Joseph Addai News: Pro Sports Daily

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February 5

New Orleans Times-Picayune

"By the time Joseph Addai played in his first Super Bowl, he already had scored the winning touchdown in a bigger game. Bigger than the Super Bowl? That's right. Ask any member of the 2006 Indianapolis Colts. Better yet, ask any fans who bleed blue and white. They'll tell you. The Colts beating the Chicago Bears 29-17 in Super XLI on Feb. 4, 2007, in Miami was simply lagniappe for beating the New England Patriots by four points to get there. "I've got the ball," Addai said. "It's sitting in a special spot in my trophy case." It's the ball the former LSU standout carried 3 yards into the end zone for the winning points in the AFC title game. Until then, quarterback Peyton Manning ..."

Back for seconds, Addai still hungry

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February 4

Boston Globe

"The last time Joseph Addai was in the Super Bowl, the running back capped his rookie season with big contributions in the Colts' victory over the Bears in 2007. Addai amassed 143 yards from scrimmage, the second-highest total for a rookie in Super Bowl history. He had 10 receptions for 66 yards, the most catches for a running back in Super Bowl history. Addai learned early on that to be part of the Colts offense, you have to be willing to do a bit of everything. While some teams drive behind sturdy running backs, the Colts move through the air. With a quarterback like Peyton Manning, the strategy makes sense. The Colts' top-10 offense produced an average of 363 yards and 26 points a game ..."

Addai performs like hero Kevin Faulk, only better

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December 20

Indianapolis Star

columnist Phil Richards

"Joseph Addai was a sophomore when he met "The Man," Kevin Faulk, who had preceded him at LSU and left the Baton Rouge campus in 1998 with a batch of school records that included the fattest rushing total of any player in Southeastern Conference history not named Herschel Walker. Addai recalls his first impression: "Huh. This guy's short." In every other regard, Addai was impressed. The two running backs began exchanging text messages and phone calls. Faulk, by then in his fifth season with the New England Patriots, became Addai's model, his mentor, his big brother, and when the Indianapolis Colts took Addai in the first round of the 2006 draft, Faulk offered his informed counsel. "First ..."

To Joseph Addai, 'want to' matters on final drives

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December 11

Indianapolis Star

"There is one almost self-evident aspect of the two-minute drill that deserves mention. "It's a want-to attitude," Indianapolis Colts running back Joseph Addai said. "In two-minute, you understand you have to score, so it's no matter what happens, let's go do it." Down 31-14 to New England in the fourth quarter Nov. 15, the Colts had to score. That's why Addai was in the game to bang in a 4-yard touchdown that brought the Colts within 34-28. That's why he took the handoff to make a 13-yard run of unmitigated violence that brought the Colts to the Patriots 1-yard line and set up the winning final-minute touchdown. "My finger was numb," Addai said. "I couldn't feel my hand the whole game." It ..."

Colts Joseph Addai carries the load again

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December 7

Indianapolis Star

"Indianapolis Colts running back Joseph Addai normally isn't a fan of standing on the sideline during football games, but Sunday he often was content to be there. After all, the NFL's top tailback was at work at Lucas Oil Stadium, and Addai wanted an eyeful of Tennessee's Chris Johnson. "I can't lie. I'm a big football fan first, so when I see him run, I get excited," Addai said. Johnson got a show from Addai, too, and he was a big reason the Colts scored a 27-17 victory. Addai had two pile-pushing touchdown runs and several wiggles through tacklers for key first downs. Addai also delivered a couple of memorable catch and runs, including a 9-yarder in the second quarter that preceded his ..."

Colts beat Titans 27-17, extend record to 12-0

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December 7

Indianapolis Star

"No fourth-quarter comeback this Sunday. The Indianapolis Colts didn't need one and the Tennessee Titans couldn't mount one. Joseph Addai ran 21 times for a season-high 79 yards and two touchdowns and the Colts beat the Tennessee Titans 27-17 for their 21st consecutive regular season victory to tie the NFL record set by New England, 2006-08. The Colts (12-0) have won 12 or more games a league-record seven consecutive seasons. They maintained their lead in the race for the AFC's No. 1 seed at three games. Tennessee (5-7) had won five games in succession after a 0-6 start. Colts quarterback Peyton Manning completed 24-of-37 passes for 270 yards and a 4-yard touchdown to wide receiver Austin ..."

Addai is all business vs. Texans

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November 30

Indianapolis Star

"Joseph Addai is home for the holidays, back in Houston. "It's nice because I get to see my folks,'' the Indianapolis Colts' veteran running back said. "I get a chance to go to my momma's house and just be lazy, lay around a little bit. "It always feels good to go home, see my mom, my brothers, my sisters, whoever's in town.'' The mini-reunion was on the docket for Saturday evening, after the Colts arrived in Houston for an AFC South clash with the Texans at Reliant Stadium and before meetings back at the team hotel. As much as Addai will enjoy kicking back on a sofa in Joyce's living room -- his mom's home is about 15 minutes from Reliant Stadium -- he realizes he's on a business trip. The ..."

Addai strictly business when it comes to Texans

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November 29

Indianapolis Star

"Joseph Addai is home for the holidays, back in Houston. "It's nice because I get to see my folks,'' the Indianapolis Colts' veteran running back said. "I get a chance to go to my momma's house and just be lazy, lay around a little bit. "It always feels good to go home, see my mom, my brothers, my sisters, whoever's in town.'' The mini-reunion was on the docket for Saturday evening, after the Colts arrived in Houston for an AFC South clash with the Texans at Reliant Stadium and before meetings back at the team hotel. As much as Addai will enjoy kicking back on a sofa in Joyce's living room -- his mom's home is about 15 minutes from Reliant Stadium -- he realizes he's on a business trip. The ..."

Addai makes pass play work

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November 2

Indianapolis Star

"When the call came in from the sideline, a play that asked for Joseph Addai to run left, then pull back and throw a pass to Reggie Wayne in the end zone, Indianapolis Colts left guard Ryan Lilja had this thought: "Uh-oh." Or something along those lines. "I hope this thing works, because in practice we're about 50-50 with it," he said after the Colts' 18-14 victory over the San Francisco 49ers. "I got excited because I didn't remember ever running that play in a game, although we practice it at least once a week. But still . . . '' Wait a minute: You have Peyton Manning and you're asking Addai to throw the football? That's like telling Tony Stewart, "No, I think I'd rather have my teenager ..."

Colts' Vinatieri, Addai go under the knife

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June 6

Indianapolis Star

"Adam Vinatieri's availability for training camp is in question after he underwent surgery on his right hip earlier this week. The Indianapolis Colts are confident, however, that their veteran place-kicker will be ready for the regular season. Vinatieri, 36, opted for surgery to relieve discomfort in his right hip that had bothered him for more than a year. The procedure was performed in Vail, Colo., by Dr. Marc Phillipon , who recently operated on the hip of New York Yankees superstar Alex Rodriquez. The prognosis is for Vinatieri to be ready for the Colts' Sept. 13 opener against Jacksonville. "I don't have any reservations based on what Dr. Phillipon told me,'' team president Bill Polian ..."

Addai not expected to play vs. Lions

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December 14

Indianapolis Star

"There figures to be running room Sunday when the Indianapolis Colts take on Detroit's No. 31 rushing defense at Lucas Oil Stadium, but it was unclear Friday who would be doing the running. Starter Joseph Addai (shoulder) hasn't practiced all week. No. 3 running back Chad Simpson (ankle) practiced for the first time Friday. Both are listed as questionable, and Najeh Davenport, a free agent signed Tuesday, is cramming to learn the complexities of the Colts' no-huddle offense. Dominic Rhodes would seem destined to get the bulk of the carries. "My sense is we'll probably hold (Addai) out if there's any question at all," Colts coach Tony Dungy said. If Simpson is able to play, he would back up ..."

Unimaginative Cleveland Browns dull their Flash

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December 8

Cleveland Plain Dealer

columnist Bill Livingston

"It is called the "Flash" package, and it contains the Browns' last glimmer of hope and interest. It speaks to the team's poverty of imagination that the coaching staff used it too rarely to be a force Sunday and too predictably to be a surprise in a drab 28-9 loss to Tennessee. Josh Cribbs, the man whose quarterbacking career for the Kent State Golden Flashes gave the package its name, should have gotten 20 "touches" Sunday against the Titans. He got 13, but six were on kick returns. In the Flash, he had seven, and six of those were rushes. Only one was a pass. Still, Cribbs looked like a muleteer in the Oklahoma Land Rush compared to the rest of the backs. He gained 24 yards on his six ..."

Sanders, Hayden, Addai return to practice

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October 30

Indianapolis Star

"Safety Bob Sanders, cornerback Kelvin Hayden and running back Joseph Addai returned to practice Wednesday, when the Indianapolis Colts undertook preparations for their Sunday game against the New England Patriots. "I plan on playing this week; practice today and see how it feels," said Hayden, who has missed the past three games with a knee injury. "Today's the big test." The Colts do not provide post-practice updates and Sanders and Addai were not available for comment. Coach Tony Dungy was bullish on them and Hayden. Dungy said that if things go well in practice, "they should play." Sanders has been out five weeks recuperating from a high ankle sprain and arthroscopic knee surgery. Addai ..."

Colts Sanders, Addai, Hayden to practice again

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October 29

Indianapolis Star

"Three ailing starters were expected to return to practice this afternoon, providing a boost to a wavering Indianapolis Colts outfit for Sunday's meeting with New England in Lucas Oil Stadium. Safety Bob Sanders (knee/ankle), cornerback Kelvin Hayden (knee) and running back Joseph Addai (hamstring) were scheduled to participate in the two-hour workout. "If everything goes smoothly,'' coach Tony Dungy said, "they should play.'' Sanders, the NFL's reigning Defensive Player of the Year, has not played since spraining his right ankle Sept. 14 at Minnesota. He also underwent arthroscopic surgery on one of his knees while he was recovering from the ankle injury. Hayden has missed the past three ..."

Addai to miss Monday night's Colts game

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October 27

Indianapolis Star

"Joseph Addai will miss his second straight start when the Indianapolis Colts meet the Tennessee Titans Monday night in Nashville. The veteran running back has been ruled out of the critical AFC South showdown with a hamstring injury. He suffered the injury Oct. 12 against Baltimore and did not play in last Sunday's loss at Green Bay. Dominic Rhodes will make his second straight start in place of Addai."

Addai, Sanders doubtful for Monday

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October 24

Indianapolis Star

"Joseph Addai displayed his elusiveness in the Indianapolis Colts' locker room Thursday, but it's doubtful it will be on display Monday night against Tennessee. Addai missed last Sunday's loss at Green Bay with a hamstring injury and did not practice Thursday. Asked for a quick interview as he left his cubicle before practice, Addai smiled and grabbed the back of his leg. Then he turned and darted out of the room. Coach Tony Dungy said the status of Addai and three other recovering players -- safety Bob Sanders (knee/ankle), cornerback Kelvin Hayden (knee) and wide receiver Roy Hall (knee) -- was similar to last week. None practiced, none played against the Packers. Hayden already ruled ..."

Colts' RB Addai out against Packers

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October 19

Indianapolis Star

"Indianapolis running back Joseph Addai will miss the Colts' game at Green Bay because of a hamstring injury. The Colts downgraded Addai from doubtful to out Saturday. Tight end Gijon Robinson will miss the game because of an ankle injury. Addai left in the first quarter against Baltimore last Sunday and didn't return"

Addai's status remains unclear

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October 17

Indianapolis Star

"Joseph Addai's status for Sunday's game at Green Bay won't be decided until today at the earliest, but the Indianapolis Colts starting running back didn't sound like someone expecting to play. "It's too early to say,'' Addai said Thursday. "The biggest thing is just trying to get back to where it was." Addai left last Sunday's win over Baltimore in the first quarter after injuring a hamstring. He wouldn't confirm a report on nfl.com that he suffered a partially torn hamstring that could keep him out for two to four weeks. "I just know in the game I felt it a little bit, so I didn't want to go," he said. "I can't really say what it really was. I know right now it's not feeling too good. ..."

Addai doubtful for Sunday; Hart on IR

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October 16

Indianapolis Star

"Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy doesn't expect running back Joseph Addai to play Sunday against the Green Bay Packers because of the hamstring injury he suffered last week against Baltimore. "Dominic (Rhodes) will start and we've got Chad Simpson and Cliff Dawson," Dungy said Wednesday. "I think that's going to be our three backs this week, and those guys will do well." The Colts' depth chart at running back was transformed when Addai went out during the first quarter against the Ravens and Mike Hart suffered a season-ending anterior cruciate ligament injury to his right knee early in the second quarter. NFL.com reported Wednesday that Addai has a slightly torn hamstring and is ..."

Rhodes picks up slack with Addai, Hart out

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October 13

Indianapolis Star

"Dominic Rhodes had just pinballed his way through the Baltimore Ravens defense, 38 yards of contact followed by more contact. He was winded. In normal circumstances, Rhodes would have headed to the Indianapolis sideline to catch his breath while a replacement took his place. But Sunday afternoon at Lucas Oil Stadium was anything but a normal circumstance for the Colts. Rhodes stayed in the game, and took the next two handoffs. Starting running back Joseph Addai had left the game early in the first quarter with a hamstring injury. Rookie Mike Hart injured his right knee early in the second quarter. Rhodes was it, and he knew it. "Usually after a run like that I probably get up and do a ..."

Addai leaves Colts game in first quarter with hamstring injury

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October 12

ESPN.com

"Indianapolis running back Joseph Addai left in the first quarter of Sunday's game against the Baltimore Ravens with a hamstring injury. Addai limped off the field after a 2-yard gain on the first play of the Colts' second series. His return was questionable."

Addai isn't besieged by ticket requests from family

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October 5

Indianapolis Star

"Joseph Addai is home for the weekend, but the novelty has worn off, and so has the clamor for tickets. "Each year, and this is my third year, it kind of goes down and that's a good thing,'' said the Colts' veteran running back as he considered today's game against the Houston Texans in Reliant Stadium. The interest level for Addai followers peaks whenever he returns to Houston. That's home. He was a prep star at Sharpstown. Addai was overwhelmed with ticket requests when he made his first professional appearance as a rookie in 2006. "It was crazy,'' he said. "I remember getting into Houston, going home and seeing everybody. Everybody was trying to get tickets. I didn't even have time by ..."

Hand ball to Addai

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September 14

Indianapolis Star

columnist Bob Kravitz

"Letting It Out . . . If the Indianapolis Colts are going to win today, they need to do something they haven't done often enough in their past 12 games: Get the ball into Joseph Addai's hands. Hard to believe, but Addai hasn't gone over 100 yards rushing since last year's home loss to New England in the sixth game of the season. There have been 12 games since -- 10 regular-season games in the 2007 season, one playoff game against San Diego and the opening-night loss to Chicago last Sunday. The Colts' entire running game has gone over 100 yards just two times during that stretch, and on both of those occasions, ex-Colt Kenton Keith did the bulk of the work. In my mind, that's not really on ..."

Addai hopes to get off to fast start

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September 5

Indianapolis Star

"Set aside any gimmicks and gadgets and the Indianapolis Colts' gaudy passing attack. Go directly to the bottom line, to where the cleats meet the turf. "We have to be able to run the ball to win," coach Tony Dungy said. The Colts did that surpassingly well through the most crucial stretch of their quarter century in Indianapolis. They bulled their way through the playoffs and Super Bowl XLI with a punishing ground game while winning the 2006 championship. They came back pounding last fall but lost their momentum during the second half of the season, when injuries sidelined both starting tackles, compromised the effectiveness of the offensive line and nagged running back Joseph Addai. The ..."

Addai looks to shine

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July 30

Indianapolis Star

"At times, Joseph Addai feels his life is smack dab in the fast lane. Days, weeks, even years zip past in a blur. "Seems like I was at LSU yesterday and now I'm going into my third year (in the NFL)," he said. "I'm just enjoying it." So are the Indianapolis Colts. A team that in a span of seven years traded one elite running back (Marshall Faulk prior to the 1999 draft) and declined to re-sign another (Edgerrin James after the 2005 season) successfully reloaded when it grabbed Addai with the 30th overall pick in the 2006 draft. Addai has delivered and aspires to take his game to another level this season. The key, aside from the raw ability, is his willingness to slow down, listen and learn ..."

3 Colts host camp

May 29

Indianapolis Star

"Indianapolis Colts players Dwight Freeney, Joseph Addai and Gary Brackett are hosting an Indy Stars Football Camp June 3-5 at Ben Davis High School from 4:30-7:30 p.m. each day. The camp is open to boys and girls 7 to 14 years old. Drills are non-contact."