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Looking Back At The Career Of Colts TE Dallas Clark

Originally posted on The Cold Wire  |  Last updated 5/20/22

Dallas Clark is the best tight end in Indianapolis Colts history.

Marcus Pollard, Ken Dilger, and Jack Doyle held their own at the tight end position for the Colts during their careers.

However, Clark remains the best tight end to ever wear the Horseshoe in Indy.

Let’s take a trip down memory lane and reminisce on Clark’s career with the Colts.

Dallas Clark Helped The Colts Become Perennial Super Bowl Contenders 

The Colts made Clark the 24th overall selection of the 2003 NFL Draft.

The Colts acquired Clark at a time when they were rising in the AFC ranks.

He joined an Indianapolis squad that already had quarterback Peyton Manning, wide receivers Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne, running back Edgerrin James, and hybrid pass rusher Dwight Freeney.

Clark and Pollard played together with the Colts for two seasons.

However, Clark’s emergence resulted in Pollard signing with the Detroit Lions following the 2004 NFL season.

Clark fit seamlessly into the Colts’ offense – whether it was a normal tight end role or a three-wide receiver look, he produced consistent results.

The 6-foot-3, 252-pound Clark presented a lot of mismatch problems for the defense.

It didn’t matter if it was a nickel defender or linebacker covering him – Clark found a way to go over the middle, make the catch, and move the chains.

Clark’s most memorable postseason reception came during the 2006 AFC Divisional Round matchup against the Baltimore Ravens.

The Colts spotted the ball on the Ravens’ 46-yard line on third down with 3:57 remaining.

Manning called for an out route.

Clark ran the 12-yard out route, reached his arm out, and somehow caught the ball with Ravens defensive back Corey Ivy draped all over him.

The Colts got the first down and won the game, 15-6, behind five Adam Vinatieri field goals.

With an injured Brandon Stokley sitting out the 2006 postseason, Clark played like a wide receiver in the wins over the New England Patriots and Chicago Bears in the AFC title game and Super Bowl XLI, respectively.

His versatility helped the Colts win their first Vince Lombardi Trophy since they moved to Indy in 1984.

It was one of the most memorable postseason runs by a tight end.

Clark continued his impressive play in the next few years – he had 11 touchdown receptions in 2007 and 10 in 2009.

Those were impressive numbers for a tight end.

It came as no surprise Clark became a Pro Bowler in 2009.

It was a shame he appeared in just one – he deserved more than that.

The Colts won at least 12 games in seven straight seasons from 2003 to 2009.

They also won seven division titles during Clark’s nine-year tenure in the Circle City.

He split the last two years of his NFL career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Ravens.

He finished his memorable 11-year pro football career with 5,665 receiving yards and 53 touchdowns.

Clark’s versatility, energy, and enthusiasm made him an elite tight end with the Horseshoe.

He was one of the reasons why the Colts were among the NFL’s elite teams during his era.

This article first appeared on The Cold Wire and was syndicated with permission.

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