For the first time since agreeing to a two-year extension that made him the highest-paid left tackle in the NFL, Indianapolis Colts veteran Anthony Castonzo addressed the media on Tuesday.
Throughout the early portion of the offseason, the fans and media were left wondering what was going through Castonzo’s head as he contemplated retirement. After taking some time, testing his body and thinking about his future, Castonzo came to one conclusion.
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He isn’t done playing the game he loves.
“But after doing some offseason training, kind of getting going and thinking about things I think that I’ve got a lot of better football and a lot more in me. So I decided that I want to keep playing,” Castonzo told reporters Tuesday. “I mean I love the Colts and I love football. So it ended up being a definite decision with absolutely nothing kind of swaying me in the other direction.”
Castonzo signed a two-year contract extension worth $33 million. His average annual value of $16.5 million is the highest among left tackles and tied for the second-highest among offensive tackles in the NFL. Given his consistency and production, he’s certainly deserved it.
Turning 32 in August, Castonzo is coming off of his best year yet. He’s truly found his groove protecting the blindside in Frank Reich’s offense. He’s a true technician when it comes to pass sets and his ability to move in space allows him to be a stout run blocker as well.
Even at his ripe age, Castonzo feels his game is still pointing upward.
“Yeah, I honestly think I have just kind of scratched the surface. I mean I’m figuring out a lot of things about my body, about the game, how to move and how to kind of do things more efficiently – really get more out of my offseason training,” said Castonzo. “I’ve become pretty excited about the kind of prospects of getting better and better as I get later on in my career here.”
The Colts are certainly grateful. Castonzo is one of the best left tackles in the league and having to replace him along with their other massive needs would have been extremely difficult to do in one offseason. Getting that type of leadership, consistency and production from one of the most vital positions in the game is rare.
But now the Colts don’t have to worry about that. They’ve made some big moves in free agency, trading for DeForest Buckner and bringing in quarterback Philip Rivers. It’s a big offseason for the Colts, and it started with Castonzo’s return.
Even entering his age-32 season, Castonzo feels he still has plenty more to offer.
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