INDIANAPOLIS — Signed by the Colts to a free agent deal on Friday, All-Pro cornerback Xavier Rhodes today joined Colts.com's Matt Taylor to chat about what he brings to the table as a player and a leader, as well was reuniting with a couple former coaches from his time with the Minnesota Vikings.
Here are some highlights from that conversation, which you can listen to in its entirety above:
» Rhodes will be reuniting with two former coaches instrumental to his success with the Vikings: Alan Williams (safeties) and Jonathan Gannon (cornerbacks), the Colts' two secondary coaches, were both with the Vikings during Rhodes' time in Minnesota; Williams was Rhodes' defensive coordinator his rookie season in 2013, while Gannon was the Vikings' assistant defensive backs coach from 2014-17.
It was under Williams' and Gannon's tutelage that Rhodes was able to improve with each season since entering the league as a first-round pick in the 2013 NFL Draft. From 2013 to 2017, in fact, Rhodes never had a season with fewer than 48 tackles and 10 passes defensed, and in 2016 he had a career year with five interceptions, one of which he returned 100 yards for a touchdown. That led to Rhodes being selected First-Team All-Pro in 2017.
Rhodes thinks having both Williams and Gannon on the Colts' staff will be a major advantage.
"It'll be a key factor, because those guys know the type of player I am and they know my strengths, and they've actually seen my work ethic and the things that really works for me," he said. "So we're going to work around that, and also they know how much of a professional I am and how much knowledge of the game I have. So they basically spoke to me and they look forward to me just being able to play my ball, play my style, and also coaching the young guys."
Gannon, specifically, left an impression on Rhodes.
"He was just there, and he would listen to the players, hear us out, because he understood the game knowing that we were out there on the field and we see the changes and the checks and the calls that the quarterback makes and the routes that the receivers are running against us," Rhodes said. "So he was always asking us in meetings when I was in Minnesota what do we see, how can we change, how can we get better as a secondary. And by that, you want a coach like that on your side because you're trying to understand the player, and that's how you can get better as a team and as a team and as a segment."
» Rhodes brings size, speed and physicality: All three of those traits are coveted for cornerbacks in the Colts' defensive system. And at 6-foot-1 and 218 pounds and sporting 4.43-second 40-yard dash speed, Rhodes should fit in just fine, particularly lined up on the outside.
And, like all good cornerbacks, Rhodes also enjoys playing mind games with the receiver lined up across from him.
"Everyone knows I'm big. I'm a big, physical guy, and I like to get guys at the line of scrimmage," Rhodes said when asked to describe his game. "And I'm not only physical, I'm pretty fast, so I'm looking forward to just getting in the guy's face and slowing the timing down, messing with the timing between the receiver and the quarterback and making the quarterback make tough throws and tough decisions."
In his seven NFL seasons, Rhodes has collected 372 total tackles (15 for a loss) with 10 interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), 73 passes defensed and three forced fumbles.
Since 2013, only Logan Ryan has put up those kind of numbers at the cornerback position, according to Pro-Football-Reference.com.
How does Rhodes do it? And how will he continue that trend in Indy?
"Just being me," he said. "Believing in myself, believing in the coaches and believing in my teammates. Allowing me to be myself, so once I get there — like I said, Coach Gannon and Alan (Williams) knows me best, and I believe they're gonna let me play my game and be physical and be who I am."
» Rhodes is excited about the prospect of both playing a key defensive role and coaching up the younger guys: The Colts feature a very young, but talented, group of defensive backs — most notably guys like Rock Ya-Sin, Marvell Tell III and Khari Willis, all of whom will be entering their second seasons in 2020.
Rhodes, who turns 30 in June, knows the importance of having solid veteran leadership on the defensive side of the ball.
But he also knows he won't have to do it alone. Rhodes is one of four Colts defensive players — DeForest Buckner, Justin Houston and Darius Leonard the others — to have earned All-Pro honors at some point of their career, giving the unit elite talent at all three levels.
"It's great to have those types of guys on the defense, because they know what it takes to win, they know what it takes to be the best," Rhodes said. "We can teach the younger guys how to be pros, how to be professionals and how to get to that level, and once you have a whole team of guys wanting to work that hard and accomplish that and we're all on one page and one accord, the sky's the limit."
Accordingly, Rhodes is ready to get going with his new teammates — as soon as they're able to, of course.
"Just joining the guys," Rhodes said when asked what he's looking forward to most about signing with the Colts. "The coaches seem excited and are willing to have me there with the guys, and also just being a vet on the team, just being to coach the young guys and trying to get these guys, trying to get the organization, to the playoffs and the Super Bowl."
See the best images of free agent cornerback Xavier Rhodes as he signs with the Indianapolis Colts.
Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes warms up before an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Andy Clayton-King)
Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes (29) in action during an NFL football NFC championship game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Jan. 21, 2018, in Philadelphia. The Eagles defeated the Vikings, 38-7. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes walks on the field during the first half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers in Carson, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019. (AP Photo/Kelvin Kuo)
Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes (29) stops San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Adam Thielen (19) during an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020, in Santa Clara, Calif. The 49ers defeated the Vikings 27-10. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes (29) defends during an NFL divisional playoff football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020, in Santa Clara, Calif. The 49ers defeated the Vikings, 27-10. (Ryan Kang via AP)
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Kendrick Bourne (84) catches a pass ahead of Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes (29) during the second half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020, in Santa Clara, Calif. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Kendrick Bourne (84) falls to the ground after catching a pass against Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes (29) during the second half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020, in Santa Clara, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) carries the ball as Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes (29) makes a tackle during in an NFL wild-card playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2020, in New Orleans. Minnesota won 26-20 in overtime. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes (29) during an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins, Thursday, Oct. 24, 2019, in Minneapolis. The Vikings won 19-9. (Aaron Doster via AP)
Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes (29) tackles Green Bay Packers wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during an NFL football game Monday, Dec. 23, 2019 in Minneapolis. The Packers beat the Vikings 23-10. (Todd Rosenberg via AP)
Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes (29) in coverage during in an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2020, in New Orleans. Minnesota won 26-20 in overtime. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes (29) in coverage during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in Arlington, Texas. Minnesota won 28-24. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Amari Cooper (19) runs a route while Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes (29) defends during the first half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019. (AP Photo/Roger Steinman)
Minnesota Vikings defensive back Xavier Rhodes (29) rests during an NFL game against the Seattle Seahawks, Monday Dec. 2, 2019 in Seattle. The Seahawks defeated the Vikings 37-30. (Greg Trott via AP)
Minnesota Vikings defensive back Xavier Rhodes (29) waits for the snap during an NFL game against the Seattle Seahawks, Monday Dec. 2, 2019 in Seattle. The Seahawks defeated the Vikings 37-30. (Greg Trott via AP)
Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes (29) during an NFL regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2019 in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs won, 26-23. (Ric Tapia via AP)
Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes (29) prior to an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins, Thursday, Oct. 24, 2019, in Minneapolis. The Vikings won 19-9. (Aaron Doster via AP)
Minnesota Vikings defensive back Xavier Rhodes breaks up a pass intended for Kansas City Chiefs receiver Sammy Watkins during a NFL football game, Sunday, Nov 3, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs defeated the Vikings 26-23. (G. Newman Lowrance via AP)
Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes (29) during the National Anthem prior to an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins, Thursday, Oct. 24, 2019, in Minneapolis. The Vikings won 19-9. (Aaron Doster via AP)
Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes, left, breaks up a pass intended for Miami Dolphins wide receiver DeVante Parker, right, during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 16, 2018, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
Washington Redskins running back Adrian Peterson (26) poses with Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes (29) and defensive end Everson Griffen (97) following an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 24, 2019, in Minneapolis. The Vikings won 19-9. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes walks on the field during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
Washington Redskins wide receiver Terry McLaurin (17) is tackled by Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes (29) after catching a pass during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 24, 2019, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes (29) defends during an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2019, in Chicago. The Bears defeated the Vikings, 16-6. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Oakland Raiders tight end Darren Waller fumbles after getting hit by Minnesota Vikings defenders Xavier Rhodes (29) and Eric Kendricks, rear, during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes (29) in action during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Monday, Dec. 10, 2018, in Seattle. The Seahawks defeated the Vikings, 21-7. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes (29) looks on as he kneels down on the playing field during an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018 in Chicago. The Bears won 25-20. (Scott Boehm via AP)
New England Patriots defensive back Stephon Gilmore (24) and Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes (29) pose at midfield after an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) smiles during an NFL football game as he hugs Minnesota Vikings defensive back Xavier Rhodes (29), Sunday Sept. 15, 2019 in Green Bay, Wisc. The Packers defeated the Vikings 21-16. (Greg Trott via AP)
Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes (29) on the field during the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018 in Philadelphia. (Perry Knotts via AP)
Minnesota Vikings defensive back Xavier Rhodes (29) in action during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday, Sept. 27, 2018, in Los Angeles. The Rams defeated the Vikings, 38-31. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Arizona Cardinals offensive tackle Andre Smith, left, talks with Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes (29) after an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 14, 2018, in Minneapolis. The Vikings won 27-17. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones (11) is tackled by Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes (29) after making a reception during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
Minnesota Vikings defensive back Xavier Rhodes (29) is seen in the huddle prior to an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday, Sept. 27, 2018, in Los Angeles. The Rams defeated the Vikings, 38-31. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Minnesota Vikings defensive back Xavier Rhodes (29) looks on during warmups prior to an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Minneapolis. The Vikings defeated the 49ers, 24-16. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes, left, talks with Baltimore Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith, right, after an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017, in Minneapolis. The Vikings won 24-16. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
Minnesota Vikings defensive end Stephen Weatherly (91), defensive back Xavier Rhodes (29) and defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson (93) look on during the national anthem prior to an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Minneapolis. The Vikings defeated the 49ers, 24-16. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Minnesota Vikings defensive back Xavier Rhodes (29) puts on his helmet during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Minneapolis. The Vikings defeated the 49ers, 24-16. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones (11) stiff arms Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes (29) during an NFL football game in Detroit, Thursday, Nov. 23, 2017. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes during NFL football practice in Eagan, Minn., Monday, July 30, 2018. (AP Photo/Andy Clayton-King)
Minnesota Vikings' Xavier Rhodes celebrates with fan Ciana Devange of Trophy Club, Texas, as they watch the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 26, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes warms up before an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos Saturday, Aug. 11, 2018, in Denver. (AP Photo/Mark Reis)
FILE- In this Thursday, Nov. 23, 2017, file photo, Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes (29) returns an interception as teammates Mackensie Alexander (20) and Andrew Sendejo move into block during the second half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions in Detroit. The Vikings let cornerback Captain Munnerlyn sign with the Carolina Panthers in free agency, but their pass coverage hasn't slipped with Rhodes, Alexander, Trae Waynes and Terence Newman helping to hold together a quality group. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski, File)
Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes (29) returns an interception intended for Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones, left, during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Nov. 23, 2017, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Sammie Coates (10) runs with the ball as Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes, left, defends during the second half of an NFL football game at Twickenham Stadium in London, Sunday Oct. 29, 2017. (AP Photo/Tim Ireland)
Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes (29) intercepts a pass intended for Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Nov. 23, 2017, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes (29) in coverage during a week 16 NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2017 in Green Bay, Wis. Minnesota won 16-0. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Davante Adams (17) runs a route in front of Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes (29) during an NFL football game on Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017, in Minneapolis. (NFL Photos via AP)
Minnesota Vikings defensive back Xavier Rhodes (29) breaks up a pass during an NFC Divisional Playoff game intended for New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas (13) on Sunday, Jan. 14, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minn. The Vikings won the game, 29-24. (Greg Trott via AP)
Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes smiles while warming up before an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns at Twickenham Stadium in London, Sunday Oct. 29, 2017. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
