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Indianapolis Colts: Jerrell Freeman Reflects on Final Moments With Team

By Garrett Hagan

Nov 22, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Indianapolis Colts linebacker Jerrell Freeman (50) celebrates after recovering a fumble in the third quarter of their game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. The Colts won 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 22, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Indianapolis Colts linebacker Jerrell Freeman (50) celebrates after recovering a fumble in the third quarter of their game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. The Colts won 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Former Indianapolis Colts linebacker Jerrell Freeman recently reflected on his final moments with the Colts — including the contract dispute that eventually lead to his departure from the team back in March.

The Indianapolis Colts take on the Chicago Bears this coming Sunday, and will see a familiar face on the defensive side of the ball.

The injury-depleted Colts defense will go up against former Colt Jerrell Freeman and the Bears’ defense, as both teams look to improve their current 1-3 record.

Early Wednesday, Freeman touched base on this past offseason’s free agency period, and the Colts’ handling of Freeman’s contract situation when the Bears offered him a three-year, $12 million offer, per Mike Wells of ESPN.com.

"“It was pretty much, ‘Good luck,’” Freeman said Wednesday. “Even when I did get the Bears’ offer and we tried to go back to them. They were like, ‘Yeah, this is a good deal; take it.’ I guess it [was] over.”"

The fact that the Colts didn’t even appear to retain Freeman for a long-term deal is baffling, as he led the team in tackles, or was close, since joining the team as an un-drafted free agent prior to the 2012 season.

General Manager Ryan Grigson would sign Nate Irving to a deal before the 2015 season — a move that rubbed Freeman the wrong way and indicated what was near for the 30 year-old linebacker.

“That kind had me off a little bit,” Freeman said. “Ah man, is that how it is? Later on after that year, it was one of those take-it-or-leave-it-type things. I was like, four years and that’s how it is? Take or leave it?”

Even after being practically kicked to the curb by Grigson, Freeman hold no ill feelings towards his old team and organization.

Indianapolis Colts
Oct 2, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears inside linebacker Jerrell Freeman (50) celebrates making a play during the second half against the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field. Chicago won 17-14. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /

“I don’t feel like I’m entitled to anything,” Freeman said. “I guess, take life as it comes. I worked hard to develop a lot of relationships. Been around some great guys, been around a great owner. People around the league don’t realize how great of an owner [Jim] Irsay is.”

The Bears’ defense currently ranks 11th in the league through four weeks, allowing just 333.50 yards per game. The Colts on the other hand, rank in the bottom-half of the league, ranking in at No. 24 — allowing 382.80 yards per contest.

Next: Reggie Wayne Blasts Indianapolis Colts’ Management for Team’s Struggles

With Freeman’s replacements in Sio Moore and Irving no longer being on the roster, the Colts hope that some of their younger talent will be able to carry their own weight as the Colts look to turn their season in the right direction.

The Colts take on the Bears Sunday, Oct. 9 at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

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