After donning black and gold for 12 seasons as a Steeler, Batesville native Deshea Townsend will don the blue and white of the Indianapolis Colts this coming NFL season.

The Steelers released Townsend after last year and he has been in negotiations for a new team since he became a free agent in March.

According to NFL.com statistics with the Pittsburgh Steelers Townsend had 21 interceptions and 15.5 sacks in 183 games. He was selected by the Steelers in the fourth round of the 1998 NFL Draft.

Looking at a young secordary, the Colts are touting Townsend’s senior leadership on defense.

“Townsend, 34, brings a much-needed veteran presence to a young Colts secondary. Kelvin Hayden, a six-year veteran, was the only player on Indianapolis’ roster with more than one season in the NFL.,” said NFL.com.

Townsend is the son of Willie B. and the late Lena Townsend of Batesville.