Colts Reunion: Gary Brackett

Colts linebacker Gary Brackett joins Matt Taylor and Bill Brooks on episode three of Colts Reunion. A walk-on in college at Rutgers and an undrafted free agent in the NFL, Brackett found success the old-fashioned way – by earning it every step of the way Brackett played all nine of his NFL seasons with the Colts and ranks fourth all-time in career tackles in team history. Brackett recounts his long odds of getting a scholarship in college, breaking into the Colts' starting lineup on defense, the team's success in the 2000s and what makes him such a good businessman following football.

Former Colts running back Albert Bentley joins Matt Taylor and Bill Brooks for the final installment of Colts Reunion in 2024. Bentley wore the Colts' blue from 1985-1991 and wore many hats on offense and on special teams. Bentley recounts winning a National Championship at Miami, playing in the USFL and joining the Colts shortly after the team moved to Indianapolis. Bentley also breaks down why he was such a versatile player and how he was able to succeed at so many parts of the game.

In the next episode of the Colts Reunion Podcast, Matt Taylor and Bills Brooks are excited to welcome former Colts offensive lineman Ryan Diem. Diem joined the Colts in 2001 after four years at Northern Illinois University. Drafted in the fourth round by Indianapolis, he quickly became a key player in blocking for Edgerrin James and protecting Peyton Manning. Throughout his entire 11-year NFL career with the Colts, he appeared in 173 regular season and playoff games. Diem shares insights into his early days with the Colts, his experience playing with numerous great teammates, and reflects on the Colts' sustained success in the 2000s.

Former Colts wide receiver Austin Collie joins Jeffrey Gorman and Bill Brooks on this episode of Colts Reunion. Collie discusses his time with the Colts and being thrusted into the offense with Reggie Wayne, Dallas Clark and Peyton Manning early in his career. Collie also sheds light on his special bond and friendship with head coach Shane Steichen, and what it was like for him to deal with injuries early in his career that derailed his longevity as a professional.

The Colts Reunion Podcast returns as Matt Taylor and Colts' Ring of Honor member Bill Brooks talk with former Colts' tight end Ken Dilger. Dilger played for the Colts for seven seasons and was instrumental to the Colts' popularity and success in the late 90s and early 2000s. Dilger discusses joining his "hometown team" as a native of southern Indiana and what his early days in Indianapolis were like. Dilger also remembers what it was like to play with a young Peyton Manning and how the Colts transformed the city of Indianapolis into a "football town."

On this episode of The Colts Reunion Podcast, Matt Taylor and Bill Brooks welcome in former Colts center Ray Donaldson who wore the horseshoe from 1980 to 1992. Donaldson was a six-time Pro Bowler and is regarded as the first African-American center in NFL history. Donaldson discusses his path to the NFL, how he was able to play 17 total years in the NFL, and what it was like playing for the Colts in their early days in Indianapolis.

On this installment of the Colts Reunion Podcast, Matt Taylor and Bill Brooks go down memory lane with former Colts running back Edgerrin James, one of the greatest players in Colts history. James discusses why he was so motivated to play college football at Miami, why he's never compromised on being himself, and explains why he was able to dominate the NFL so early in his career. Lastly, Edge talks about his exit from the Colts in 2005 and what it meant to him to finally get inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2020.

On this episode of the Colts Reunion Podcast, Matt Taylor sits down with former Colts offensive tackle Anthony Castonzo who retired in 2020. Castonzo discusses his journey from Boston College to the Colts and his early battles in practice with Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis. Anthony relives his touchdown catch against the Patriots on Sunday Night Football and the players that gave him trouble on game day during his ten-year career, and lastly talks about his Colts' legacy and what the Colts organization will always mean to him having only played for one NFL franchise for a decade.