Former Colts LT Tarik Glenn's determination to make a mark led him to Colts Ring of Honor

INDIANAPOLIS -- Tarik Glenn started his slow walk toward the middle of the Lucas Oil Stadium field, shaking hands with Indianapolis Colts greats like Gary Brackett and Ryan Diem before reaching the center stage. There the three-time Pro Bowler was surrounded by Hall of Famers Peyton Manning, Edgerrin James, Marvin Harrison and other Colts legends, all sporting their signature blue blazers.

The man responsible for protecting Manning's blindside and opening holes for Marshall Faulk and James on the ground reached the podium and used the moment to share his appreciation for the city and fans that meant so much to him during his 10-year career.

Glenn said he was "grateful" for his time with the organization and thanked the "village" of people that helped him and his family settle in and thrive after arriving as a first-round pick from Cal in 1997.

At halftime of Sunday's 17-16 loss to the Washington Commanders, the large and nimble-footed man described by Tony Dungy as "quiet, honorable and respectful," became the 17th member of the Colts Ring of Honor, his name bookending the stadium stands next to Robert Mathis, Dwight Freeney, Manning and Reggie Wayne.

"When I got drafted I brought a whole lot of expectations, but the reality of it was that I came to a crossroads," Glenn said. "Was it about just making it? Or was about making a mark? I had an opportunity to get better every day. The Indianapolis Colts really believed in me and made the left tackle for Peyton Manning.

"They'd never know it would lead to this, but I was able to make a lot of memories with a lot of great people and be a part of a great franchise. So to cap it off with the Ring of Honor induction, man, I'm overwhelmed."

Glenn, 45, started all 16 regular season games in nine out of his 10 seasons in Indy. He played 16 games at right guard as a rookie before taking over at left tackle for the remainder of his career. Glenn started Indy's Super Bowl win against the Chicago Bears and was never flagged for holding more than five times in any season. In 2001 he did not draw a single holding call, and three times (1999, 2003 and 2005) he drew only one holding call all season.

Glenn built his legacy by keeping pass rushers off of Peyton Manning, but the 6-5, 332-pound tackle left an equally large mark off the field through his D.R.E.A.M. Alive, Inc. foundation, a non-profit organization he founded with his wife, Maya. The organization was originally designed to created community centers in needy areas before pivoting toward working with Indianapolis Public Schools.

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Glenn said he felt at home in Indy, and he thanked Colts owner Jim Irsay and former general manager Bill Polian for creating a family-type atmosphere within the organization.

"Bill Polian brought in not only great athletes but great people," Glenn said. "I think the quality of people that we played with was unmatched. Ultra competitors, everybody wanted to get better not just on the football field but just in life.

"I think when you get an opportunity to mix that with coaches like Tony Dungy and all the other guys that we had in that locker room, I think that's how you can get what we had in that era."

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Colts: Former LT Tarik Glenn inducted into Colts Ring of Honor