Blue
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- Mar 19, 2019
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» Wilson waited for the right opportunity, and is happy it came with the Colts: Wilson, who entered the NFL in 2012 as a second-round selection by the New England Patriots, has plenty of experience under his belt.
In 110 career games with 43 starts with the Patriots (2012-15) and the Detroit Lions (2016-19), he has ecorded 331 tackles (255 solo), 16.0 tackles for loss, 5.0 sacks, 19 passes defensed, eight interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), one forced fumble, six fumble recoveries and 26 special teams stops.
He has seen action in eight postseason contests (one start) and has compiled 12 tackles (nine solo).
When he became a free agent this offseason, however, Wilson knew it'd be important to find the right place for him; so when the Colts had a need at the safety position after Rolan Milligan decided to opt-out due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Wilson jumped at the chance to join an organization he had his eye on for a while.
Wilson has fit right in since signing on Aug. 11, and has already played a major role in the secondary at the team's recent training camp practices.
"I thought it was best for me and my family to take my time with my decision and kind of see what was out there for me," Wilson said. "I've always kind of had my eye on Indianapolis. I had a former coach here, respect the GM a whole lot, the head coach a whole lot, so this is somewhere where I wanted to be"
» Wilson takes his role as a team leader very seriously: Veteran experience is critical at any position, but Colts general manager Chris Ballard thinks it's especially important in the secondary, where young players could use a consistent presence to get them through the ups and downs they'll be facing and show them the ropes on the practice field and in the film room.
It didn't take long for Wilson to establish that kind of leadership in his first couple weeks in Indy; already several young defensive players have talked about Wilson's impact in this area.
Wilson said he mostly takes a lead-by-example approach, but he isn't scared to speak up if and when it is needed.
"I think all of us here are grown men so a lot of guys are not going to follow your words, they're going to follow your actions," he said. "I come here and try to be as consistent as I can every day, be a great example for the young guys. When I feel the need to step in and be vocal, I will. I can't tell you when I have to step up and say something to someone or get them in line or whatever, but I could hold guys accountable as well but I think here, just being a lead-by-example type of guy and just fill it in where needed vocally."