T.Y. Hilton’s Decision to Return to Colts Influenced by Former Teammate
When T.Y. Hilton took a one-year deal for $8 million with a possible additional $2 million in incentives to return to the Indianapolis Colts, it left some people around the league scratching their heads. At 31 years of age, most NFL players would be looking for some security with plenty of guaranteed money upfront.
That wasn’t the case for Hilton.
According to an ESPN report, Hilton was determined to remain in Indianapolis.
In speaking with the media after agreeing to the contract, he confirmed an earlier report that the Baltimore Ravens made him a multi-year offer which he decided to turn down. Apparently, Hilton consulted with the former Colts receiver Reggie Wayne, who he watched finish his career in Indianapolis following Hilton’s third season in the NFL. In describing his interactions with Wayne, Hilton said, “He was constantly there for me, and he helped me make the right decision.”
Hilton is already thinking about how he wants his football ending to play out, and it seems he’s hoping to follow a similar path as Wayne. “It’s very special. Not many guys can say they did that. … I love it here, so the moment I had to sign back here, it was only right,” he said.
Even though Baltimore tried to entice Hilton with a multi-year deal, he was only looking for a one-year offer as he’s more than content with taking things year by year. “After this one year, I’ll reevaluate everything, see how my body’s feeling. If I want to keep going, I’ll keep going, and if not, I’ll hang it up,” he said.
While he still communicates with Wayne, who showed him the ropes since his arrival as a rookie, Hilton also communicates with his former quarterback Andrew Luck. Luck retired after only six years due to the mental and physical toll of the injuries he sustained in his career.
Hilton said jokingly that “I probably got to stop calling him. He’ll probably want to make me retire.”
If the thought of retirement isn’t on Hilton’s mind, it definitely seems pretty close. A Super Bowl title would certainly be a nice way to call it a career. FanDuel Sportsbook places their odds at 23-1 to lift the Lombardi Trophy next year.