INDIANAPOLIS – The Indianapolis Colts today released running back Joseph Addai, linebacker Gary Brackett, defensive back Melvin Bullitt, tight end Dallas Clark and quarterback Curtis Painter.
"These players all made tremendous contributions to the organization and will forever be members of the Colts family," said Owner & CEO Jim Irsay. "It's always difficult to make these decisions which the nature of the salary cap requires. Their legacies with the Colts will be forever remembered by the organization, fans and Indianapolis community. We wish them all the best in their future endeavors."
"These days are always difficult and emotional," said General Manager Ryan Grigson. "The Colts organization will be bidding farewell to a terrific group of men who have made such an impact over their years of service on the field and in the community. I wish them nothing but the best as they take the next steps in their careers."
In six seasons (2006-11) with the Colts, Addai totaled 1,095 carries for 4,453 yards (4.1 avg.) and 39 touchdowns, while contributing with 191 receptions for 1,448 yards (7.6 avg.) and nine touchdowns. Addai's 4,453 rushing yards and 39 rushing touchdowns both rank seventh in franchise history. He compiled back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in 2006 and 2007 while adding 23 total touchdowns over those two years. Addai earned his first career Pro Bowl selection in 2007 and was also named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month in November of 2006.
Brackett spent nine seasons (2003-11) with the Colts and totaled 754 tackles (448 solo), 4.0 sacks, 12 interceptions, five forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and 29 passes defensed. He also added touchdowns on three occasions in 2003 (interception return), 2007 (fumble return) and 2008 (fumble return). Brackett's 12 interceptions rank fifth in franchise history among linebackers while his 29 passes defensed rank first. He is a two-time AFC Defensive Player of the Week recipient, earning the honor in 2005 and 2008.
Bullitt was a member of the Colts for five seasons (2007-11) and recorded 189 tackles (122 solo), seven interceptions, two forced fumbles and seven passes defensed. Over the last five years, Bullitt's seven picks rank third among all Colts on the defensive unit. He posted his best year in 2008 when he contributed with four interceptions, which ranked tied for eighth in the AFC. Bullitt became a starter at safety in 2008 and served as a team captain over his last three years.
In nine seasons with the Colts (2003-11), Dallas Clark totaled 427 receptions for 4,887 yards (11.4 avg.) and 46 touchdowns. He holds the team record in touchdowns by a tight end while ranking second in yards (John Mackey, 5,126) and 100-plus yard games (Mackey, 8; Clark, 7). Clark owns franchise seasonal marks in catches (100 in 2009), yards (1,106 in 2009) and touchdowns (11 in 2007). He became the second tight end in NFL history to tally 100-plus receptions and was the first at his position in franchise history to notch 1,000-plus receiving yards in a single season.
Clark was selected as a Pro Bowl starter in 2009 while earning Associated Press NFL All-Pro first team, NFL Alumni Tight End of the Year and Sporting News NFL All Pro team honors the same year. He was also selected as the AFC Offensive Player of the Week for his performance against Houston on November 8, 2009.
Painter was originally selected by the Colts in the sixth round of the 2009 NFL Draft. In three seasons (2009-11) he saw action in 11 games with eight starts and completed 140-of-271 career passes for 1,624 yards (51.7 pct.), six touchdowns, 11 interceptions and a 60.6 quarterback rating.
In 2011, Painter competed in nine contests (eight starts) and made his first career start against Tampa Bay (Week 4) where he set career highs in passing yards (281), touchdowns (two) and quarterback rating (99.4). He threw an 87-yard touchdown pass against the Buccaneers, which marked the fifth longest pass in franchise history.
