INDIANAPOLIS, IN – In a monumental display of commitment to their beloved franchise and the city that embraced them, Pro Football Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison and AFC Defensive Player of the Year legend Robert Mathis have announced a joint multi-million dollar endowment for the Indianapolis Colts. This extraordinary contribution will directly support youth development initiatives, further cementing their legacy with the Colts and leaving an indelible mark on the community.
Marvin Harrison, the prolific wide receiver known for his unparalleled route-running and record-breaking connection with Peyton Manning, and Robert Mathis, the dynamic defensive end and master of the “strip-sack,” who terrorized opposing quarterbacks for over a decade, have long been revered as Colts legends. Their combined achievements on the field contributed significantly to the team’s success, including a Super Bowl victory in 2007. Now, they are joining forces off the field to make a lasting impact on the next generation of athletes and leaders in Indianapolis.
At a press conference held at the Colts’ headquarters, both Harrison and Mathis spoke passionately about their decision to establish the endowment.
“Indianapolis and the Colts organization hold a special place in my heart,” Harrison stated. “This city embraced me from the moment I arrived, and the fans supported me throughout my career. I want to give back to this community and ensure that young people have the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.”
Mathis echoed those sentiments, emphasizing the importance of providing support and guidance to young athletes. “Football taught me invaluable lessons about teamwork, discipline, and perseverance,” Mathis said. “I want to share those lessons with the next generation and help them develop into well-rounded individuals, both on and off the field.”
The endowment will be managed by the Indianapolis Colts Foundation, which has a long history of supporting youth development programs in the city. The funds will be used to support a variety of initiatives, including:
- Youth Football Leagues: Providing resources for equipment, field maintenance, and coaching to ensure that young athletes have access to quality football programs.
- Educational Support: Funding tutoring programs, scholarships, and educational workshops to help student-athletes excel in the classroom.
- Character Development: Implementing programs that focus on building leadership skills, promoting sportsmanship, and instilling values such as integrity and respect.
- Community Outreach: Partnering with local organizations to provide mentorship opportunities, create safe spaces for youth to participate in sports, and offer resources to underprivileged families.
Jim Irsay, owner and CEO of the Indianapolis Colts, expressed his gratitude for Harrison and Mathis’s generous contribution. “Marvin and Robert are not only legendary players but also exceptional individuals,” Irsay said. “Their commitment to giving back to this community is truly inspiring. This endowment will have a profound impact on the lives of countless young people in Indianapolis, and we are incredibly grateful for their support.”
The announcement of the endowment has been met with an outpouring of support from the Colts organization, current and former players, and the Indianapolis community. Many have praised Harrison and Mathis for their leadership, generosity, and dedication to making a difference.
Harrison and Mathis’s legacy in Indianapolis extends far beyond their on-field accomplishments. Harrison, a Hall of Fame inductee, is considered one of the greatest wide receivers in NFL history. Mathis holds the NFL record for most strip-sacks in a career and was a feared pass rusher throughout his time with the Colts. Both players were instrumental in the Colts’ Super Bowl XLI victory, solidifying their place in the hearts of Colts fans forever.
Their decision to establish this endowment further cements their legacy as not only legendary athletes but also compassionate and community-minded individuals. They are setting a powerful example for current and future athletes, demonstrating the importance of using their platform and resources to create positive change.
The impact of this endowment is expected to be felt for generations to come. By investing in the youth of Indianapolis, Harrison and Mathis are helping to shape the future of the community and ensure that young people have the opportunity to reach their full potential. Their extraordinary generosity serves as a reminder that true greatness is measured not only by what one achieves on the field but also by what one gives back to the world.