Indianapolis Colts decided to honor their legendary linebacker Robert Mathis by making him part of the team’s Ring of Honor. The Colts officially confirmed the news on Monday, saying that Mathis’ induction ceremony will take place on November 22nd.
Mathis, who retired after the 2016 NFL season, spent his entire career with the Colts and is the franchise’s leader in sacks with 129.5 in regular season and playoffs. He is also the league’s all-time leader in forced fumbles with 57.
Robert Mathis entered the league in 2003 as Colts’ 138th overall pick. Despite not being a starter in his first three years, Mathis had impressive production and combined for 25.5 sacks during that period. He made his first Pro Bowl in 2008 and went on to make four more by 2013.
Mathis, who has one the Super Bowl ring with Colts, remained with the organization after retirement and currently serves as the team’s assistant defensive coach.
“From a fifth-round pick from a small college to one of the most effective and feared defensive players in the NFL, Robert Mathis was a centerpiece of the historic Colts teams of the last two decades,” said Colts owner Jim Irsay in a statement. “He was undersized and underrated, but he made up for it with a motor that wouldn’t quit and a flawless technique that outmatched the most talented lineman in the league. And to watch him strip-sack the quarterback—which he did better and more than anyone in NFL history—was a thing of beauty.”
