If the Colts open the preseason game next week, they will miss a familiar face in the group. Offensive lineman Jack Mewhort surprisingly announced his resignation on Wednesday after playing only four seasons in the NFL.
"I want to thank the Irsy family and the entire Colts organization for giving me the opportunity to live a childhood dream," Mewhort said in a statement by the team. "The fans and the city of Indianapolis treated me like one of their own and I'm forever grateful, wearing the horseshoe was one of the greatest honors I've ever had, and I'll always bleed blue."
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The 26-year-old joined the league in 201
"He struggled through injury and played through pain," said Colts general manager Chris Ballard. "Jack is a selfless player who has always had a team mentality, is revered among his coaches, teammates and staff, and his leadership is missing in the locker room." We are grateful to Jack for the Colts and wish him all the best for the future . "
Retirement is a complete surprise, and that's because Mewhort sounded like he was definitely going to play this year. In June, Mewhort said he would play at a "high level" this year.
"I believe that I will be able to be out there and play at a high level," Mewhort said on the team's official website. I'm getting stronger every day, I'm doing better every day, I've been slipping around in the field and I'm feeling good At this point in my career, I'm obviously cheered up You said I had to deal with a few things But in spite of all that I'm feeling damned good at what was said, and as I said, it makes me even better if the Colts show faith. "
Mewhort had just signed a one-year contract with the Colts in March.
Although the Colts lose Mewhort, they have taken a bit more depth offensive this year, which should help the team manage its loss. In March, the Colts signed veteran Lineman Matt Slauson. A month later, the Colts added even more depth by selecting offensive guards in each of the first two rounds of the attack, with Quenton Nelson selected in the first round and Braden Smith in the second round.
