The Indianapolis Colts yesterday signed free agent linebacker Josh McNary and placed him on the team’s Reserve/Military List. McNary, who is currently commissioned in the United States Army, will finish his active duty service prior to joining the team.
“Josh had an outstanding career at West Point,” said General Manager Ryan Grigson. “His production speaks for itself, but his intangibles rival any stats. He is still fulfilling the commitment he made to serving our country, but we look forward to him wearing the horseshoe here in the near future.”
McNary, 6-0, 251 pounds, finished his career as Army’s all-time leader in sacks (28.0) and tackles for loss (49), while adding 195 tackles (117 solo), nine passes defensed, five forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. He is the only player in school history to record two double-digit sack seasons and also holds school records for the most sacks in a single game (4.0) and a single season (12.5).
As a senior in 2010, McNary capped off his career by returning a fumble 55 yards for a touchdown in the Black Knights’ 16-14 victory over Southern Methodist University in the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl. The win gave Army its first winning season since 1996 and first postseason victory since the 1985 Peach Bowl.
Following his senior year, McNary was honored with the 2011 East-West Shrine Game Pat Tillman Award, given to the player who best exemplifies character, intelligence, sportsmanship and service. The award is about a student-athlete’s achievements and conduct, both on and off the field. Upon his graduation from West Point, McNary was commissioned as an officer in the Army, which prevented him from being selected in the 2011 NFL Draft.
