Former Indianapolis Colts wide receiver T.Y. Hilton announced his retirement from the game of football this week, and well-wishes came pouring in from his colleagues.
One of the modern legends of the Indianapolis Colts has called it a career, as wide receiver T.Y. Hilton announced his retirement from the game of football this week after 11 seasons in the NFL.
Hilton posted the following announcement on social media on Wednesday:
"After an incredible journey, it's time for me to retire from the game of football and begin a new chapter.
Thank you to Mr. Irsay, his family and the entire Colts organization for believing in a kid from Miami and giving me the opportunity to live out my dream wearing the horseshoe.
I also want to thank the Cowboys organization for giving me the opportunity to continue playing the game I love.
To my teammates - thank you for the brotherhood. The early mornings, long practices, and the battles on Sundays are memories I'll carry with me forever.
To the fans in Indy, your support meant everything to me from day one. I'll never forget running out of that tunnel at Lucas Oil Stadium for the first time.
And at the heart of it all, I want to thank my family and friends. Thank you for the sacrifices, the constant support and for believing in me. I would not have been able to live out this dream without you.
FOREVER A COLT."
Hilton's retirement immediately drew reactions across the NFL landscape, including from those who played alongside "The Ghost."
"Job Well Done! Congrats. #BleedBlue," Reggie Wayne posted in response. The veteran receiver was with the Colts for Hilton's first three years in the league and helped Hilton develop into one of the top receivers in the league.
Center Ryan Kelly — who also announced his retirement this offseason — wrote, "Congrats brother! Was an honor to call you a teammate and friend." Kelly and Hilton were teammates from 2016-21.
Cornerback Kenny Moore II, teammates with Hilton from 2017-21, wrote, "Biggest congratulations Ghost!!!! You did it the right way. Best of the Best!!!!"
Chuck Pagano, who was Hilton's head coach for his first six years in the league, wrote, "Congrats 👻👻 the ultimate competitor teammate and human👏👏"
Hilton was a third-round pick by the Colts in the 2012 NFL Draft, No. 92 overall, the same year the team drafted quarterback Andrew Luck with the No. 1 overall pick.
Hilton and Luck went on to become one of the most formidable passing-game duos in the NFL, playing together through 2018 before Luck ultimately retired.
In 146 games, including 10 seasons with the Colts and one at the end with the Dallas Cowboys, Hilton caught 638 passes for 9.812 yards (15.4 avg.) and 53 touchdowns. He also returned a punt 75 yards for a touchdown as a rookie.
In 2016, Hilton led the entire NFL in receiving yards with 1,448.
Hilton ranks third in Colts franchise history in most receiving categories, behind only Wayne and Marvin Harrison, including targets, receptions, and receiving yards. Hilton is fourth in receiving touchdowns and games played.