Anthony Castonzo knew adjusting to the speed of NFL opponents would require significant transition. But nothing could prepare the rookie offensive tackle for facing one of the best pass-rushers in NFL history. The Indianapolis Colts ' first-round pick in 2011, Castonzo was eager to test himself against pro competition in his first training camp following a successful career at Boston College.
And that test would come against three-time first-team All-Pro Dwight Freeney. "He crushed my confidence real early," Castonzo said. 2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame The Hall of Fame Game between the Bears and Texans (8 p.
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• Freeney puts spin on legacy • Mongo's fight, journey to HOF • Meet the inductees Particularly damaging to Castonzo's self-assurance was Freeney's array of pass-rush techniques. There was his incomparable speed around the edge, always the first concern of opposing tackles. Also worrisome was his power, which arguably remains underrated to this day.
But in the back of one's mind, there was always the reality that Freeney might deploy his devastating spin move, leaving a blocker grasping at air and his quarterback on the ground. Castonzo can relate. But here's the good news: He wasn't alone, even if he failed to realize it.
After one particularly long practice for the rookie, then-Colts coach Jim Caldwell quipped to then-team president Bill Polian, "Let's just keep patting him on the back. He doesn't re.