Who is Clayton?
American football strong safety for the Indianapolis Colts.
Q. How did you get started in football?
I’ve always been around football. My uncle Jumpy was in the NFL for 16 years, and my uncle Dab was also in the league for a few years. My cousins played football in the NFL and college, so it was always a sport I wanted to play. I went out for the football team (Brown’s Ferry Tigers) in the 6th grade. Everyone in my family was bigger than me so people thought that I was going to be a lineman as well, but Coach Jackie saw something different. I remember him saying that I was different. He started me at running back and gave me jersey #22 after Emmitt Smith. I was fast, strong and my vision was unreal. I remembered after I scored my first touchdown, that feeling that I got was so special. I liked it. Better yet, I loved it.
Q. What do you think is unique about the Colts community and fan base here in Indy?
The Colts have such a positive fan base, I can’t say that about every team. Our fans are full of kind and caring individuals who really support the Colts and that’s a big deal. I really admire all the great things that happen in the community, like promoting pet adoption, and keeping Indy beautiful. I think it’s great that our fans can support not only the team, but also the city.
Image credit: Indianapolis Colts
Q. After a long game, do you have a favorite dining spot or watering hole around Indy? If so, tell us where and why.
Usually after a long game I’m pretty tired. I really like picking up some Louisiana dry rub wings from Wing Stop and heading home to watch highlights and chill with my family, but if we have guests, we go to
Yard House. They have great service and I really like their calamari.
Q. If you’re hosting out-of-town guests, where might you take them for an authentic Indy experience?
Q. When you’re not on the field, where do you go in Indy to relax?
Besides being home, anytime I get a chance to relax I’m probably getting a massage.
Q. Is there a certain place(s) you enjoy visiting for fresh air?
When the weather is warm enough, I love walking around the
canal downtown with my family.
Q. What are some hidden gems or some off-the-beaten-path places or events that you would suggest visitors check out?
The Boiling has GREAT seafood and
Trader’s Point Creamery is great if you’re looking for farm-raised/grown food. Just about everything comes from their farm and they have great ice cream too. Both are great restaurants. The
Indiana State Fair is definitely a must-go as well. They have the BEST corn on the cob.
