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Nearly a year after cutting their last franchise quarterback, the Colts have a franchise player.

Punter Pat McAfee, who addressed the possibility of being tagged last Friday on PFT Live, tells us via text that the franchise tag has been applied. McAfee was due to become an unrestricted free agent on March 12.

If McAfee accepts the tender offer, he’ll receive a guaranteed salary of $2.98 million in 2013.

McAfee, who also serves as the holder and kickoff specialist, told PFT Live he’d view the tag as an honor, and that he’d have no complaints about the designation. Of course, he also said he fears his dad would “kick my ass” if he objected to nearly $3 million for one season.

It’s refreshing to know that kids his age still fear their dad kicking their ass.

Hopefully, my 16-year-old will re-acquire that quality at some point.