FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Veteran wide receiver Reggie Wayne said he had other options to consider before signing a one-year contract with the New England Patriots on Tuesday but feels he made the right choice because it meets his primary goal.
"I want to win, point-blank," he said.
The 36-year-old Wayne, who was studying the playbook at his locker as reporters arrived, joked that it's been a long time since he's had to cram to learn the offense. But he quickly turned serious when asked his message to Colts fans after playing the past 14 seasons in Indianapolis, home to one of the Patriots' top rivals.
"No time for that right now," he said.
The teams meet in Indianapolis on Oct. 18, but Wayne isn't thinking about what it might be like that day.
"I don't even see that right now," he said. "I'm worried about today, getting better, figuring out this playbook and figuring out my way around this maze. When that time comes, it comes."
Wayne added that he'd been training since May and never considered retirement. He relayed that he received "a lot of serious calls from some good teams" but ultimately "felt like this was the best place."
"Something new for me, and I'm looking forward to the journey," he said. "Sitting at home in Miami, just constantly getting that itch; the longer I waited, the harder it was going to be. I think it's right on time. I have to go back to school and try to figure out [everything]."
Wayne, who turns 37 on Nov. 17, is the second-oldest player on the Patriots' roster behind quarterback Tom Brady (38). He said the two have spoken, referring to Brady as "one of the best to ever do it" and noting, "Tom has definitely welcomed me here. It's outstanding, man. Not everyone can say they've had this journey I've had."
Wayne's journey comment seemed to be in reference to playing with both Brady and Peyton Manning, as he can become just the sixth player in NFL history to catch passes from both future Hall of Famers. The others are Austin Collie, Dan Klecko, Jermaine Wiggins, Torrance Small and Wes Welker. Of course, he also played with Andrew Luck, one of the game's rising stars at the position.
Wayne said he's already told Brady that he's willing to put in any extra work with him to get up to speed. As for Patriots coach Bill Belichick, Wayne described their relationship as one of mutual respect.
"Even though I was on the opposite side, you see that from afar and that's what you want. You want to be part of that. You want to learn how to put that into your repertoire," he said. "Pro Bowls, before the games, after the games, it was always mutual respect. He's one of the best [at it]."
Wayne said he played through injury "from Week 1 to the end" of 2014 but didn't specify the ailment. Reports had indicated it was his triceps.
"I just want to finish healthy, finish strong," he said. "I know what I can do. I know what I'm capable of. I'm thankful for this opportunity."
Wayne, who has worn No. 87 throughout his career, smiled when asked about his new jersey number in New England; tight end Rob Gronkowski dons 87. Wayne will wear No. 15.
"It's a new place, new journey, new path, new number. 87 is over with," he said.
As for his career, Wayne didn't put a timetable on how much longer he plans to play. He also said he doesn't pay attention to those who believe he has little left to offer.
"The only thing I can do is let my work speak for itself. I know what I can do. I know what I can bring to the table," he said. "I just have to get caught up and get on the same page with everybody, and I'll be able to show what I can do. Whoever those naysayers are, just watch me work."