MENU
Former Indianapolis Colts star tight end Dallas Clark is officially calling it quits. News broke on Monday that the longtime Colt would “hang’em up”, capping his solid NFL career at seven seasons.
Clark leaves the game at 35 years old, arguably with still something left in the tank, but evidently not enough desire to continue through the rigors of an NFL training camp. Clark’s free agency stock had apparently dried up considerably, as well, despite a somewhat productive final season with the Baltimore Ravens.
Clark is easily best known for his days as a specialty “move” tight end with Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts. Clark helped make that position into what it is today, as he was more of a slot wide receiver than a true tight end for the majority of his career – specifically with the Colts.
While he had numerous solid seasons in Indy, Clark’s best season was without a doubt in 2009, when he hauled in a ridiculous 100 receptions for 1,106 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. Clark scored a career high 11 touchdowns in 2007, as well.
One of Manning’s most reliable targets in the passing game in Indianapolis, Clark battled through numerous nagging injuries to rack up 58+ receptions in three straight seasons from 2007-2009. The injuries started to finally take a toll on Clark following his awesome 2009 season, however, as he wound up missing a combined 15 games over the next two years.
Clark remained in Indianapolis through 2011, when Manning succumbed to a neck issue that robbed him of his entire season. With Manning moving on to the Denver Broncos the following season, the Colts cut ties with many of their veterans. That sent Clark off to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he surprised many with his best numbers in three years, as he caught 47 passes for 435 receiving yards and four touchdowns.
Clark wrapped up his NFL career with his final season in Baltimore last year, where he caught 31 balls for 343 receiving yards and three scores.
Arguably finishing his career as one of the best pure receiving tight ends of the current generation, Clark holds one Super Bowl ring and two appearances in the big game to his name, as well.
