Reggie Wayne pens emotional farewell letter to Colts fans

Saying farewell to your home of 14 years is always difficult, but Reggie Wayne executed his departure from Indianapolis with total class. 

Wayne was not offered a contract by the Colts for the 2015 season, and the 36-year-old may have to suit up for another club for the first time in his career. 

He penned an emotional letter Friday to Colts fans and team personnel, published by The Indianapolis Star. 

"With the 30th pick in the 2001 NFL draft, the Indianapolis Colts decided to take a chance on me," Wayne begins the letter. "They allowed me to wear the horseshoe and represent the organization. With that pick they made my childhood dream come true. I bled blue and white for 14 years, and I was truly grateful for the opportunity to play a kids game week in and week out. 

"Everyone who plays this game has to make a huge 'sacrifice' to become the best football player they could possibly be. I laid it on the line every day and stayed committed to achieve the ultimate goal of winning a championship."

During his career with the Colts, Wayne won a Super Bowl in 2006 and was named to the Pro Bowl six times. Alongside Marvin Harrison, Wayne was part of one of the most prolific receiver duos in league history, spending the majority of his career catching passes from Peyton Manning. 

Wayne went on to thank all of his coaches with the Colts, the fans and the state of Indiana. 

The veteran wide receiver concluded the letter as follows: 

To the state of Indiana, Colts Nation and especially the 317 - thank you for making this my home away from home. As a Louisiana kid, I came from a community that really embraces its own, and Indianapolis did that with me from Day 1. That made my transition here all those years ago so easy, and now there are so many of you that I call my friends. I am going to miss the REG-GIE chants before every home game, where each time I felt like I got a personal "good luck" wish from each of you. My goal every game was to give everyone in the stadium and at home watching on TV all I could because all of you deserved nothing less. I can't thank you enough for all the love and support all of you have given me.

Thanks for everything Colts Nation!

Reggie Wayne, #87

The entire letter can be seen here.