Manning And The Colts Kiss And Make Up
Added on Jan 28, 2012 by Jack Thurman in
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After a week filled with back and forth media jabs and acrimonious comments, Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts’ organization–specifically team owner Jim Irsay–have ‘kissed and made up’. Colts fans were growing concerned that a feud was developing after one of the worst seasons in team history and with a decision looming about Peyton Manning’s future in Indianapolis.
The team released the following statement on behalf of Irsay and Manning:
“We would like to dispel any misperception that there might be any hard feelings between us. Since 1998, we have enjoyed a great relationship, based upon mutual respect and trust. We have always been able to talk and address matters we’ve faced over the years, not just as owner and player, but as friends.
“We had a long talk today and we want to assure Colts fans everywhere that we are both committed to maintaining our close relationship and to working together through any challenges the future may bring.”
Manning had complained about the mood in the Colts’ camp early last week, to which Irsay had responded labeling the quarterback ‘a politician’. Irsay suggested that Manning had ‘disrespected the horseshoe’:
“I don’t think it’s in the best interest to paint the horseshoe in a negative light, I really don’t. The horseshoe always comes first, and I think one thing he’s always known, because he’s been around it so long, is that, you know, 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.”
Manning apparently took Irsay’s comments to heart, and sent the first media ‘olive branch’ with this comment:
“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.”
To which Irsay responded via Twitter:
“Peyton and I love each other,that goes without saying..I humbly serve n protect the Horseshoe..it is bigger than any individual,including me.”
So for now the mood is civil but that could change as a couple of monumental decisions loom for the team. The Colts have to decide whether to pay Manning $28 million to pick up his option for the 2012 season or let him become a free agent. They’ve also got to decide whether they’ll select Stanford’s Andrew Luck as their ‘quarterback of the future’
