A few weeks ago, Jared Veldheer was a retired NFL offensive lineman who thought he’d be spending this Saturday helping coach East Grand Rapids High School win a Michigan state football playoff game. Instead, in all likelihood, Veldheer will be starting at left tackle in an NFL playoff game for the Indianapolis Colts.
It’s been a whirlwind couple of weeks, Veldheer laughed Tuesday afternoon. And while Indianapolis will need him to play well in Buffalo this weekend, the 11-year veteran has already helped keep the Colts' season alive. Decimated by injury at the tackle position and facing a must-win game against the Jaguars in Week 17, the Colts called upon Veldheer -- with just two days of practice -- to step into their starting lineup and help push them across the finish line.