Colts DeForest Buckner after back injury: 'Going to have to change some things'

A herniated disc had DeForest Buckner considering retirement. But the Colts DT will be back but admits he'll have to change is approach

Colts DeForest Buckner after back injury: 'Going to have to change some things'

A herniated disc had DeForest Buckner considering retirement. But the Colts DT will be back but admits he'll have to change is approach

INDIANAPOLIS – DeForest Buckner admitted he’ll be a different football player than the veteran All-Pro defensive tackle was even a year ago. The 32-year-old suffered the most debilitating injury of his NFL career, one that had him contemplating the very real possibility that his playing days may be over.

That he’s back, though, should be proof enough to his teammates and Colts fans alike that Buckner will give it his all in 2026, which marks the final year of the two-year, $46 million deal he signed two years ago.

“You guys know me. I’m gonna do whatever it takes to help my team and be out there with my guys,” Buckner told reporters Tuesday, his first media availability since undergoing surgery for a herniated disc in his neck that led to a pinched nerve and sidelined him for seven of Indianapolis’ final eight games last season.

Tight end Tyler Warren of Penn State was selected 14th overall in the 2025 NFL draft.

Defensive end Laiatu Latu of UCLA was selected 15th overall in the 2024 NFL draft.

Quarterback Anthony Richardson of Florida was selected fourth overall in the 2023 NFL draft.

Defensive end Kwity Paye of Michigan was selected 21st overall in the 2022 NFL draft.

Wide receiver Phillip Dorsett of Miami was selected 29th overall in the 2015 NFL draft.

Defensive end Bjoern Werner of Florida State was selected 24th overall in the 2013 NFL draft.

Offensive tackle Anthony Castonzo of Boston College was selected 22nd overall in the 2011 NFL draft.

Running back Donald Brown of Connecticut was selected 27th overall in the 2009 NFL draft.

Wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez of Ohio State was selected 32nd overall in the 2007 NFL draft.

Defensive end Dwight Freeney of Syracuse was selected 11th overall in the 2002 NFL draft.

Wide receiver Reggie Wayne of Miami was selected 30th overall in the 2001 NFL draft.

Quarterback Peyton Manning of Tennessee was selected first overall in the 1998 NFL draft.

Offensive tackle Tarik Glenn of California was selected 19th overall in the 1997 NFL draft.

Wide receiver Marvin Harrison of Syracuse was selected 19th overall in the 1996 NFL draft.

Defensive tackle Ellis Johnson of Florida was selected 15th overall in the 1995 NFL draft.

Linebacker Trev Alberts of Nebraska was selected fifth overall in the 1994 NFL draft.

Wide receiver Sean Dawkins of California was selected 16th overall in the 1993 NFL draft.

Colts DeForest Buckner after back injury: 'Going to have to change some things'

Colts DeForest Buckner after back injury: 'Going to have to change some things'