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Colts Legend Super Bowl Dwight Freeney Auctions His Final Game-Worn Jersey to Support Former Teammate Battling Parkinson’s Disease

Colts Legend Super Bowl Dwight Freeney Auctions His Final Game-Worn Jersey to Support Former Teammate Battling Parkinson’s Disease

Indianapolis, Indiana – November 4, 2025
 

In a moment that has touched the entire Colts community, franchise legend Dwight Freeney — the relentless pass rusher who struck fear into quarterbacks for over a decade — has decided to auction off the game-worn jersey from his final NFL game to support a former teammate now facing the toughest battle of his life: Parkinson’s disease.

From 2002 to 2012, Freeney embodied the spirit of the horseshoe — strength, precision, and pride. A seven-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro, he recorded 125.5 career sacks, dominating offensive lines and anchoring one of the most feared defenses in the league. Alongside Robert Mathis, he formed one of the most destructive pass-rushing duos in NFL history — the heart of the Colts’ Super Bowl XLI championship run.

That former teammate in need is Gary Brackett, the former Colts captain and emotional leader of the 2006 Super Bowl squad, who has been privately battling early-stage Parkinson’s disease. Known for his intelligence, leadership, and unbreakable spirit, Brackett continues to inspire the Indianapolis community, even as he faces his toughest opponent yet.

Speaking with deep emotion, Freeney said:
“We fought side by side — shoulder to shoulder on the field, sharing every victory and every defeat. Today, he’s facing a battle no playbook can prepare you for. I can’t take the field for him, but I can let this jersey keep fighting — for him, for brotherhood, and for the belief that we never leave one another behind.”

The jersey up for auction is the very one Freeney wore during his final home game at Lucas Oil Stadium — a treasured piece of Colts history cherished by fans across generations. But for Freeney, parting with it isn’t about nostalgia — it’s about purpose.

All proceeds from the auction will go to the Colts Alumni Health & Wellness Fund, which assists former players facing long-term health challenges, including neurological conditions like Parkinson’s. The initiative, led by the Indianapolis Colts Foundation, also funds research and provides financial support for retired athletes in need.

“This jersey carried our pride, our pain, and our victories,” Freeney reflected. “If it can now carry hope for a brother who gave everything to this city, then it’s still doing its job.”

For Colts Nation, the gesture transcends charity — it’s a powerful reminder of what Indianapolis football has always stood for: loyalty, integrity, and the unbreakable bond between teammates who became family.

In Indianapolis, that bond doesn’t fade when the lights go out — it only grows stronger.

🔥 FROM TAMPA BAY ICON TO IMMORTAL: Mike Alstott Enters the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Cementing a Legacy That Defined an Era
Tampa Bay, Florida – January 27, 2026 – Mike Alstott’s name is now forever etched among football’s immortals. The legendary fullback of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers has officially been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame — a moment Bucs fans have waited years to celebrate. For a franchise built on defense and hard-nosed football, Alstott’s induction is not just a personal achievement. It’s the recognition of a player who shaped the offense with his unique power running style, and helped solidify the balance between the Buccaneers' dominant defense and explosive offense. Alstott’s career was never just about numbers — it was about impact. Drafted in the second round of the 1996 NFL Draft, Alstott entered a Tampa Bay team that was struggling to find its offensive identity. What followed was one of the most iconic careers in franchise history. Over a decade in Tampa, Alstott amassed over 8,000 all-purpose yards, and led the team in rushing touchdowns, becoming a critical part of the Bucs’ offensive success during his tenure. But it wasn’t just about yards and touchdowns. Alstott embodied the heart and soul of the Buccaneers' offense in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Nicknamed "The A-Train" for his bruising, physical running style, Alstott was the power back that wore down defenses and was always a reliable option in short-yardage situations. His ability to gain tough yards in clutch moments played a huge role in the Bucs’ offensive identity, particularly during their Super Bowl XXXVII victory in 2002. “He was the muscle of our offense,” said a former teammate. “When we needed that tough yard or that big touchdown, Mike was the guy we turned to.” Alstott’s career was also marked by incredible durability and consistency. A 6-time Pro Bowler and 3-time First-Team All-Pro, his 44-14 record when scoring a touchdown shows just how much of a difference-maker he was for Tampa Bay. Although fullbacks have historically been underrepresented in the Hall of Fame, Alstott’s impact on the field and his induction into the Bucs’ Ring of Honor in 2015 only solidified his place as one of the greatest to ever play the position. For Tampa Bay, this induction is a reflection of everything Alstott represented. Before the Bucs became known for their dominant defense and Super Bowl success, Mike Alstott was the symbol of power, grit, and dedication. He was a key figure in helping balance the team’s offense with its legendary defense, and he embodied the blue-collar mentality that Buccaneers fans have come to love. As Mike Alstott takes his rightful place in Canton, his legacy is undeniable. He wasn’t part of the high-flying offenses or surrounded by a team of superstars, but he was one of the most respected and feared fullbacks the NFL has ever seen. Mike Alstott didn’t just play football.He redefined it. And now, his name lives forever — exactly where it belongs.