Former Colts DE Dwight Freeney elected to Pro Football Hall of Fame

Former Indianapolis Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney was announced as a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024 on Thursday night.

In just his second time on the ballot, the feared pass rusher made it. He joins Devin Hester, Andre Johnson, Patrick Willis, Julius Peppers, Steve McMichael and Randy Gradishar as members of the Hall’s newest class.

Pro Football Hall of Fame, Class of 2024:

Julius Peppers
Devin Hester
Dwight Freeney
Andre Johnson
Patrick Willis
Steve McMichael
Randy Gradishar

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 9, 2024

“Dwight built himself into one of the game’s most feared pass rushers with his trademark spin move,” said Colts owner Jim Irsay in a statement. “He provided Colts fans with many thrilling moments as one of pro football’s all-time greats, and he truly deserves this honor.”

A finalist in each of his first two years on the ballot, Freeney had 125.5 sacks in his career, which ranks 18th on the official list. He was a three-time All-Pro first-team selection (2004, 2005, 2009) and a seven-time Pro Bowler (2003-2005, 2008-2011).

Thanks in large part to his legendary spin move, Freeney recorded double-digit sacks in seven seasons. He led the NFL with 16 sacks in 2004 and was named to the All-Decade Team of the 2000s.

Former Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne did not make the final cut for the fifth year in a row. He has been a finalist each year he’s been on the ballot, so it’s very likely he will get in sooner rather than later.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024 will be enshrined Saturday, Aug. 3 at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio.