Honor for all that he has done for the team and the city of Indianapolis.
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