NFL Hall of Famer Dwight Freeney Lands Job at Alma Mater Syracuse

Freeney will join the Orange’s player development staff.

Dwight Freeney poses with his bronze bust during the 2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, on Aug. 3, 2024. Nick Cammett/Getty Images

Hall of Fame defensive end Dwight Freeney is joining his alma mater’s football program.

The Syracuse University athletics department announced on Friday that Freeney will join the Orange’s player development staff.

He was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts out of Syracuse and played 16 seasons in the NFL.

Freeney, who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2024, is one of many NFL legends who came out of Syracuse.

“The time is now,” Freeney said in a statement on the Orange athletics website. “I think that Syracuse has a lot of good things going. A great foundation and I think they need a push to be able to maintain and exceed that – that is what I hope I’m able to do. My schedule is now a lot freer than it has been in years past, so I'll be able to help however is needed and in whatever way I can.”

Recruited From Connecticut High School

Freeney was recruited to Syracuse out of Bloomfield High School in Connecticut. He started two seasons for the Orange, racking up 34 sacks—including 17.5 in his senior season in 2001—43 pressures, and 104 total tackles—including 51 tackles for loss; his career sack total is second in school history. Freeney notably went on a run of 17 consecutive games with at least a sack.

He won two All-Big East awards in 2000 and 2001, the Big East Co-Defensive Player of the Year in 2001, and was a unanimous All-American that year. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2023, and his jersey was retired by the team in 2024.

After college, Freeney was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts with the 11th overall pick in the 2002 NFL Draft. In his rookie season, he had 46 total tackles—45 solo, and 13 sacks. He led the league in forced fumbles with 9.

In 2003, he had 11 sacks and four fumbles with two recoveries. He scored his first and only defensive touchdown as well. He led the league in sacks in 2003 with 16—his career high.

He had another four seasons with double-digit sacks: 11 in 2005, 10.5 in 2008, 13.5 in 2009, and 10 in 2010. He also helped the Colts to a Super Bowl victory in Super Bowl XLI in 2007 and an appearance in Super Bowl XLIV in 2010.

After being released by the Colts after the 2012 season, he spent two seasons with the San Diego Chargers, then a season each with the Arizona Cardinals and Atlanta Falcons, and split time with the Seattle Seahawks and Detroit Lions in 2017. He signed a one-day contract and retired as a member of the Colts in 2018. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2024.

“Dwight beat all the odds,” Syracuse head coach Fran Brown said. “A lot of our players relate to him, he understands what they’re going through and where they want to get. There was no better guy to be able to come back and help us in player development and to develop these guys – not just as football players, but as men.

“He’s a detailed, accountable, relentless and tough man. I’m so thankful to have him as a part of our staff. It’s who we need to continue to advance our program into the next steps of being able to win a national championship.”

Linebacker Dwight Freeney (54) of the Arizona Cardinals walks off the field following the NFL game against the Green Bay Packers at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., on Dec. 27, 2015. Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Syracuse NFL Hall of Famers

Syracuse boasts several alumni who became NFL Hall of Famers, including running back Jim Brown, tight end John Mackey, and Freeney’s Colts teammate, wide receiver Marvin Harrison.

Denver Broncos Ring of Honor member Floyd Little, Miami Dolphins Ring of Honor member Larry Csonka, and Philadelphia Eagles Hall of Famer Donovan McNabb played college football at Syracuse.

Gary Anderson played 23 seasons in the NFL as a placekicker. Additionally, running back Ernie Davis became the first African-American to win the Heisman Trophy in 1961.

Syracuse has also found some recent success developing players for the NFL. The Orange currently boasts 11 players on rosters, headlined by 2024 All-Pro linebacker Zaire Franklin. The Orange also has a robust presence in the 2025 NFL Draft class, including quarterback Kyle McCord, running back LeQuint Allen, tight end Oronde Gadsden II, defensive lineman Fadil Diggs, safety Alijah Clark, and cornerback Clarence Lewis.