It took Southeastern Louisiana 18 years to get a football team back on the field. It only took one to get a player inked by an NFL squad.

Brett Beard (6-4, 295), a defensive end at Southeastern, became the first Lion to sign an NFL contract since the team returned to the gridiron in 2003 following an 18-year absence. He signed a free agent contract with the Indianapolis Colts Wednesday afternoon.

Beard is scheduled to report Thursday for a physical and begins his quest to earn a roster spot this weekend at the Colts' rookie camp.

"Right now this is just a surreal experience for me," replied Beard just after signing his contract. "For most of my life this has always been out there but I never really thought it might happen until recently. In high school my focus was on getting to college and playing football to pay for college. It was only after I started at Vanderbilt as a sophomore that I began to think this might be a possibility.

"The hardest part was the waiting: waiting for the Hula Bowl and then now waiting for a chance. It's all I was really looking for: a chance to get out there and prove myself. "

Beard, who transferred to Southeastern from Vanderbilt for his final season of eligibility, led the Lions in sacks with seven, was second on the squad with 12.5 tackles for loss and finished with 64 total tackles.

Following the season he became the first Lion to participate in the Hula Bowl, was named All-Independents First Team, second-team All-Louisiana and second-team All-South Region.

"We're just very proud of Brett and very happy for him and his family," replied Southeastern head coach Hal Mumme. "It's not very often a first-year program has a player sign an NFL contract and we're excited that Brett had that opportunity. He had another chance and decided to take it with us. I'm sure he'll take full advantage of his opportunity."

Beard was one of four team captains and finished his senior campaign sixth in tackles from his defensive end spot. He also paced the squad in quarterback hurries and recorded the Lions only blocked kick of the season.