Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Wednesday, February 25, 2009
(INDIANAPOLIS, IN) - The Indianapolis Colts will officially release wide receiver Marvin Harrision today, severing their 13-year relationship.
The 36-year-old Pro Bowl regular is free to sign with any NFL team.
Team Owner Jim Irsay announced Harrison's departure on Tuesday after the two met face to face earlier in the day. Irsay says there will be a time for the eight-time Pro Bowl receiver to be inducted into the Colts ring of honor and the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but those are in the future as Harrison wants to continue to play and will sign with another NFL team.
Harrison had three years remaining on his contract and was scheduled to make $13.4-million dollars in 2009. That, combined with signs that age is starting to catch up with Harrison, led team officials to determine that they could no longer fit him under the salary cap. He missed eleven games in 2007 due to injuries to both knees and while his numbers were better in 2007, they were not up to Harrison's usual standard.
Due to bonuses already paid, the team will only get about $6-million dollars worth of cap relief in the upcoming season.
Harrison was the 19th-overall draft pick in 1996 and ranks second in NFL history in receptions with 1,102, fourth in receiving yards with 14,580 and fifth in touchdowns with 128.
Harrison and Peyton Manning combined for 953 completions for 12,755 yards and 112 touchdowns, tops among quarterback / wide receiver tandems in NFL history.
The announcement came after the NFL's 4pm eastern time deadline for waiver deals, so Harrison's release does not become official until today.
1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com
© Ad-Venture Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.