About Dwight

In less than a decade, Dwight Freeney, All Pro defensive end of the Indianapolis Colts has placed himself at the pinnacle of professional football. His fierce pass rush, lightning speed, and signature spin move have paved the way to four consecutive Pro Bowls and the 2007 Super Bowl Championship. He holds the franchise record for career sacks and is the only Colts player with four consecutive double-digit sack seasons. Dwight’s relentless play has earned him respect and admiration, and his success proves that a player who religiously stops the quarterback can gain the same fame as the quarterback himself. That fame has catapulted Dwight into an array of opportunities off the field, creating a double threat in the world of sports and the entertainment industry.

 

Freeney was drafted 11th overall by Indianapolis in 2002 after a stellar career at Syracuse, where he set an NCAA record for sacks per game and also earned his degree. Dwight displayed the same well-rounded work ethic back at Bloomfield High School in Connecticut, where he still holds the state’s career sacks record. Teachers still remember him as a polite, focused student who often tackled his homework during lunchtime in order to keep up with an athletic schedule that produced letters in basketball, baseball, and soccer in addition to football.

 

And Dwight continues this impressive balance of priorities today in his work away from the gridiron. Dwight recently launched The Dwight Freeney Foundation, which focuses on giving back to underserved communities to support them in living healthy lives and also improve their quality of life. With childhood obesity at an all time high and diseases such as diabetes on the rise, Dwight realized the necessity of implementing a lifestyle change and became the catalyst towards healthy and happy communities. During the off-season Dwight hosts a football camp designed to not only encourage athletic improvement, but also impart life skills to foster player development from the inside out. In Indianapolis last year, he hosted the “D Free” Fan Fest to thank Colts fans, and he also provided needy families with Thanksgiving meals through the Boys and Girls Clubs of Indianapolis and the Dwight Freeney Foundation. He has likewise raised funds for charities at home in Connecticut through events like his “Charity Celebrity Golf Classic.” Dwight’s dedication to community service is a testament to his parents who taught their children to be contributing members of society.

 

In turn, Dwight Freeney’s grounded nature has allowed him to truly embrace his celebrity status. He often hits the red carpet for a variety of events from the ESPY’s to the Grammy Awards. His combination of star quality and easy-going style can take him from an album release party for rap artist T.I. to a fundraiser for the Pediatric Aids Foundation. Freeney is also a frequent visitor and contributor on numerous television shows including ESPN’s “Rome is Burning”, NFL Network’s “Total Access” and FOX Sports Net’s “Best Damn Sports Show Period.” This past season, Dwight was featured on ESPN’s Monday Night Football Countdown “Unmasked,” and was also a guest on the popular daytime talk show, “Dr. Phil.” Dwight also was a celebrity guest on Fox’s highest rated reality series “Hell’s Kitchen” and also starred in NBC’s hit Sunday Night Football commercial with Faith Hill. He always brings an honest, articulate style whether in a press conference on ESPN or sitting with Tavis Smiley on PBS. Print publications are also drawn to Dwight, and he has graced the covers of Sports Illustrated and The Sporting News, as well as being featured as Ebony’s hottest bachelor of 2008. He has also been featured in People Magazine, Men’s Health and USA Today. And to round everything out, Freeney just happens to be an expert in the Madden NFL video game series and the crowned champion for the 2003 and 2004 EA Sports Madden Bowls. Even in during his downtime, he gives it his all.

 

From Hollywood’s red carpet events to the battle on the gridiron, know that Freeney is unstoppable. His high wattage disposition and debonair demeanor have earned him a lasting spot among Tinsletown’s elite. Dwight’s determination and drive will extend this super stars career well beyond his football days.