[
]()
INDIANAPOLIS – This week the Indianapolis Colts announced defensive end Cory Redding as their local "Man of the Year" winner for his commitment to community service and his leadership both on and off the field. As the local winner of this award, Redding is eligible to be considered for the NFL's Walter Payton Man of the Year, the highest distinction an NFL player can receive for his efforts both on and off the field. The award is named in honor of the late Chicago Bears running back Walter Payton.
Cory Redding joined the Indianapolis Colts on March 14, 2012 as a nine-year NFL veteran. Over the past eight months, Redding has quickly become a leader and community advocate for the Colts. To that end, Redding was named a defensive captain for the team last week.
"Cory brings a great spirit to our team every day," said interim head coach Bruce Arians. "He is a caring teammate, compassionate towards all, on and off field. His work in the community is outstanding, along with his commitment to his alma mater. Cory is true leader in all aspects."
In 2007, Redding started the Cory Redding Foundation to support educational, recreational and community assistance programs for at-risk populations. The foundation's current programs include the 3D Football Camp, the Cory Redding Middle School Challenge program and a partnership with Meals and Wheels in Austin, TX which provides meals for more than 5,000 individuals each year. In 2012, Redding and his wife, Priscilla, donated $100,000 to start the Cory and Priscilla Redding Family Scholarship at the University of Texas.
Locally, Redding started his Middle School Challenge program at Longfellow Middle School, participated in the team's Community Ticket Block program to provide 150 tickets, meal vouchers and cinch bags to students during the Colts season, participated in WTHR Channel 13's "Shatter the Silence" campaign to raise awareness for domestic abuse and child abuse, and served as a spokesman for the Million Meal Marathon with Kids Against Hunger to help raise more than $15,000 for the event. Redding is a regular participant in the Colts "Community Tuesdays" program, attending the NFL Play 60 Challenge launch, Pamper Her Pink event and Cold Feet, Warm Shoes. Cory also hosts an annual holiday shopping spree for underserved families. Over the past two years, Cory has provided $20,000 to families through these shopping events.
This year on the field, Redding has started all 12 games he has appeared in at defensive end and has totaled 39 tackles (21 solo), two sacks, four passes defensed and one fumble recovery. Against the Vikings in Week 2, he logged a season-high seven tackles while adding one pass defensed and one fumble recovery. Three weeks later against Green Bay (Week 5), Redding contributed with his third-career multiple-sack contest (2.0) and added six tackles. In all, Redding has tallied 446 tackles (300 solo), 27.5 sacks, one interception, 10 fumble recoveries, four forced fumbles and 16 passes defensed in 143 career games (113 starts).
