Colts players arrive in Anderson for camp, one via helicopter
The next wave of inspiration for the Indianapolis Colts came the usual source, and in his own unusual manner.
Reggie Wayne floated down through Saturday afternoon’s partly-cloudy sky. He was a passenger on an IU Health LifeLine helicopter. Seated nearby was Matt Sercer, a 20-year old Plainfield H.S. graduate who credits the chopper for saving his life following a December farming accident.
Doctors saved Sercer’s legs which had been severely damaged when they were caught in an auger, but weren’t certain if he ever would walk again.
“I read his story. It was touching,’’ Wayne said. “A lot of things weren’t expected of Matt, to be able to walk again and things of that nature.
“Guys like Matt . . . they’re the real heroes. It inspires you to go out there and do great things and prove people wrong. A lot of people didn’t think Matt was going to be able to walk again, and he’s out here moon-walking with me.’’
Sercer, Wayne’s arm around his shoulder, begged to differ.
“I don’t know about that,’’ he said, smiling.
But Wayne’s message was clear. As players reported to Anderson University for the start of training camp, it’s time for the Colts to prove their doubters wrong. Again.
That, in turn, helped inspire Wayne’s latest unique entrance. Last summer, he arrived in a military Humvee with personnel from the Indiana National Guard.
“I really think our team this year is better than last year,’’ said Wayne, 34 and entering his 13th season. “If we don’t hurt ourselves, the sky’s the limit for us.’’
At some point in the past month, Wayne’s mind started whirling. Earlier, coach Chuck Pagano had mentioned to Wayne the inspiration he received from being dispatched to an Indianapolis 500 activity by IU Health’s helicopter.
“I really sat back and thought, ‘Sky’s the limit. Sky’s the limit. Why not come in through the sky?’’’ Wayne said.
Twelve months ago, observers wondered how far down might be for the Colts. They were coming off a humbling 2011. They finished 2-14 and the massive aftershock produced a major organizational overhaul.
More than one NFL preseason power ranking listed the Colts No. 32. T-shirts depicting the lowly ranking were passed out, and worn.
Quarterback Andrew Luck downplayed contrived motivational tools.
“There’s always motivation to win, whether you’re preseason ranked 1, 15, 17, 32, whatever it is,’’ he said. “The nice thing about this team is guys are hungry.
“Seems like guys have always been hungry to do better, to take a guy’s spot, to get on the field and beat the other team, to win games.’’
The prevailing question as the Colts head into their 30th season in Indianapolis is whether they can equal or exceed last season’s accomplishments. The 11-5 record. The AFC wild-card berth. The excitement generated as Luck, the No. 1 overall pick in the draft and Peyton Manning’s successor, matched an NFL record by leading seven game-winning drives in the fourth quarter and overtime.
The Colts must “prove we belong,’’ coach Chuck Pagano said.
“The reason we had the participation we had in the offseason was (reaching) that ultimate goal of winning a world championship.’’
Pagano likely reminded his players at the Saturday afternoon meeting just how close they came in 2012. The Colts’ season ended with a 24-9 wild-card playoff loss at Baltimore. But with 12:52 remaining, it was a one-score game. They trailed 17-9 and faced a first-and-5 at the Ravens 18-yard line.
The drive fizzled when Adam Vinatieri missed a 40-yard field goal. The Ravens pulled away for what was their first step on the road to a world championship.
“There was a sour taste, a bitter feeling in that locker room after that football game,’’ Pagano said. “We have unfinished business.
“Our first goal is to take back the (AFC) South. Win the division, take back the South, get in the tournament and see how far we can go. Go farther than we did last year.’’
That message already resonates with the players.
This season’s goal is the same as a year ago, insisted defensive end Cory Redding.
“Hoist the Lombardi Trophy in the air,’’ he said. “Many teams can talk about it, but last year we talked about it and set the wheels in motion. We’re still headed that way.’’