Michael Conroy - AP
about 1 year ago: FILE - In this Jan. 2, 2011 file photo, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning walks off the field after a 23-20 win over the Tennessee Titans in an NFL football game in Indianapolis. Manning, the only four-time MVP in league history, has been given the exclusive franchise tag, a move that could cost the Colts $23 million next season. Team owner Jim Irsay announced the decision Tuesday night, Feb. 15, 2011 on Twitter. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File)
Ugh.
On a day that we should be celebrating our new head coach and the fire and passion he will be bringing to this town, all of that gets pushed to the side for a storm that is brewing more furiously than ever.
Peyton Manning isn't happy and now Jim Irsay isn't happy.
After new head coach Chuck Pagano delivered an uplifting, confident, and lighthearted introductory presser, Irsay spoke with the local media and took the floor to air out some grievances of his own. While trying to remain diplomatic and respectful of his family-like relationship with Manning, Irsay didn't hesitate to take some shots (subtle or not) at his likely former franchise quarterback.
Irsay began with an "all due respect" styled approach. You know what that means...
"Look, I have so much affection and appreciation for Peyton," Irsay said. "We’re family, you know, we always will be and we are."
But...? There's always a but and sure enough, Irsay delivered. He referred to Manning as a "politician" and stated that he is "campaigning". He also started to get a little more blunt with his words:
"I don’t think it’s in a good interest to paint the horseshoe in a negative light, I really don’t," Irsay said. "He’s such a big part of that and everything else, but the horseshoe always comes first.
"I think one thing that he’s always known, because he’s been around it so long, is you keep it in the family. If you’ve got a problem, you talk to each other. It’s not about campaigning or anything like that."
Irsay then went as far as to discredit the picture Manning painted in his interview with Bob Kravitz, a picture that not surprisingly revealed the Colts facilities in a very depressing light, due to the firings that are obviously personally heart-wrenching for Manning.
"There’s not any sort of bad situation around here for healing or anything like that," Irsay said. "That’s not a correct perspective. Like I said, you keep it in house, your family, you talk to each other if you have problems, and he knows that.
"We’ll work it through and we’ll work it through hand in hand, and we’ll talk and we’ll continue to talk as we get into February and get closer to the league year. That’s kind of where it stands right now."
"That's not a correct perspective", eh? So, "are you calling me a liar?"
Papa Johns jokes aside, this situation is getting uglier by the day and only further pushes along the notion that Manning will not be a Colt in 2012. Does Irsay have a right to be upset with Manning's comments? Not really. Manning might be putting some extra sugar on his words to ultimately make it clear that leaving isn't his wish, but it's not like that's a totally ridiculous suggestion. As Paul Kuharsky claims, "Manning deserves better right now." This is obviously a hard time for him and to simply state that his perspective isn't "correct", well, that's just rather insensitive and not very smart of Irsay.
I've always remained adamant that if the Colts botch the Manning situation -- whatever that situation may be -- it will forever negatively affect the view that people hold for this organization. Well, I'm afraid that we are seeing the beginning stages of said predicted botching.
And as if the P.R. in Indy wasn't already bad enough (Bill Polian, anyone?), it's now getting progressively worse thanks to this situation and Irsay's comments. I thought we were finished with that era?
I love Irsay and in my eyes, he's an owner -- one of the greatest -- that a fan should be proud to call their own. However, he's also contributing to the downward spiral of a very delicate situation. I understand that he's trying to rebuild and rejuvenate a fan base that's been heavily depressed throughout 2011, but is it really so hard to let Manning look the good guy, or the "politician", and just let him gracefully move on with his career? You're starting fresh and that's what you should be focused on. Getting into a war of words with one of the most well-respected and popularized athletes in the entire world is probably not a good idea, especially at such a premature stage.
It certainly isn't going to help the pain that Manning and nearly every Colts fan will feel when big #18 walks out the door for another franchise.
Business is business, but it must be handled with care, grace, and respect. It's essentially a lose-lose for the Colts front office. You really can't battle the P.R. machine that is Peyton Manning, especially when he's done nothing wrong.
Adding to that point, Manning kindly clarified his comments to the Indy Star, in response to Irsay's:
"At this point, Mr. Irsay and I owe it to each other and to the fans of the organization to handle this appropriately and professionally, and I think we will. I've already reached out to Mr. Irsay. I wasn't trying to paint the Colts in a bad light, but it's tough when so many people you've known for so long are suddenly leaving. I feel very close to a lot of these guys and we've done great things together. It's hard to watch an old friend clean out his office. That's all I was trying to say.
Manning continued to try and zip up the situation:
"I just want to keep rehabbing and working hard, and when the time is right for Mr. Irsay and I to sit down, I look forward to a healthy conversation about my future. I've worked too hard and have such great respect and have so many great relationships inside the building and out, and it's incredibly important that those remain."
"Politicking" is what Manning and every other public figure who cares about their reputation does. You can see it right here. He always knows how to present himself in a classy and respectful way, no matter the situation. That's what makes him Peyton Manning... Furthermore:
"I want to separate the personal and the business," Manning said Monday night. "I've seen it get personal in other situations, and I don't want that to happen here."
Hopefully, it's not already too late. Like I've mentioned plenty of times, Manning has earned the right to retire a Colt and something like this shouldn't get in the way of that right. And to Irsay's credit, not everything he said was aimed at discrediting or picking at Manning. He made sure to point out the importance of Manning to this town:
What's he's done for this city, what he's done the state, for the franchise. What he means to me and our fans. That's not going to be the situation. I think he and I just have to talk.
There's a lot of frustration and heavy hearts involved in this situation. We all know that this decision isn't going to be easy for Irsay, Manning, or the fans of this great team. But when you depart ways with a legend -- if that's what's happening, as Bob Kravitz essentially guarantees -- it must be done right.
Please don't let this get any uglier, Mr. Irsay.
You're better than this.
0 recs | 83 comments
All I've got to say is.........
Thinking of Manning leaving sucks…..Thinking of Manning leaving under unbecoming circumstances supersucks. I hate this shit immensely. I still hope he’s healthy and stays. Go ahead, beat me, hurt me, call me trash….make me write bad checks.
tim55 - January 26, 2012
Agreed.
This whole situation rather sucks.
Stew Blake - January 26, 2012
Ditto
it came crashing with the team in 2011. If the team had preformed sub par at least 2-4 start maybe we would not have this issue. Remember there were at leas 2 games we should have won.
kbreboot - January 27, 2012
I agree that this must be handled correctly...
But Manning is the one who spoke out first. Irsay paid him a grip this year not to play and fired a GM and coaching staff that dropped the ball…
Did I miss something where Irsay spoke poorly of Manning. I have always heard him say that it would be a family decision and if Manning was healthy he stays…
It just sounds like Manning is angry about the change and uncertainty which is justified. I don’t think Irsay is treating him like yesterday’s trash because he is drafting Luck. I think Irsay wants to have both if possible but if Manning isn’t healthy by March 8 there is no choice but to cut him…
Every move Irsay has made seems to be smart and beat for the long term plan IMO. If Peyton is angry about his coaches getting fired that’s just too bad…he is still a great QB when healthy and will fit in to the new system if given the chance
(206)NightRidah - January 26, 2012 via mobile
Werent the writers here literally dancing on Caldwell and Polians graves two weeks ago?
Now Manning deserves better than to be in the dark about the future?
He was going to feel this way if Irsay fired everyone…so do we wish he kept Polian and Caldwell now?! Damned either way I guess…
(206)NightRidah - January 26, 2012 via mobile
Um no all Manning said was that he lamented over them leaving because he was close to them. I get that I mean if he were healthy they’d still be here. Which I get however I agree they had to go regardless of how Manning felt.
However I disagree with you about Irsay being smart about this because he’s not. I don’t think people would blame him for moving on with a QB that he knows can play in Sept 2012.
I do however blame him for being less than upfront with Manning about everything not having the GM talk to him about his future etc. I mean really if you want to move on from Manning tell it to his face like a man and let him go. Or commit to him.
To me Irsay made up his mind that he wants Luck Manning knows this too so why pretend?
CF4L - January 26, 2012
We as fans don't know all the facts...
Grigson has only been around two weeks. Soanning had to wait a few weeks to hear what’s up. Too freakin bad! They paid him a bag of cash knowing he couldn’t play this season…
Irsay made it clear it’s his call. So talking to the GM wouldn’t do much. It’s only been a few weeks…it’s only January! We don’t know what Irsay will try to work out with Manning.
In life everything doesn’t go your way all the time….waiting two weeks doesn’t equate to being thrown away in my opinion. If it were March 1 and no discussion had taken place that would be an issue…
Manning is frustrated and that’s fine. He wants back in, we as fans want to see him, the. NFL want him back…but Irsay isn’t crapping on Peyton. He is just running his business. Grigson/Pagano seem to be a solid hires…I trust Irsay will try to work out a deal with Manning for le$$ if he is healthy enough to pay…but no one is going to pay a semi healthy Manning 20mil per…
(206)NightRidah - January 26, 2012 via mobile
And yet they hired a coach, fired other personnel but they couldn’t find time to talk to the franchise QB who pretty much is the real question mark as to what direction this franchise is going.
Really?
We already know the answer the fact Irsay even responded to this being kept in house was his answer read between the lines Manning is gone but Irsay wants to make sure to wait till the last possible second to do so.
CF4L - January 27, 2012
There are alot of potential problems in this situation...
One is that people assume that since Peyton is an uber- wealthy star athlete he is some kind of super human. He’s not. He’s just a guy. And any guy who has had the year he has had only to be followed up by watching people he has worked with almost his entire adult life being let go is going to have a tough time with it. These are his co-workers and his friends and he has watched a steady stream of them leaving over the past few days. It bothered him and he said so. What’s the big deal?
Irsay could be a little more understanding and not take it so personally. It makes him come off as some kind of “screw the peasants” robbber baron who can’t relate to actual human emotion over significant changes in one’s life. Quotes like “There’s not any sort of bad situation around here for healing or anything like that, That’s not a correct perspective.” Just makes him sound foolish. He may disagree with Peyton’s assessment, but he can’t say the “perspective” is incorrect. That was Peyon’s perspective, his point of view. Clearly the situation as it is unfolding, whether inevitable or not, is having a significant negative affect on Peyton’s psyche. Given the immeasurable contribution Peyton has made to this franchise, Irsay would be well served to swallow a little pride if necessary and simply acknowledge that it is a tough situation for a significant number of people, including Manning.
It would seem to me like the time is NOW for these two men to sit down and get a few things straightened out before this thing takes on a life of its own and one or the other says something he will regret.
EVLGNUS - January 26, 2012
Agree
And well said. The only problem I have is expressing sadness, wistfulness, and whatever in the media. It’s too easy for people to assume comments like these are veiled shots at management for getting rid of his favorites.
18MVP4Life - January 27, 2012 via mobile
That's a good point
especially since it is a rare thing for Peyton to do. I think both sides are underestimating the amout of interest and scrutiny this situation has generated and are not being as careful as they should be.
EVLGNUS - January 27, 2012
Sucks
As painful as it sounds, Colts should cut Peyton right now. They are not doing him no favors keep him out of the big loop at all. The thing that bothers me the most it is that Peyton was working with the health guy in his rehab and then the rehab guy has to leave because he was fired. Regardless of being healthy or not right now, Peyton does not deserve the circus of waiting 1 1/2 month to figure it out if he is going to come back or not which I think it is 99.9% cut by the colts regardless of his heath.
k1 - January 26, 2012
Exactly! Make a decision I know its a major one and I’m glad I’m not the one who has to make it but you aren’t doing yourself any favors with delaying the inevitable.
CF4L - January 26, 2012
so, maybe firing polian wasn't such a good idea
If you are fan of Manning’s feelings
danorocks17 - January 26, 2012
Polian is not Irsay.
Irsay is the one who labeled the Manning decision as one of “family”, not business. His words, not ours.
Stew Blake - January 26, 2012
If Irsay had walked to the podium
And said “we are keeping the front office and coaching staff along with aging FA’s to make another run with Peyton”. This site would have called him weak and incompetent in every other article for the next 6 months…
(206)NightRidah - January 26, 2012 via mobile
this doesn't really address my post
I was referring to the “rift” between Polian and Manning. must have been all bullshit or a minor disagreement
danorocks17 - January 27, 2012
ahhhhh
i forgot about all that shiz
muncie_in_this - January 27, 2012
nWo
get used to it. Holla if you hear me!
coltsfan500 - January 26, 2012
Best Wrestling Song Ever...
NanceyBoy - January 27, 2012
n.w.a. is better.
Chopaholic - January 27, 2012
Crucial Conflict till I die...
NanceyBoy - January 27, 2012
fuck tha police
muncie_in_this - January 27, 2012
Imagining Manning leaving the Colts is bad enough.
Imagining him leaving the Colts on bad terms is unthinkable. I don’t think it’ll come to that, because of the great respect that Irsay and Manning have for one another – I honestly think they have quite a close friendship – but it pains me to see the waters start to get murky.
Or maybe that’s just the media painting it in such a way. shrug
ninpojames - January 26, 2012
The Media
Is the media trying to force the COLTS hand in dealing with Manning. This is turning into a freakin soap opera. Not good! Not good at all. Twisting everyone’s words around…
JohnHandburgers - January 26, 2012 via mobile
Good job Kravitz! Look what you started!
JohnHandburgers - January 26, 2012 via mobile
I agree...
Everyone would have an issue with radical change on their job. If Manning is healthy I assume Irsay will attempt to keep him in Indy. If Manning isn’t healthy Irsay will have to cut him
(206)NightRidah - January 26, 2012 via mobile
My issue is that us FANS were upset we hadn’t heard any updates on Manning. The man gives an interview to basically let us know how this is affecting him emotionally and the media takes it and runs with it. No wonder everyone dogs the media! They need to cease with interviews about each other and deal with this man to man.
JohnHandburgers - January 26, 2012 via mobile
^^^This
I’m sick of the pot-stirring media members. There is NO story yet unless they create one. The Decision (not LeBron’s self-aggrandizing one) should NOT be made prematurely because of media pressure.
Nosewiper - January 27, 2012
Irsay allowed this to happen
This is what happens when you let snakes like Kravitz in your building. Now you see why Polian hated the local press. They have turned this into a soap opera, and the Colts will end up looking like incompetant people for how this ends. The situation with Manning would have played out in due course. Worms like Kravitz have now made this very difficult for all parties concerned.
Blueisgood - January 26, 2012
Did Kravitz force Manning to talk to him?
Did Kravitz force Irsay into saying what he did today?
I guess it’s just easier to blame the media…
mgrex03 - January 26, 2012
I don't dislike the media...
But this damned if you do damned if you don’t stuff is toxic.
Keep Polian/Caldwell…Incompetent owner
Fire Polian/Caldwell…Unfair to Manning
Can’t have it both ways
(206)NightRidah - January 26, 2012 via mobile
It's not unfair to Manning that they fired Polian and Caldwell
It’s the way he’s being treated by the Colts right now that is the issue. Irsay goes to the media to tell Manning to not go to the media, and trying to win a PR battle he’ll never win against Manning.
Hell, Pagano wouldn’t even say his name today when asked about him until about the 3rd time. Everyone should be coming to terms with a break-up between the Colts and Manning, but the Colts owe Manning, the guy who is THE REASON the Super Bowl is here in Indianapolis next weekend, more than the backhanded statements and tap-dancing we’re seeing now. He deserves that, no matter the monetary compensation he’s been given.
The line Irsay has to toe is razor thin. He’s already cutting himself.
mgrex03 - January 26, 2012
You are right
Irsay can’t win a PR war!
But Manning started this discourse. He could have kept quiet. I looked at his words as strategic on Peyton’s part to look like the victim. The fact that they paid him a ton not to play last year knowing there was no viable backup says a lot to me about how the owner respects him. If he was healthy this isn’t an issue but things just haven’t worked out…
I don’t think Manning has been disrespected here because the new regime has only been around two weeks…Irsay has always said its his call and a family issue…Irsay will handle it when he is prepared to
(206)NightRidah - January 27, 2012 via mobile
You're right that Manning started it
But Irsay should have ignored it, or taken his own advice and kept his displeasure with the comments ‘in house’. Also add in all the leaks about his health earlier this season, which I’ve heard from multiple people he was not happy about, and it seems a bit hypocritical for Irsay to say these things, even if Irsay wasn’t responsible earlier this season.
He (Irsay) needs to stay out of the media, even more so than Manning does. Today made it abundantly clear what his intentions are w/r/t Manning. It shouldn’t be like this. Even if Manning started it, Irsay can’t try to finish it. He’ll lose every time.
mgrex03 - January 27, 2012
You have a point there
But we all know Irsay is an egomaniac like most billionaires and also a wacko stoner…
Manning especially knows this…like I said…it was strategic…
Irsay can’t win a PR war, but I for one won’t cast blame on either party at this point. I still am one of the few that thinks if Manning is 100% he will get an reduced offer from the Colts. If he won’t take that I can understand his reasoning as well…
If he isn’t healthy it’s a moot point
(206)NightRidah - January 27, 2012 via mobile
That is true…
JohnHandburgers - January 27, 2012 via mobile
The point is twisting people’s words around to create a story. That’s all I saw with kravitz. this is just my point of view and I’m sure others will disagree…
JohnHandburgers - January 26, 2012 via mobile
I'm sure Kravtiz just "happened" to run into Peyton on the street
dezznutz1001 - January 27, 2012
I'd put it about 75%
that Manning sought out Kravitz. He doesn’t give an interview like that on a whim.
mgrex03 - January 27, 2012
Per Dan Dakich
Manning went to Kravitz.
FatDT - January 27, 2012
Nobody really wins this war
The Colts gave up Elway, folks. They gave up 5 stinking trips to the Super Bowl with 2 wins. Luck has been rated by Kiper as the best QB since Elway. How can anyone give up on that especially when Peyton is in the predicament he is in? It’s not fair to Irsay and it’s not fair to Peyton because he’s given his life to the Colts. No win situation.
GrizzColt - January 27, 2012
Lose-Lose
It is a difficult situation because if Irsay pass on Luck and he turns out great, colts fans would not forgive him at all. In the same token, if they release Peyton and he wins a superbowl and come to haunts the colts, irsay wil suffer too.
However, Peyton deserve respect for all the things he has done for the franchise. They should release right now before making a circus / soap opera of the situation.
k1 - January 27, 2012
I agree for the most part except
if PM goes on to win another SB, it shouldn’t haunt the Colts. They’ve had him for the best years of his career and shown they could only get it done once. If some other team can take what he has left, add it to their mix, and go all the way, good for them and good for him.
EVLGNUS - January 27, 2012
'Like I said, you keep it in house'
Is that what you’re doing Mr. Irsay?
Ayrshire - January 27, 2012
In other words, they should be talking to each other,
and not communicating to each other via the press.
Ayrshire - January 27, 2012
My thoughts exactly
That’s just what I thought as I was reading this. If Irsay wants to keep it in the family, why is he complaining about it in the press? Finally, I’m agreeing with something Ayrshire is saying!
DubsSon - January 27, 2012
You should be agreeing with everything I say.
Ayrshire - January 27, 2012
Are there prizes involved?
ninpojames - January 27, 2012 via Android app
why not....lol.
Ayrshire - January 27, 2012
I want a pony.
ninpojames - January 27, 2012 via Android app
and i'll take a flying zeppelin
thank you
muncie_in_this - January 27, 2012
Now that Polian is gone
I bet you won’t be “wrong” so much anymore.
FatDT - January 27, 2012
True. Call me crazy, but
I’ve never been a fan of nepotism and cronyism. If someone has a different perspective, so be it. But, moving forward, I’m really happy about the new coach and GM, especially the coach. I just wish Manning would have been lucky enough to have a guy like this during his prime. Together, I think the Colts could have really had a great shot at truly maximizing the potential of the Manning years.
Ayrshire - January 27, 2012
Kravitz is a reporter....
He may have a different opinion than you do. Yes, it is possible that his opinions can influence the public discourse. But if he didn’t have his facts straight or made false claims about the organization, he wouldn’t have the confidence of Jim Irsay and Peyton Manning would not have called him. Sure Polian didn’t like him. But I think Kravitz has handled himself well throughout the twists and turns of this story which now garners national attention. He was the first columnist to come out and state that he did not believe drafting Luck and re signing Manning made sense fiscally. He has been consistent on his stance and as we draw nearer to the decision it appears more likely that he may be right in how this story ends.
thomasezekiel77 - January 27, 2012
I loathe Kravitz
But he is doing his job. This is likely one of the most important stories of his career at the Star
(206)NightRidah - January 27, 2012 via mobile
He knows that too
And a happy story where both sides were happy wouldn’t get such national attention. That’s why I believe he is making their comments seem so damning. I don’t see where either party has really stated anything that negative about the other. Peyton said he already “reached out” to Irsay. I’m sure these guys talk more than just through the media. I’m also sure their conversations are candid and not uptight or buisness-like. People are running with these stories and mist of what’s being reported is what the reporter interprets from the material they have to work with, opinions… That’s their job, but making national headlines and getting on PTI ect is big time for an Indy star writer. So I’d venture to guess that whichever course of interpretation that gains the most attention is the one that would be taken…
Kdog@usi - January 27, 2012 via mobile
This is exactly how I see it.
Sure, Manning is upset. He spent the year under the scalpel 3 times living with uncertainty that he’ll ever play again, while watching his nemesis make it to the SB in HIS house, and now he gets to see a lot of his friends get fired. Wouldn’t you be upset, too?
This isn’t the first time Peyton has been disappointed in his career, but it’s the first time the media can take that disappointment and blow it way out of proportion while making it believable.
There’s a lot going on at W 56, but I’m willing to let the dust settle a bit so that I can see the situation more clearly. No need to cry “wolf” just yet.
ninpojames - January 27, 2012 via Android app
GREAT POST
I got three texts last night from my asshole, packer’s fan brother-in-law, my dick of a boss, and my cousin who loves the patriots. All saying, “Manning Done”.
Where did you read that?! There is nothing definitive here. People like the Merp and BBS are embellishing things way too much.
Let’s wait for an official announcement before we climb all over Manning or Irsay. Instead, let’s focus on the positives of this offseason so far…
Pagano’s initial press conference was extremely impressive. And I like Grigson’s style. (Khaki’s and a tie… What a schlub…)
Go Colts
NanceyBoy - January 27, 2012
Kravitz is a columnist
and a bit of a self serving, ego filled, perception spinning writer. I’ve been pretty critical of him, but do think he wrote that story in a
neutralway like a reporter, which is historically different for him.Manning WANTED to speak to Kravitz after Kravitz wrote him an email to ask Peytons thoughts on Eli going to his 2nd SB, playing in INDY etc.. I believe Manning used that inquiry to start his PR campaign.
So Kravitz was “picked” by Manning to launch his “Political” career so to speak because in Bob Kravitz you know EXACTLY what you get…
Just clarifying
BigBlueDawg - January 27, 2012
Both are at fault.
According to Dan Dickitch it was Manning that called Kravitz (and the NY Times writer I guess) to give those interviews. It is obvious posturing. I agree with Irsay that if he is so upset he should have kept it in-house and went to Irsay himself.
Irsay shouldn’t have then made himself a hypocrite by spouting off about Manning to the media. Those that have seen the video of Irsay making these comments say that in context it doesn’t sound as bad but calling him a “politician” and accusing him of painting the team in a bad light sounds antagonistic and it was careless.
Both need to stop talking to the press and instead talk to each other.
FatDT - January 27, 2012
Just when I finally am starting to see
Irsay grow a set, take control, and do the right things with this organization, it looks like he’s really botching the whole Manning issue. It’s sad really.
Ayrshire - January 27, 2012
peyton was used to driving the bus....
Irsay gave the keys to Polians……the polians drove through the school zone trampling every kid in sight……Caldwell never challenged anyone…..so Peyton was in full control…..meanwhile this team was going to bell quickly…..the argument is the regular season wins every year…..what do you get for that….a t-shirt?
After the SB loss to the saints….Polian criticized the o-.line…….from that point forward….what did he do to fix it? Nothing….he actually made it worse…..
By the time all of this mediocrity caught up with irsay this season…..I think he became so pissed at the state of his business….it is no wonder there is this tension between the two
sundaywager - January 27, 2012 via mobile
It doesn't really matter, to be honest, what Peyton thinks
It’s Irsay’s decision as to if Peyton returns to the Colts or not. The only way Peyton can leave is if he retires. At least, if I understand the contract Peyton signed, that is. It isn’t “after one year Peyton can choose to have the Colts pick up the rest of his contract or not,” it IS “after one year the Colts can choose to still have Peyton or not.”
Sir Sci - January 27, 2012
This is why I dont like Irsay
I Hope he knows what hes doing…thos pre-Polian years when he was makieng decisions werent to hot if I remember
dezznutz1001 - January 27, 2012
All of this will pass
Especially if Luck turns out to be as good as advertised and the Colts are a contender in a few years…
Colts missed out on Elway’s greatness
Colts squandered Manning’s greatness by failing to build a D
Colts seem to have learned and are looking to rebuild with an aggressive physical D to compliment Luck’s talents (we will see if he is good great or a bust)
You (generally) need an elite QB but not someone quite as good as Peyton Manning to win a SB. Dont belive me? Ask Warner Rothlisberger, Brees, Brady, Eli, and Rodgers…
(206)NightRidah - January 27, 2012 via mobile
Irsay is being an idiot
When he fired Caldwell and Polian and others, he himself expressed to the media how hard these decision were etc
So he’s allowed to express his feelings but others aren’t?
Why didn’t he just fire those guys, make no statements to the media, and keep his feelings ‘in house’?
Why not go even further and fire those guys without telling the media and keep those firings ‘in house’ until the media find out for themselves?
You can’t pick and choose what you want kept in house when you yourself are on twitter 24/7 expressing yourself like a buffoon
Manning is grown fucking man and the greatest QB ever…he’s earned his right to express his opinions
manningtoharrison - January 27, 2012
Everyone take a Deep Breath
In times of stress, when trying to understand other’s position, it is always helpful to try to put yourself in that person’s shoes.
Management, Irsay and Grigson, have tasked themselves with rebuilding the team, starting with the coaching staff. This has been the correct priority. There is intense pressure (time frame) to assemble a coaching staff, obviously starting with the HC. It is unreasonable to expect them to have simultaneously been able to articulate a vision of where the team is headed to Manning or anyone else without that HC in place, the new Captain of the ship.
On the other hand, here is PM watcing the dismantling of his ship from the last ten+ years that he has Captained in nothing but a Hall of Fame manner. Hard for him not to express empathy when some of his mates go.
The real hope of all Colts fans (Owner on down) should be that Pagano, with his defensive expertise, and the most creative offensive mind since John Unitas can collaborate to take the Colts on another incredible run !
Let’s hug it out, if Pagano and Manning can coexist it is possible !!!
vinfromJersey - January 27, 2012
We'll see
Manning and Irsay are both in the pressure cooker right now. Manning’s got 28 million reasons to be very nervous. Irsay just bet the farm on bringing in new management and a new coaching staff. Both of them are right: Manning’s right about the environment right now. Irsay’s right about not damaging “the Horseshoe” (the brand).
indymike - January 27, 2012
Can anyone say OVERREACTING!!! JEEEEEEEEEEEEEEZ.
I watched the interview, Irsay wasn’t mad… he was explaining. Manning was just saying how he felt when he did the interview and everyone is just overreacting to everything LITTLE thing. If Manning said "I like being in Indianapolis." People would start analyzing the way he said "like" and then, why did he say like, why not "love"… OMG he hates Indianapolis!! Freaking people, calm the hell down.
Manning is passionate about what he does, that is who he is and why he is great at it. He is seeing people he cares about, friends!! People he has come to be very close with and seen for the last 10 years lose their job and leave town. That isn’t an easy thing for anyone! So of course he is going to be a little upset but it isn’t like he is Ochocinco, Suggs, Moss and Owens who just say mindless BS because they allow their emotions to get the better of them. Irsay is right, he is a politician. Which is why he is good at leading on the field, he thinks in the long run and he sets up his ducks before knocking them out of the park. He is in every way a politician and a good one… just because we all dislike Congressional politicians does not mean being political is a bad thing, especially in the NFL.
Manning is the GOAT. If he is healthy Irsay wants him in Indianapolis and NO WHERE ELSE… so all this talk about Manning could go here or here, it is pointless. If Manning tells Irsay, hey I want to play then he is playing!! AND THEY ARE STILL GOING TO DRAFT ANDREW LUCK! Irsay doesn’t care about the money, he cares about continuing on with Manning and make sure that his successor is ready and able.
Next people are start talking about setting up a celebrity boxing match between Irsay and Manning! I realize there is no other Colts news so people have to invent crap… but come on! We could be talking about Pagano, possible coaches he might go after. I mean HAS ANYONE done an interview with Luck since Irsay said they are going to take him since College ball ended? I mean, talking to him would seem to be pretty freaking important right now.
TheSpear - January 27, 2012
I love your post with one exception.
It doesn’t matter how much money Irsay is willing to throw at the situation, there is a salary cap. You literally cannot spend more than X (I think it’s $120m – correct me here) on your players every year. Other than that, bravo.
ninpojames - January 27, 2012 via Android app
Completely agree that $ really is an object, regardless of what Irsay says. I just know that money management can go a long way and a few spending cuts here or there can make a difference. Yeah, I think you are right about the $120… and putting $43M into the QB position (Manning $28M, Luck $15M) is not the smart thing.
I just see Irsay’s loyalty in keeping Manning, if healthy AND getting some future insurance in Luck… and why NOT? Manning says, I can play, then you let him. He comes out and is the same Manning we are a playoff contender and you can shop Luck late in the year or the following year to another team for a ton of picks. OOOOR, Manning comes out plays half the season and he just does not have what he needs to perform anymore and Luck steps in halfway through the season. AND since you already paid Manning for 2012, you keep him on the sidelines to help Luck and call plays.
If Manning is healthy, I just think a millionaire’s mindset is to be damned with conventional wisdom and get what he wants and let the FO figure out the accounting problems. LOL. Those annoying millionaires!!
TheSpear - January 27, 2012
You can't steal home with both feet on first base
Peyton Manning’s career as Colt has reached its final destination: legend. He sits beside the only other QB legend in Colts history. He and Johnny Unitas.
The Colts and Mr. Irsay will make the right call regarding the future of the Colts. I hope in that future they will be a team and not work hard at replacing a legend. Winning football games will help ease the absence of any legend.
I cheer for other teams because I like underdogs and the NFL game day drama. But I root for the Colts. I remember when he colts beat the cowboys in the Superbowl. One legendary QB started the game; the back up lead them to victory. A tightly contested game and the team won. It’s nothing like a team win.
Mr. Irsay is at a road every football owner faces if they are lucky. He was around.when his father had to one legend away; it looks like he will have to do the same. Perhaps if the team is fortunate, they will have to do it again.
But the next steps are crucial. When I go to Houston to watch he Colts play, I want to watch my team play hard, play all out! That must be done with healthy and motivated organization. Go Colts and set our team up to win in the upcoming season. The future is now.
Leroystayclean - January 27, 2012 via mobile
Manning is used to the sun rising and setting on his ass
I love to watch the guy play. The late fourth quarter comebacks, the no huddle hurry up, watching defenders run around confused or looking bewildered because Manning once again figured them out. When Peyton doesn’t get his way though, he gets upset. Things are changing in Indy and it could be possible his personality may have been a little difficult to deal with. Much like the Polian’s. Is talking about the “atmosphere” around the facility or how it’s not conducive to his healing the mature thing to do? Better yet, is it part of the solution? Naw don’t think so. Hopefully we won’t have to hear any more of either his or Irsay’s crybaby antics, that gets old quick. Would rather hear about the solution to these problems or what the new head coach is up to, what kind of philosophy he has, G.M. same thing. Peyton, stay out of the limelight bro, stick to exercising that arm and growin’ nerves.
ferm - January 27, 2012
For the most part,
I agree with everything you wrote. I think both of them need to realize that everything they say gets magnified, twisted, and dissected in every way possible. That’s usually not a good thing ultimately. The Colts have always been such a quiet, hush-hush organization. This is one of the situations that should be handled in the same way. Airing dirty laundry doesn’t benefit either party or the organization. If Manning is ultimately released, then Jim Irsay should realize that how he handles it, including all communication with Peyton, the timing of that communication, will follow him forever. I think Jim needs to realize that the landscape of downtown Indy, the value of the team, the popularity, etc. are mainly due to Peyton. He needs to handle this delicately, and with dignity……not with newpaper interviews, twitter, biting comebacks, etc. As a matter of fact, my main piece of advice to Jim Irsay is lay off the twitter thing altogether. He’ll benefit from that.
Ayrshire - January 27, 2012
unlikely solution
I would love to see Manning and Irsay sit down and work this out. Irsay is hell bent on changing the culture in Indy, and I can’t say I blame him… For as long as they’ve been in Indy, I don’t recall them ever having a top 5 defense. And as great as Manning was/IS, he’s only won 1 Championship, and it could be argued the defense and Dominic Rhodes bailed him out in that one!
Here’s my unlikely solution. Peyton wants to retire as a Colt, but after watching lil brother win his second, he doesn’t want to just play for the Colts, he want to win another 1 (or 2) before he hangs them up for good. He got $26,000,000.00 for nothing last year, why not ask Irsay to cut him, saving the $28,000,000.00 roster bonus, then resign with the Colts at a significant discount, so they can pay Mathis, Wayne, Garcon, Saturday… and still be able to go after quality free agents to build the defense they so desperately need.
And I know Irsay is in LOVE with Luck, but he really should consider trading that pick, and using what he gets in exchange to build a monster defense, and a ball control/rush attack offensive line. That way when Peyton does actually retire (as a Colt), they’ll already have a team ready and able to win with defense when they turn the reigns over to a rookie.
James Busch - January 27, 2012
i like that
muncie_in_this - January 27, 2012
Remember on the NFL Network?
When the Colts played Houston on a Thursday night, Irsay said, “It’s a question of health. If Manning is healthy he’s a Colt.” PERIOD. So if he’s PLAYING football next year for anyone else, then Mr. Irsay is a bold face liar. PERIOD.
pmurphy180 - January 27, 2012
Irsay should be the one to back off
It’s not a matter of who’s right or wrong. I think it’s more a matter of the fact that nobody will win a PR war against Peyton. He’s arguably the NFL’s biggest star ever, so anyone feuding with him will take more damage no matter what.
So Jim should back off and be the Dark Knight. Because he can take it, and he’s not the hero. He has probably 20 to 30 years left running the franchise (unless he’s on drugs of some sort, which maybe he is considering his tweets). Meanwhile Peyton has somewhere between 0 (sob) and 5 years left as a player.
Irsay would recover from anything Peyton says in due time. But if he runs Peyton out of town in a public fashion, no one will ever forget.
Indefatigable - January 27, 2012 via mobile
A nice thing for Pagano to do
Would be to hire an ace strength/conditioning coach to help Manning rehab. That helps both sides and would be a kind of olive branch, if such is needed.
Nosewiper - January 27, 2012
nice thought
muncie_in_this - January 27, 2012
Irsay is pissed...
And has every right to be upset… He paid Manning a boat load, they treated him like a king, and let him do everything his way… now that Manning cant get his way, all his buddies who swung on his nuts are gone… Manning needs to take the high road not Irsay. Peyton says all the right things to the media, but I think we all know his personal life is quite the opposite. We all block that out like hes a great guy… just depends on your definition of a great guy… great QB yes, great guy… nope
MileHighMessiah - January 27, 2012
Well if Irsay is upset with paying Manning he’s entitled too but by talking to the media about this before the SB is about to start made it 10x worse. When all is said and done Andrew Luck is going to be so screwed if he gets picked because while letting go of a legend isn’t easy having it go this route doesn’t make it any better.
If Irsay doesn’t want stuff to go public he needs to stop tweeting and take his own advice and be quiet.
The only thing Irsay owes Manning is honesty here if you want to let him go fine tell him and do it but if you’re stringing him along letting him think he has a place here when all your actions say otherwise then yes that’s disrespectful.
CF4L - January 27, 2012
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