The Colts had not signed any of their nine draft picks until Tuesday when sixth-round pick Pierre Garcon, a receiver from Division III Mount Union, signed.
Indianapolis, the Super Bowl winner two seasons ago, reached a deal with its top pick, center Mike Pollack, on Wednesday along with fifth-round pick Marcus Howard of Georgia, sixth-round picks Steve Justice of Wake Forest and Mike Hart of Michigan, seventh-round choice Jamey Richard of Buffalo and Tamme.
"I knew four or five other guys had signed today," Tamme, who played on four state championship teams at Boyle, said.
Training camp at Rose-Hulman Institute in Terre Haute, Ind., began today with the first practice scheduled Friday. The team has its first exhibition game in less than two weeks.
"It's just good to have it done and over," Tamme said. "I wanted to make sure we had this all out of the way before camp started.
"But even though I have a NFL contract, there is no guarantee I have a job. Nothing is guaranteed. You really don't have a job until you make the active roster for the first game."
Tamme had 121 catches for 1,213 yards and 11 touchdowns at Kentucky, including 56 for 619 yards and six scores in 2007.
The Colts are counting on him to fill the void left the by departure of Ben Utecht, last year's backup to Dallas Clark who signed a free agent deal with Cincinnati.
"I am looking forward to training camp," Tamme, who has spent the summer studying the Colts' playbook, said. "I am sure there will be some surprises that a rookie would never expect. I just have to hope I am ready for whatever they throw at me.
"I am just excited to have a chance to earn a job. It's all about taking advantage of your opportunities. Now I have to show what I can do."
Tamme said he got "used to how things are done" by the Colts during summer workouts as he prepares for the no-huddle offense led by All-Pro quarterback Peyton Manning.
"I also got to work out some at home and spend time with my family," Tamme said. "It never really slowed down, but I was glad I got some time at home. That's important to me."
Tamme didn't go on a wild spending spree - and doesn't plan to - after signing his contract. Since his wife, Allison, is in Florida on vacation, he really didn't celebrate.
"I celebrated by myself. I guess packing for training camp was my way of celebrating," he said. "But I am not complaining. I know this is a big day and now I just have to be ready for what lies ahead."
