WESTFIELD, Ind. — Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay made his first public appearance in months Sunday at training camp in Grand Park. As the team conducted one-on-one drills, Irsay sat on a golf cart near the practice fields and provided an update on his health before discussing the state of his team.
On Dec. 8, 2023, Irsay was found unresponsive and struggling to breathe at his Carmel, Ind., home. The police were called, and the responding officers used naloxone — a medicine that rapidly reverses an opioid overdose — on Irsay and logged the incident as a suspected overdose, though he later refuted their report. The Colts announced on Jan. 9 that Irsay was being treated for a respiratory illness and that he would miss a performance with The Jim Irsay Band in Los Angeles on Jan. 11.
Irsay did not attend the NFL owners’ meetings in March, but he seemed glad to finally be back around the sights and sounds of football on Sunday. Here’s what he said during his annual training camp news conference:
How is your health?
“I know sometimes what our players can go through in terms of the rehab that I did, and I’m feeling great just trying to get this left leg stronger, which it will. It’s just great to be out here, and I’m so excited for the season and really excited for the Hall of Fame (ceremonies) as well as for (inductee) Dwight (Freeney). That’s a big deal for the franchise and really deserving for him.”
Irsay recently underwent left leg surgery that has resulted in him using a wheelchair. He won’t be walking alongside Freeney, who asked Irsay to present him at the Pro Football Hall of Fame ceremony in Canton, Ohio, on Saturday. Irsay said he can still stand up and hopes to begin walking again soon, but he did not give a definitive timeline.
I asked #Colts owner Jim Irsay if QB Anthony Richardson, who sustained a season-ending shoulder injury on a run play last year, needs to change his playing style:
“He has to seize the opportunity to use his feet when he can and protect himself also, as well. And he knows that.” pic.twitter.com/uqPA9cwZy0
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) July 28, 2024
Do you think QB Anthony Richardson needs to change his playing style?
“I really don’t. That tackle that happened, it could happen at any time. It’s a physical game. I think he has to seize the opportunity to use his feet when he can and protect himself also. He knows that. … We drafted him because we know … he can be dangerous and pick up critical yards at critical times. I think his style is great, and we’re just really looking forward to him having a great year.”
Irsay’s stance on Richardson falls right in line with Colts coach Shane Steichen’s recent comments on the QB (“Are you gonna limit Steph Curry from shooting 3-pointers?”) The 2023 No. 4 pick sustained a season-ending shoulder injury in Week 5 after being tackled on a run play last year that ended his rookie year after just four games. The significance of the injury raised questions about whether Richardson should still be utilized frequently as a runner. So far, from top to bottom within the organization, it sounds like the Colts have no plans to hold Richardson back.
New #Colts pod is liveeeeeeeeeee with @jimayello!!
• Breaking down Shane Steichen’s analogy involving Anthony Richardson and Steph Curry 🏀
• GM Chris Ballard update
• Position battles
• Can AR *really* rap? 🎤Please take a listen! —> https://t.co/ok5FaBYUjs pic.twitter.com/JxBbwZ5rHE
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) July 26, 2024
How excited are you to see Richardson and running back Jonathan Taylor play together?
“It’s the speed that they bring, and that’s really exciting. We know what Jonathan can do, and both of them together can be a really dangerous combination from a big-play standpoint. We didn’t really have a chance to see that last year with Anthony’s injury and with Jonathan’s late camp arrival. In some ways, I really think the team’s improved just by the nature of them being ready to go.”
Richardson suffered his season-ending injury the same week Taylor returned from the physically unable to perform list due to an ankle injury. They only played two snaps together before Richardson’s season ended. This year, with Taylor healthy (and paid) at the start of training camp, he and Richardson can get into a rhythm together.
Center Ryan Kelly recently said the team does not view giving him a contract extension as a “priority.” Is it a priority to bring him back?
“We love Ryan, and I know that (GM) Chris Ballard and those guys have talked. A guy like Ryan is always a priority. You just love him as a person, and he’s a talented player. He’s been to Pro Bowls. I hope everything works out well there, and no question a Pro Bowl center is a priority.”
Irsay spoke glowingly about Kelly, a four-time Pro Bowler and a second-team All-Pro in 2020, but Irsay didn’t hint that a new deal was forthcoming, either. Kelly, the Colts’ longest-tenured player, is entering the final season of a four-year, $50 million extension he signed in 2020. The 31-year-old said he and his representation went to the Colts’ front office this offseason seeking an extension, but they, “made it pretty clear that they don’t want to do an early extension.”
Can this team win the AFC South for the first time since 2014?
“No question. That is our goal — to win the division. I really think it’s the best team we’ve fielded in a while. Ever since Andrew (Luck) retired, we’ve been kind of trying to catch up with ourselves and be consistent and be a playoff-type team. I think that’s finally in the rearview mirror.”
Last year, the Colts were essentially one drive away from making the playoffs and winning the AFC South. Irsay expects this team to take the next step this season.
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(Photo: Brett Phelps / IndyStar / USA Today)
