Dwight Freeney
Dwight Freeney #93
Position: Defensive End
College: Syracuse
Height: 6′-1″
Weight: 268 lbs
Time in NFL: 10 Years
Drafted: 1st Round – 11th Overall Pick
Born: February of 1980
Born in: Bloomfeild, Conn
Dwight Freeney was born in Hartford, Connecticut on February 19, 1980, and is quite the all around athlete. Freeney went to Bloomfield High School in Bloomfield, Connecticut where he lettered in four different sports. He was more than just an incredible football player, as he earned four letters in baseball and basketball, three letters in football (where he played both sides of the ball), and one in soccer. He played soccer for only his freshman year before deciding to switch to football, which ended up being a very good decision. Freeney was such an incredible football player in high school, that he not only holds the record for career sacks at his school, but they also retired his #44 football jersey.
Freeney decided to play his college football at Syracuse University, where he was a 2-year starter. While he did only start for two years, Freeney was still able to earn 34 sacks in his career which ranks first in the schools history. His most impressive year came in his senior season where he racked up an incredible 17.5 sacks, with one of his best games coming against the athletic Michael Vick and Virginia Tech, when he sacked Vick 4.5 times in that game. One stat that may have helped him in chasing down the speedy Vick, is the fact that he posted a 4.40 second 40 yard dash time, which is one of the fastest times ever by a defensive lineman.
After his senior year, Freeney entered the 2002 NFL Draft, where he was selected 11th overall by the Indianapolis Colts. Freeney didn’t waste any time making a name for himself in the NFL, as he set the NFL rookie record that year with 9 forced fumbles, and was the runner-up for the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award. Freeney has been a dominate force on the defensive line since his rookie year, and led the NFL in sacks with 16 during his third year in the league. When Freeneys rookie contract came to an end, the Colts made sure to pay him for his incredible prior seasons, giving him a six year, $72 million contract with $30 million guaranteed. This contract made Freeney one of the highest paid defensive players of all-time.
Freeney’s career has included six pro bowl selections between 2003-2005, and 2008-2010, three first team All-Pro selections, one second team All-Pro selection, and also the trophy for the AFC Defense Player of the Year award in 2005. Freeney also played a huge role in the Colts Super Bowl XLI victory against the Chicago Bears.
