INDIANAPOLIS – The history of the Indianapolis Colts is eight years longer than the time Johnathan Hankins has spent on this earth.
For 33 years, the Colts have been playing football in the city of Indianapolis.
In that time, they've never had an interior defensive lineman make the Pro Bowl.
Johnathan Hankins, there's a goal for you in your new playing home.
That, along with trying to help the Colts climb out of the basement from last year's defensive rankings.
"I always like challenges," Hankins says.
"Each year I put certain goals for myself. Coming here, I knew (improving the defense) was going to be a big challenge, a big change, coming to a new organization. I take pride in myself to get the job done. With the guys around, I feel like we can accomplish that."
When a microphone has been put in front of Hankins this offseason, the highest paid defender on the Colts defense has been staunch in his beliefs.
Hankins won't be alone in having the difficult task calling for major defensive improvement this fall.
Like any coach, Hankins knows where it must start with the Colts.
"It starts from the beginning: stopping the run," Hankins says. "If you can do that, it helps a lot.
"I feel like we brought the right guys to come in and do it. I'm confident that I can do that here, and with Jabaal (Sheard) and John Simon, I feel like we got the right guys to set the edge and get the job done in that area. And then pass rush is just something we're going to have to learn to develop together and get a feel of each other."
The Colts brought Hankins in to change the perception of defensive football in Indianapolis.
That has trickled to off the field as well.
"I'm working on being more of a leader and having that confidence that you have to have," Hankins, 25, says.
"If you don't set goals or high goals, what are you working for? I feel like that was necessary for me to do that, especially with the new GM and the new atmosphere they want around here. Just have to go out there and prove that."
The Colts Sign DT Johnathan Hankins!
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