Indianapolis Colts

Bjoern Werner: 'I can be a baller' when healthy

Published May. 28, 2015 1:34 a.m. ET

foxsports

Through his first two seasons in the NFL, Indianapolis Colts defensive end Bjoern Werner has largely failed to live up to expectations.

On Tuesday, the former first-round pick offered an explanation: He's been hurt.

"It's that simple," Werner said, according to Stephen Holder of the Indianapolis Star. "Since I've entered the league, I haven't been healthy one time."

Werner, the 24th overall pick in the 2013 draft, dealt with foot and knee injuries his rookie season. Last year, he was hampered by shoulder injury. Through two season, the Florida State product has 6.5 career sacks.

Werner said he tried to play through the pain last season, but head coach Chuck Pagano elected to sit him for the Colts' AFC title game loss to the New England Patriots.

"I tried to be a tough guy," Werner said. "I said, 'As long as I can walk or run, I'm going to be out there. Coach is going to have to make the decision. I'm not going to take myself out.'

"Well, when it was the most important, Coach just said (sitting out) was the best decision. It was tough for him to make that decision, too. But it was the best thing. He was honest about it. Whatever Coach Pagano says goes. But as a player, of course it was a blow. You never want to end the season like that."

Werner said the key for him in 2015 is to finally get healthy and stay healthy.

"I don't want to sound cocky, but personally, I feel like when I'm out there and healthy, I can be a baller," he said. "I can do it all. You always have to get that mojo going of course. But I'm telling you, I'm confident I can be an NFL player and a starter in this league."

(h/t Indianapolis Star)

Photo credit: Melina Vastola/USA TODAY Sports