November 8, 2012; Jacksonville FL, USA; Indianapolis Colts outside linebacker Dwight Freeney (93) during the second quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
After spending 10 seasons on the same team together and both leaving the Indianapolis Colts, Dwight Freeney and Peyton Manning have found themselves in the same division once again but on different teams.
His play has declined in the last few seasons, but that won’t mean he won’t get a sack or two while playing against his long time teammate and friend this season. It was rumored in March that Peyton wanted the Denver Broncos to pursue Dwight Freeney, hoping he would be reunited with his long time teammate.
After the San Diego Chargers former 1st round pick Melvin Ingram suffered a season-ending knee injury, the Chargers were quick to call and sign Dwight Freeney. Freeney signed a 2 year deal with a base of around $8.75 million, as he tries to reach double figures when it comes to sacks.
Freeney was a guest on a radio station in San Diego called XTRA Sports 1360 where he said it will be fun to play full speed against Manning this year, since he could never put a hand on him during practice.
"“It would definitely be great to get after him. He’s a great competitor, I’m a great competitor. How many times have I envisioned hitting him during practice, when he had that five-yard halo around him and you couldn’t go in that circle? Millions of times. So it would be fun to get after him a little bit.” – Freeney said on XTRA Sports 1360"
Dwight Freeney will go head to head with his former starting quarterback in Week 10 and 15. Although they won a Super Bowl together and had the success they did in Indianapolis, Freeney said he considers Peyton Manning to be like family. But as soon as he is lined up across from Peyton, he should be ready for a little rough game of family football.
The match up between Dwight Freeney and Peyton Manning will be fun to watch, as the Denver Broncos and Indianapolis Colts didn’t go head to head in Manning’s first year as a Denver Bronco.