In Wayne’s world, being ‘bad guy’ in New Orleans gets trumped by loyalty to Colts

Colts’ Wayne ready to be ‘bad guy’ in New Orleans

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — In Wayne’s world, the choice couldn’t be clearer.

His heart may reside in New Orleans, but his job is squarely in Indy.

And as far as Reggie Wayne is concerned, nothing is going to come between him and a second Super Bowl ring. Not even his hometown team.

“It’s amazing to see the Saints in the Super Bowl,” the Colts receiver said Wednesday. “I remember growing up and thinking it would happen, and it never worked out that way. To see what it has come to is just great. Now, unfortunately, I’ve got to be the bad guy, but like I say I’ve got bills to pay.”

He happily took on the role even before the season started.

Wayne arrived at training camp in a yellow dump truck, wearing an orange construction vest and a white hard hat with blue lettering that said: “Super Bowl Under Construction.”

The four-time Pro Bowler did his part, catching 100 passes for 1,264 yards and 10 touchdowns. He’s caught 11 more passes for 118 yards and one TD in the playoffs.

Though he never doubted the Colts would make it back to the NFL title game, facing the Saints was the ultimate surprise.

He grew up watching them, still follows them and maintains an affinity for the Big Easy.

“I’m glad the city’s excited right now, they’re supposed to be,” he said. “The Saints are a good team.”

As a youngster, he often pleaded to wear black-and-gold clothes to match the Saints colors, listened to radio broadcasts of games, religiously followed his favorite player, Eric Martin, and even learned the lingo of “Who Dat Nation.”

“I know it, I just don’t speak it,” Wayne cracked.

He still remembers frantically trying to reach family members after Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005 and the fateful day in September 2006, when he learned his older brother, Rashad, had been killed in a traffic accident near New Orleans.

But to those who suggest a Super Bowl victory would mean more to New Orleans, where they’ve never had a title to celebrate, Wayne responds: “I also know what it means to the city of Indianapolis.”

Indeed, he would rather leave Miami the same way he did three years ago when the Colts last played in the Super Bowl — with the trophy.

Otherwise, he’ll face a harsh summer of reminders from his friends. They’re already lining up to take shots.

“Let me tell you something, I turned my phone on this morning, the first thing that popped up was 40 text messages. I immediately cut it back off,” he said. “I can imagine what all those text messages are saying, but that’s the beauty of it. That’s the fun of it. I guarantee you, if we take care of business the way we should, I’ll be happy to look at all those text messages and answer them back.”