Reggie Wayne on return to Lucas Oil Stadium: 'I'm home'

Strange as it sounds, Reggie Wayne had reservations about returning to Lucas Oil Stadium, home to the Indianapolis Colts organization that didn’t re-sign him for this season.

“I thought it was going to be weird,” he told WISH-8 outside the Colts’ locker room after the game. “But when the plane landed I (thought), ‘I’m home.’”

Wayne played 14 seasons with the Colts, catching 82 touchdowns. He spent two weeks in training camp with the New England Patriots and hasn't played this season.

When asked if he wants to keep playing, he smiled and wouldn't answer, instead replying that he was busy taking his three boys to karate class.

Watching the game from a suite and then visiting the Colts' locker room afterward, the 37-year-old former receiver was inspired by the play of veteran quarterback Matt Hasselbeck (315 passing yards, two touchdowns) and was impressed by Donte Moncrief (eight catches, 114 yards) and T.Y. Hilton (six catches, 95 yards, two scores).

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Wayne called the receiver play “awesome.”

“I was almost like a proud father,” he said, laughing. “It was good to see them, see how their game is evolving, especially in crucial situations.

“Seeing Moncrief catching crucial third downs, his future’s bright. I’m excited for all these dudes.”

Hasselbeck, too.

“I might (have to) go put my cleats on,” he said of the quarterback three years his senior. “He’s an inspiration. I’m excited for Matt, man. I know much he enjoys having fun playing the game.

“One thing he is, a true veteran. He would tell you, you never know when your opportunity is going to come, so make sure you’re ready. Basically he’s an example of that. To see him playing the way he’s been playing all year is good.”

Follow Star reporter Curt Cavin on Twitter: @curtcavin.