Wayne and Freeney are joined by 13 other modern-era finalists: DB Eric Allen, DE Jared Allen, OT Willie Anderson, OG Jahri Evans, TE Antonio Gates, S Rodney Harrison, KR/WR Devin Hester, WR Torry Holt, WR Andre Johnson, DE Julius Peppers, RB Fred Taylor, LB Patrick Willis, and S Darren Woodson.

Both Freeney and Wayne are well deserving of this honor—and both should eventually receive their own golden jacket and bronze bust, whether it’s next summer or in the near future.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee will meet January 16-17th in Atlanta to further narrow down the finalists to next year’s Hall of Fame Class, which will be announced on NFL Honors Night on Thursday, February 8th, 2024.

Biography: Originally selected by the Colts in the first round of the 2002 NFL Draft out of Syracuse, the ‘undersized’ 6’1,” 268 pound sackmaster was part wrecking ball meets Tasmanian Devil—featuring a patented spin move that would simply demoralize even the league’s best left tackles. Freeney wasn’t all speed off the edge though, as he had a surprising bull rush and was difficult to block with his lower center of gravity and unique playing strength. He was one of the most dominant pass rushers of his era as a certified game wrecker off the edge. Freeney was a force that opposing offensive coordinators had to be aware of and account for at all times as he could ruin a gameplan in a hurry.

Accolades: Super Bowl XLI Champion, 3x NFL First-Team All-Pro, 1x NFL 2nd Team All-Pro, 7x Pro Bowler, NFL Sacks Leader, NFL Forced Fumbles, Co-Leader, NFL 2000s All-Decade Team, and Colts Ring of Honor.

Playing Career: Indianapolis Colts (2002-12), San Diego Chargers (2013-14), Arizona Cardinals (2015), Atlanta Falcons (2016), Seattle Seahawks (2017), and Detroit Lions (2017).

Career Stats: 350 tackles (299 solo), 128 tackles for loss, 125.5 sacks, and 47 forced fumbles during 218 career games (157 starts).

Biography: Perhaps the ‘Robin’ to Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison’s ‘Batman’ to begin his illustrious Colts career (as a former Indy 2001 first round pick), the pair formed one of the most highly productive wide receiver duos in all-time NFL history—with the unworldly Peyton Manning throwing them tight spirals. Wayne also eventually showed that even without #88, #87 was a bonafide #1 wideout (and a ‘Bruce’ Wayne) by his own merits. While he was never the most dominating athlete physically, Wayne was as sure-handed and pristine of a route runner as you’ll ever see in today’s game (and had deceptive speed)—with a knack for making critical catches during the game’s biggest moments. You may as well have called Wayne ‘Mr. Third Down’ with his propensity to make key catches to consistently move the sticks and sustain long scoring drives for one of the league’s best offenses during the golden ‘Manning Era’ of Colts football. Wayne was highly regarded as a locker room leader (and a beloved fan favorite) for the Colts and as mentioned, was instrumental in bridging two eras of iconic Indy quarterbacks. He also wasn’t done with the Colts after his playing career ended, as he is now the wide receivers coach for the team.

Accolades: Super Bowl XLI Champion, First-Team NFL All-Pro, 2x NFL 2nd-Team All-Pro, 6x Pro Bowler, NFL Receiving Yards Leader, Colts All-Time Leader in Games Played, and Colts Ring of Honor.

Playing Career: Indianapolis Colts (2001-14)

Stats: 1,070 receptions for 14,345 receiving yards and 82 touchdown receptions during 211 career games (197 career starts).

On Friday, the NFL took action by placing Indianapolis Colts tight end Drew Ogletree on the commissioner’s exempt list following his arrest on domestic violence charges. Players on this list are prohibited from practicing or attending games. Ogletree’s arrest occurred in Hendricks County, Indiana, after Avon police sought a warrant following their investigation into a Tuesday night altercation at a residence.

Ogletree faces two Level 6 felonies: domestic violence committed in the presence of a child under 16 and domestic battery resulting in moderate bodily injury, as per jail records. Level 6 felonies carry a maximum penalty of 2½ years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. As of early Saturday afternoon, Ogletree remained in custody without bond.

According to Avon police, officers responded to a domestic disturbance between Ogletree and a woman on Tuesday. The first officer on the scene reported in a probable cause affidavit that the woman was found in an upstairs bedroom in distress, stating that Ogletree had “body slammed” her to the ground during an argument about messages on his phone. She claimed Ogletree stood over her, declaring, “They will never believe you.” The incident occurred while the woman was on the phone with her sister, who contacted the police.

Emergency services were called, and the woman was taken to the hospital. Photographs of her injuries, including back swelling, were documented at the hospital. The confrontation took place with Ogletree’s young son in the home. Following further investigation, an arrest warrant was issued on Thursday, leading to Ogletree turning himself into the Hendricks County Jail on Friday.

In response to the allegations, the Colts released a statement on Friday, deeming them “disturbing” and expressing their commitment to taking such matters seriously. The team notified the NFL and is actively gathering more information.

Ogletree, a 2022 sixth-round pick, spent his entire rookie season on injured reserve due to a torn ACL. This season, he played in 12 games, securing nine passes for 147 yards and two touchdowns, participating in 40% of the Colts’ offensive snaps and 33% of special teams snaps.