The two-year marriage was contentious, and it’s now officially over. In 2023, Gay signed a four-year $22.5 million, and sometimes-maligned contract with the team. After a rough sailing season into 2024, it was tough for him to hold that position.
Gay turned in an encouraging rookie season, successfully making all five of his field goals. Unfortunately, his tenure with the Colts was derailed by injuries – most notably, the catastrophic hernia that made him ineffective in Indy. Across the 2024 season, he pitched for three different teams. This uncharacteristic performance was a big reason the Colts ultimately decided to move on.
The Colts had signed Gay, an indelible free agent pickup, to replace the incomparable kicker Adam Vinatieri’s departure. Yet he found stunning success…even winning a Super Bowl. He achieved a Pro Bowl nomination as a member of the Los Angeles Rams. He played some of his best football with the Rams. He made a semi-absurd 12 out of 15 attempts from 50 yards and out. In addition, Gay has an 85.5% career field goal success rate and a phenomenal 96.3% on point-after attempts.
Through the ups and downs in 2024, Coach Shane Steichen stuck with Gay. He retained Gay as the team’s kicker for the entire season. With Gay’s performance volatility and inability to shake his injury strife, the Colts ultimately figured it was time to part ways with him.
Gay was a fifth-round pick of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2019 NFL Draft. His path through the league has been punctuated by highs and even more significant lows. His exceptional booming leg strength and accuracy during his feverish free agency period has him as one of the most coveted talents.
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