Shades of 2006? Mathis and Colts Have One Mission, One Goal.

All-Pro Robert Mathis is returning for a 13th season. It’s just a matter of when he will return. Mathis, the 2013 sack leader (19.5) is now in the rehabilitation process recovering from a torn Achilles tendon.

The injury took place in September while training off-site during his NFL sanctioned 4-game suspension. At age 34, most NFL players would be contemplating retirement after such a serious injury. Not Mathis.

Despite his battle against Father Time, Mathis is working hard to return for 2015. There is a possibility that he has lost some explosion in his step which is a necessity for any edge rusher.

There were some rumors that he might not make it back especially after being awarded a watch by owner Jim Irsay after the Colt’s Minicamp open practice in June. It was assumed that it was “the gold watch presentation” given to many retiring players.

Instead, it was an emotional presentation awarding Mathis a diamond encrusted watch to honor Mathis on his 2013 performance winning the Deacon Jones Award as the NFL sack leader.

According to Kevin Bowen of Colts.com:

"Upon receiving the watch from Irsay, Mathis had his teammates’ full attention.“I was fired up,” safety Mike Adams said after Mathis’ talk.“He has the same goals we have, to hang another banner up and to win that Super Bowl. That’s what we want to do and that’s the plan.”The emotion on Mathis’ face during the presentation was quite apparent.Before the motivational message to end the evening at Lucas Oil Stadium, Mathis tried to hold back tears when Irsay spoke."

Pagano addressed the question of Mathis’ return recently with Colts.com is confident that if anyone can make it back from such an injury late in their career it is Mathis:

"“When he gets cleared, we’ll get him back on the grass,” Pagano said of Mathis at the end of the team’s mini-camp. “Then when we get him back, we’ve got to be smart with how we get him back in the lineup and those type of things.“Time will tell. I’m not Kreskin or Nostradamus. I don’t know. I’m not trying to be a jokester. I don’t know. If anybody can do it, I’m putting my money on him.”"

For those who do not follow Mathis on Twitter or Instagram, you should. He has maintained regular postings of he rehabilitation and maintained that he will be back and ready bring home the Vince Lombardy Trophy at least one more time.

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