Dallas Clark looking forward to ’special’ moment with Colts’ Ring of Honor

INDIANAPOLIS – Dallas Clark couldn’t be more prepared for a memorable weekend in town.

The hay, as they say, is in the barn.

Almost literally.

Monday, Clark was doing his chores on the family farm in Humble, Iowa.

“You caught me on the busiest day of the week,’’ he said. “We’re harvesting.

“Just started combining corn, so I’m around augers, tractors, nothing quiet.’’

The farm – it’s been organic for the past six years – has been in the Clark family for more than a hundred years. It’s roughly 180 acres and has helped serve as a transition from the hyper-speed/attention of the NFL to a relatively quieter rural life.

Farmer Dallas.

“Yeah, how about that,’’ he said. “But let’s use that term loosely. I don’t think 180 acres is quite a farmer. That’s like a day for a real farmer.

“I don’t have the acres to call it a true living, but it’s perfect for me to do it and also have time to chase the kids and get back to Indy.’’

Clark and his aides had everything in place by 1 o’clock Monday afternoon, worked until about 11 that evening, and finished up with another full day Tuesday.

With that part of his work week out of the way, he began focusing on what promises to one of the most unforgettable weekends of his life.

“You’ve got it, brother,’’ Clark said with an upbeat tenor. “That’s the plan.

“Hopefully we’ve got it all buttoned up by then.’’

From an Iowa farm to Indy, which served as Clark’s home-away-from-home from 2003-11, and eventually to Lucas Oil Stadium.

Saturday night, Clark and a slew of his former teammates and close friends will share a private dinner on owner Jim Irsay’s dime.

“It’s going to be a special weekend,’’ Clark said.

Sunday, he will be the latest inductee into the Colts’ Ring of Honor.

Clark was emotional in early June when chief operating officer Pete Ward informed him of the honor.

“Just so you don’t feel special,’’ he told us, “you weren’t the only one I cried to.

“This wasn’t the plan, right? This is ridiculous. When you start thinking about it, it gets heavy and it gets pretty special quickly.’’

Peyton Manning wouldn’t miss it.

“Really excited for Dallas,’’ he said. “What an unbelievable football player. Just an incredible teammate and he’s been an awesome friend as well.

“This honor is well deserved.’’

The missing piece

There never was a covert aspect to the Colts’ roster building once Manning was in place as the No. 1 overall pick in 1998. Marvin Harrison already was an offensive cornerstone.

Remember the first-round focus? Running back Edgerrin James in ’99, wideout Reggie Wayne in 2001 and a linebacker-turned-tight end out of Iowa in ’03.

“I think Dallas was really one of the missing pieces to the puzzle,’’ long-time offensive coordinator Tom Moore said. “We got him and we got (Brandon) Stokely.

“Along with Marvin and Reggie and Stokley, he gave you four great weapons.’’

Clark added invaluable flexibility to an already-dynamic offense. At 6-3 and 252 pounds, he possessed the speed and route-running skills of a wideout. He was too fast for most linebackers and too big if the defense sent a cornerback or safety to deal with him. That was especially true when Moore had Manning and James operating their wicked stretch play.

“He presented a lot of mismatches,’’ Moore said.

“Just a guy that Tom Moore used well,’’ Manning said. “We put him at tight end. We put him in the slot. We lined him up out wide. He could run great wide receiver routes outside.

“Obviously he was so effective over the middle on those seam routes. He had a great feel for zone coverages, where those holes were.’’

Clark started 111 of 115 regular-season games with the Colts and piled up 427 receptions, 4,887 yards and 46 touchdowns. The catches and TDs are club records by a tight end. The yards are second to Hall of Famer John Mackey.

Clark was lethal over the middle of the field, and occasionally broke a defense’s spirit. He’s one of a handful of Colts to post at least two touchdown catches of at least 80 yards: an 80-yarder at Houston in 2004 and another 80-yard TD on the first play at Miami in ’09.

In 2008, Clark had the best season of his career: 77 catches, 848 yards, six TDs.

During the ensuing offseason, general manager Bill Polian approached Moore.

“He mentioned, ‘Hey, maybe we could get Dallas a little more involved in the pass game,’’’ Moore said. “And Bill was absolutely right.

“Dallas was a such a weapon.’’

In 2009, Clark had 100 receptions, 1,106 yards and 10 TDs. He and Wayne combined for 200 catches, 2,370 yards and 20 TDs on a team that finished 14-2 and reached Super Bowl XLIV.

“High-energy guy. Showed up every day,’’ Manning said. “He was such an integral part of our success.

“He was such a valuable player. You like having players that make the other defense have a conversation about you. Those are the kind of players you want on your team and Dallas Clark was one of those guys.’’

Special moment

Everything comes to a head Sunday, or Saturday night if you’re fortunate enough to have received an invitation.

“It’s going to be so much fun,’’ Clark said. “Just seeing the list of guys who are coming in.

“Mr. Irsay’s throwing a nice little private, quiet, quaint, intimate party Saturday night.’’

A few teammates will miss the dinner but be on hand for Sunday’s halftime ceremony. Marvin Harrison, Edgerrin James, Tarik Glenn and Jeff Saturday have family obligations on Saturday.

“Sunday is going to be really, really special,’’ Clark said.

You can follow Mike Chappell on Twitter at @mchappell51.

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