Darrius Heyward-Bey is not looking to stir the pot this week. The Indianapolis Colts wide receiver will meet up with his former Raiders for the first time as the two teams square off for a Week One match. Heyward-Bey was released by Oakland earlier in the offseason, but he is not looking to give his former teammates any added motivation for the game.
Plenty of people are poking the wide receiver to give some kind of bulletin-board material leading into the weekend game, but Heyward-Bey is not budging. Instead, Heyward-Bey is only offering up the kindest of words regarding his former team.
"It was a good experience. We had some good times and we had some difficult times. But a lot of great teammates, great coaches. I learned a lot over there. I understand that's a team I used to play for. Still friends with a lot of those guys. Other than that, just preparing like I always prepare," Heyward-Bey said, via Indystar.com.
Very wise words from the wide receiver. Head coach Chuck Pagano echoed Heyward-Bey's statement. He told reporters that the team is not looking to fire up the opponents by doing any sort of trash talking. He is encouraging all players to simply prepare like normal and stay quiet.
Pagano has had nothing but positive words regarding Heyward-Bey's time in Indianapolis.
"You could, but the guy's been unbelievable since he's been here,'' Pagano said. "He hasn't said a word. He's just been here every single day, and every time he walks through that door he's got the right mindset as far as preparation, work ethic. From the offseason till now, he's done nothing but grind.''
Heyward-Bey is working off a one-year contract with the Colts. He is not a presumed starter, but likely a compliment to Reggie Wayne and T.Y. Hilton after the team lost some fire power on the receiving corps in the offseason.
Heyward-Bey's time with the Raiders has been summed up as a disappointment. After being drafted as the seventh overall pick in 2009, the receiver put up 2,071 yards and 11 touchdowns as a leading receiver. Most will say he never truly lived up to his potential. The Colts offer up a fresh start.
Heyward-Bey received plenty of interest in free agency, but ultimately picked the Colts because of Wayne who reached out to him. The veteran receiver notes that he told Heyward-Bey that he will not be able to play forever and the team needs youth to step in. With Andrew Luck at quarterback, the receiver might be able to finally find his form.
