Sports Illustrated's Peter King wrote today offering a few new nuggets for us that have all been following this Peyton Manning storyline so very closely.
King writes:
The latest in the Peyton Manning story involves a Manning-Reggie Wayne reunion, which I'm told at least two potential suitor teams would seriously consider in an attempt to lure the rehabbing Manning if the Colts cut him between now and the March 8 deadline Indianapolis has for exercising a $28 million option bonus to keep the legendary quarterback.
This is interesting. This allows for very little speculation, because it's Peter King and he's accurate when it comes to sources and people telling him things. He's stayed away from touching the Manning subject much at all--partly because he probably figures he's going to have plenty of time to react to it after more details come out following the big March 8 date.
But here King says that there are two organizations that would consider a package deal of Manning and Wayne together. That is at least two franchises who are planning strategy for the impending release of Peyton Manning. Again, why would NFL teams even discuss this if it wasn't something that was going to happen?
Such a pairing would not only be a plus for Manning, who would love to see it happen, according to one NFL source. But also it would allow him to go to his new team with one familiar receiving face, and if you can say one thing about Manning, it's that he loves familiarity, particularly in how his receivers anticipate throws and the precision of their route-running.
Above is probably the most interesting part of the entire article. We've got the ever popular NFL source who has Peyton Manning speculating on a new landing spot next season and admitting wanting to take Reggie Wayne with him when he goes.
King then goes on to rank the suitors with the usual suspects involved, and their potential fit for not only Manning but also Wayne. From there, King offers us the bit of information that Pierre Garcon might have turned down the Colts offer for a contract so that he can wait and see how the Manning situation shakes out.
Personally, I would like to see the Colts retain Reggie Wayne at all costs so he can be a target for Andrew Luck. It doesn't seem likely that it's going to happen, but a man can dream.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Silver: Irsay plans to move on from Peyton Manning, forward with Andrew Luck
Another day at the NFL combine, another big piece of news regarding the big situation in Indianapolis.
This time it's from Yahoo! Sports Michael Silver.
I've been waiting for Silver to weigh in on this with his summary of events--deciding that I was going to go with whatever position Silver presented. He's mad ea career of being a solid and accurate reporter. When Silver writes something, you can take it to the bank. He's like a Jay Glazer in that respect. While he leaves the door open slightly for a Manning return to Indianapolis, unless “something dramatic and unexpected” happens, Manning will be released in the next few days.
And for those who think that Robert Griffin III's insane 40-yard dash time of 4.41 will sway Indianapolis' front office to look at takind the Baylor Quarterback with the first overall selection, Silver offers this valuable nugget.
Silver also makes some really key points that haven't really been brought to light yet. If Irsay allows Manning to remain in the organization, he's not really allowing his new hires in Chuck Pagano and Ryan Grigson a full opportunity at success. Silver also talks about the situations leading up to the new coach and General Manager--the firing of Bill Polian, Jim Caldwell, and the head trainer that was helping with Manning's rehabilitation.
With each passing day, more and more reputable folks are staking their claim to the idea that a divorce is coming between the Colts and Peyton Manning. If it happens we'll be here to react to anything and everything that shakes out. Some gigantic news is coming the way of this Colts organization as soon as the owner can get his bearings straight and decide to start building around the future of the organization.
That most valuable building block ran a 4.59 40-yard dash this morning at the combine. Get him some weapons and reload.
This time it's from Yahoo! Sports Michael Silver.
I've been waiting for Silver to weigh in on this with his summary of events--deciding that I was going to go with whatever position Silver presented. He's mad ea career of being a solid and accurate reporter. When Silver writes something, you can take it to the bank. He's like a Jay Glazer in that respect. While he leaves the door open slightly for a Manning return to Indianapolis, unless “something dramatic and unexpected” happens, Manning will be released in the next few days.
And for those who think that Robert Griffin III's insane 40-yard dash time of 4.41 will sway Indianapolis' front office to look at takind the Baylor Quarterback with the first overall selection, Silver offers this valuable nugget.
As one Colts source said earlier this week, “Luck is The Guy. I don’t care what happens [at the combine]. I don’t care if Griffin flies.”
Silver also makes some really key points that haven't really been brought to light yet. If Irsay allows Manning to remain in the organization, he's not really allowing his new hires in Chuck Pagano and Ryan Grigson a full opportunity at success. Silver also talks about the situations leading up to the new coach and General Manager--the firing of Bill Polian, Jim Caldwell, and the head trainer that was helping with Manning's rehabilitation.
With each passing day, more and more reputable folks are staking their claim to the idea that a divorce is coming between the Colts and Peyton Manning. If it happens we'll be here to react to anything and everything that shakes out. Some gigantic news is coming the way of this Colts organization as soon as the owner can get his bearings straight and decide to start building around the future of the organization.
That most valuable building block ran a 4.59 40-yard dash this morning at the combine. Get him some weapons and reload.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
It's Combine Time
I spent about four hours today watching the NFL Combine on the NFL Network. It's the first time I've devoted much time to the event, and I have to say that it's great. It makes for a more educated NFL fan. It's the primer; the meat and potatoes of the game I crave more of. In fact as I write this post, I've got the replay of Mike Mayock, Rich Eisen and company replaying and I probably will until I pass out.
The combine is a rite of passage for any fan claiming to be a die hard. It's flow-over-the-top analysis and more football than anyone really needs. And yet that's why it's so great. The combine gives you a chance to get to know an NFL prospect from the very beginning even if you only got to see a guy play once or twice in his four years in college. Or not at all. It's the chance to know a guy from seed to sprout to fully grown stage. And if you think there's no difference between a guy like Stanford guard David Decastro and Utah tackle John Cullen, watch the combine. You'll see who is an athlete and who just isn't a 'natural bender' as Mayock said. I am absolutely hooked.
Tie in all the stuff that's going on with the Quarterback, the Owner, and the prospect of a lifetime; and we've got a real storyline on our hands unfolding in the city that hosts the combine.
The biggest piece of news that worked it's way out today--and you knew something would--is that due to the new CBA in place the Colts organization would not be permitted to see Peyton Manning throw before making any type of decision on him. That said, it's my belief that the Colts have already made the decision regardless and Peyton knows the decision.
Now why would those be on clearance?
Here's some other interesting pieces of note from the day:
-Todd McShay says Andrew Luck over RG3 and it's not even close. [ESPN]
-Indy wants, and should get another Superbowl soon. [PFT]
-Teammates talk about Andrew Luck. [Stampede Blue]
I think I'm going to wake up nice and early tomorrow and get some coffee and watch the QB's, receivers, and running backs at the combine starting at 9 am.
The combine is a rite of passage for any fan claiming to be a die hard. It's flow-over-the-top analysis and more football than anyone really needs. And yet that's why it's so great. The combine gives you a chance to get to know an NFL prospect from the very beginning even if you only got to see a guy play once or twice in his four years in college. Or not at all. It's the chance to know a guy from seed to sprout to fully grown stage. And if you think there's no difference between a guy like Stanford guard David Decastro and Utah tackle John Cullen, watch the combine. You'll see who is an athlete and who just isn't a 'natural bender' as Mayock said. I am absolutely hooked.
Tie in all the stuff that's going on with the Quarterback, the Owner, and the prospect of a lifetime; and we've got a real storyline on our hands unfolding in the city that hosts the combine.
The biggest piece of news that worked it's way out today--and you knew something would--is that due to the new CBA in place the Colts organization would not be permitted to see Peyton Manning throw before making any type of decision on him. That said, it's my belief that the Colts have already made the decision regardless and Peyton knows the decision.
Now why would those be on clearance?
Here's some other interesting pieces of note from the day:
-Todd McShay says Andrew Luck over RG3 and it's not even close. [ESPN]
-Indy wants, and should get another Superbowl soon. [PFT]
-Teammates talk about Andrew Luck. [Stampede Blue]
I think I'm going to wake up nice and early tomorrow and get some coffee and watch the QB's, receivers, and running backs at the combine starting at 9 am.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Scout-Speak on Andrew Luck & RGIII
There's a reason I love this time of year so much. It's getting to hear scouts talk anonymously about the guys in the draft. I like to dig up this stuff years later and see what was accurate and what was way off. Thanks to Yahoo's Jason Cole (via Pro Football Talk) we've got some good old fashioned pre-combine and pre-draft scout talk.
This time, it's the declaration that 14 of 15 NFL scouts would take Andrew Luck as the top selection over Robert Griffin III.
Something that echoes what Colin Cowherd has said about Luck for months that I agree with:
” … He can walk in, run a team right now and do enough things that you can play competent, winning football. That’s the worst he’s going to be. He’s going to be a player on your team for 10 years, barring injury, and in this business that’s saying a lot.”
I'll say this, his floor is probably around the Eli Manning or Tim Couch range. Yes, I can put those two men together because physically I don't think there was a huge difference but the difference came in team talent around them. His ceiling is probably something similar to Peyton Manning or Joe Montana.
You're not getting a guy who will bust in the NFL. You're getting a guy who at the very least is going to allow you to compete every year and a few of those years when the ball bounces your way and you have the right talent around the guy; you're going to compete for a title.
Sound familiar?
This time, it's the declaration that 14 of 15 NFL scouts would take Andrew Luck as the top selection over Robert Griffin III.
Something that echoes what Colin Cowherd has said about Luck for months that I agree with:
” … He can walk in, run a team right now and do enough things that you can play competent, winning football. That’s the worst he’s going to be. He’s going to be a player on your team for 10 years, barring injury, and in this business that’s saying a lot.”
I'll say this, his floor is probably around the Eli Manning or Tim Couch range. Yes, I can put those two men together because physically I don't think there was a huge difference but the difference came in team talent around them. His ceiling is probably something similar to Peyton Manning or Joe Montana.
You're not getting a guy who will bust in the NFL. You're getting a guy who at the very least is going to allow you to compete every year and a few of those years when the ball bounces your way and you have the right talent around the guy; you're going to compete for a title.
Sound familiar?
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Eye Opening Irsay Quotes
Everyone knows of the big news from yesterday. But a deeper look at some of the things Jim Irsay said (in this case, in an SI article by Don Banks) gives an indication of where this is all headed.
"He may not ever be able to play again,'' Irsay said. "We just don't know that yet. It's a question of whether his arm comes back, and the nerve regeneration occurs. It's always been an issue about his long-term health after football, that's the big issue. And then there are salary cap consequences that have to be dealt with as part of his return. But it's going to be his call whether he stays.
You don't know that? Peyton would probably not like you saying that. You've seen the man throw. You were reportedly 'pleased' at the way he threw. If you're doubting that he can ever play again then this should be a relatively simple conversation and no one should fault you for the tough business decision you must make.
"If he can get healthy and he wants to take the risk of playing, I'd rather see him be here and play for us this year. It can be worked out. If he can get back to the point of being the old Peyton Manning, he can play for us this season and handle it better than a rookie quarterback would be able to handle it.''
So, just this season or what? Isn't this really just pushing out the real problem at hand one more year? That is unless, you think Peyton will retire in a season. Otherwise, what are you going to do? Sit Andrew Luck for a second year? Release Peyton before next year? The mention of the 'this season' shows that Manning is likely not desired beyond this season.
And how do you feel about him taking the 'risk' of playing? Don't you want him to take the risk? Because it sounds like you would not be too unhappy if he didn't.
"He may not ever be able to play again,'' Irsay said. "We just don't know that yet. It's a question of whether his arm comes back, and the nerve regeneration occurs. It's always been an issue about his long-term health after football, that's the big issue. And then there are salary cap consequences that have to be dealt with as part of his return. But it's going to be his call whether he stays.
You don't know that? Peyton would probably not like you saying that. You've seen the man throw. You were reportedly 'pleased' at the way he threw. If you're doubting that he can ever play again then this should be a relatively simple conversation and no one should fault you for the tough business decision you must make.
"If he can get healthy and he wants to take the risk of playing, I'd rather see him be here and play for us this year. It can be worked out. If he can get back to the point of being the old Peyton Manning, he can play for us this season and handle it better than a rookie quarterback would be able to handle it.''
So, just this season or what? Isn't this really just pushing out the real problem at hand one more year? That is unless, you think Peyton will retire in a season. Otherwise, what are you going to do? Sit Andrew Luck for a second year? Release Peyton before next year? The mention of the 'this season' shows that Manning is likely not desired beyond this season.
And how do you feel about him taking the 'risk' of playing? Don't you want him to take the risk? Because it sounds like you would not be too unhappy if he didn't.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Peyton Manning, Indianapolis, St. Elmos & Legacy
Albert Breer had an awesome write-up on NFL.com tonight.
It's a must read for any Colts fan or even any NFL fan. It really sheds light on what he means to the community of Indianapolis. And what he'll always mean. Next time I'm in Indy, I have to go to St. Elmo's. Everyone talks about it.
And maybe I'll visit the Peyton Manning room.
It's a must read for any Colts fan or even any NFL fan. It really sheds light on what he means to the community of Indianapolis. And what he'll always mean. Next time I'm in Indy, I have to go to St. Elmo's. Everyone talks about it.
And maybe I'll visit the Peyton Manning room.
Irsay-Peyton Meeting Could Be This Week
File this under the 'I'll believe it when I see it category', but NFL Insider Mike Freeman from CBS Sports says that a league source has speculated the most anticipated meeting in modern Indianapolis Colts sports history could be this week.
One league source said the two might finally have a sit-down this week to talk. That's not definite but it seems likely. One thing that's become clear is the two men don't want another circus. Both sides don't want to meet, I'm told, the week of the combine and thus have Manning news dominate the way it did Super Bowl week.
It remains possible the two men wait until after the combine but the feeling seems to be they want to get the meeting over with sooner than later. It's highly likely they meet in secret and no one finds out until afterwards.
I agree with that last part. No one is going to break this story. Which is why whatever insider told Freeman that the meeting was going down this week was likely just guessing, and if he's right he'll have been lucky guessing.
We'll hear something when something gets done. The closer it gets to March 8th, the more chance I would think that Manning remains a Colt. If he weren't going to work something out with Indianapolis, I would think that he would push for a resolve to be as quick as possible.
The other interesting note is that neither side wants a media circus, so they're keeping it away from the NFL Combine. Are you kidding me? Whenever this goes down it's going to be like Defcon One. The media will flock, and it will be all that is talked about and reported about for a week. It's silly to think otherwise.
The last statement made by Freeman is one that I don't know to be necessarily true.
My guess -- everyone in football's guess -- is that the two men will basically say their goodbyes. No one, and I mean no one, expects Manning back. Stranger things have happened but it appears almost certain the meeting is the first step in the departure of Manning from the Colts.
We shall see.
One league source said the two might finally have a sit-down this week to talk. That's not definite but it seems likely. One thing that's become clear is the two men don't want another circus. Both sides don't want to meet, I'm told, the week of the combine and thus have Manning news dominate the way it did Super Bowl week.
It remains possible the two men wait until after the combine but the feeling seems to be they want to get the meeting over with sooner than later. It's highly likely they meet in secret and no one finds out until afterwards.
I agree with that last part. No one is going to break this story. Which is why whatever insider told Freeman that the meeting was going down this week was likely just guessing, and if he's right he'll have been lucky guessing.
We'll hear something when something gets done. The closer it gets to March 8th, the more chance I would think that Manning remains a Colt. If he weren't going to work something out with Indianapolis, I would think that he would push for a resolve to be as quick as possible.
The other interesting note is that neither side wants a media circus, so they're keeping it away from the NFL Combine. Are you kidding me? Whenever this goes down it's going to be like Defcon One. The media will flock, and it will be all that is talked about and reported about for a week. It's silly to think otherwise.
The last statement made by Freeman is one that I don't know to be necessarily true.
My guess -- everyone in football's guess -- is that the two men will basically say their goodbyes. No one, and I mean no one, expects Manning back. Stranger things have happened but it appears almost certain the meeting is the first step in the departure of Manning from the Colts.
We shall see.
Monday, February 13, 2012
RUMOR: Peyton Manning would like to play for Texans
According to Bob Allen of ABC 13 out of Houston, someone who is close friends with the Manning family says that 'Peyton Manning is definitely interested in possibly coming to the Texans'.
Really sounds like there are a lot of certainties doesn't it.
Give this post the old grain of salt treatment until there is something to build off of this. The biggest thing to take from this is unless Bob Allen's source (and a close friend of the Manning family) is completely lying to him, it's a foregone conclusion that: 1) Manning will be released in March, and 2) Manning is already thinking about his next stop.
Also interesting is that the relationship between 'Bob Irsay' and Manning is now just strictly business. We have to assume that Allen meant Jim. Let's hope he's not making a mistake that his father Bob made so many years ago by allowing John Elway to end up in Denver.
Really sounds like there are a lot of certainties doesn't it.
Someone I know who is close friends with the Manning family says Peyton is definitely interested in possibly coming to the Texans. Peyton will be released by the Colts early next month and will be a free agent. The person who knows the Mannings says Peyton wants to play on a team that has a chance of going to a Super Bowl, and the Texans fit that description.
Another big plus is that the Texans are in the Colts division. Manning not only knows the division, but I'm told the relationship between him and Colts owner Robert Irsay now is strictly business. And don't underplay the competitiveness between Peyton and Eli -- it "does" matter that Eli has two Super Bowl rings to his one.
Give this post the old grain of salt treatment until there is something to build off of this. The biggest thing to take from this is unless Bob Allen's source (and a close friend of the Manning family) is completely lying to him, it's a foregone conclusion that: 1) Manning will be released in March, and 2) Manning is already thinking about his next stop.
Also interesting is that the relationship between 'Bob Irsay' and Manning is now just strictly business. We have to assume that Allen meant Jim. Let's hope he's not making a mistake that his father Bob made so many years ago by allowing John Elway to end up in Denver.
REPORT: Peyton Manning Logo Removed from Side of Lucas Oil
Reports are starting to file in that the Colts have removed the image of the start Quarterback from the side of their stadium.
If you drive by the stadium once where there was a huge picture of Manning on the side of the building is now gone. It has been replaced by a Colts Logo. For what it's worth, Dwight Freeney is still up.
More to come on this as we have it.
UPDATE: The report was a mistake. We're sorry.
If you drive by the stadium once where there was a huge picture of Manning on the side of the building is now gone. It has been replaced by a Colts Logo. For what it's worth, Dwight Freeney is still up.
More to come on this as we have it.
UPDATE: The report was a mistake. We're sorry.
Colts Featured on Mike & Mike's Two-A-Days
I won't do a full recap but you can listen to the segment here. It featured the usual topics, Luck, Manning and the fact they think a release of #18 is pretty imminent. I am not sold on that yet.
All has been quiet on the (Mid)Western front lately. We'll just have to wait and see what develops before anything else is speculated upon. Or we'll let others do that for us.
Friday, February 10, 2012
The Manning Face
This is pretty funny: Dave's Art Locker has Peyton Manning in every NFL logo. Thank goodness there is a Deadspin to track all this good stuff down.
Also, here's another ESPN article that acts like it's a forgone conclusion that Peyton Manning is history in Indianapolis. I don't believe this yet. There are too many other pieces of information out there suggesting he could still return.
More to come on all of this as it shakes out. Hopefully we have some direction within the next week.
Also, here's another ESPN article that acts like it's a forgone conclusion that Peyton Manning is history in Indianapolis. I don't believe this yet. There are too many other pieces of information out there suggesting he could still return.
More to come on all of this as it shakes out. Hopefully we have some direction within the next week.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Adam Schefter: Irsay/Manning Meeting Could Come Next Week
Heard Adam Schefter on ESPN's Mike & Mike in the Morning this morning. Here's a recap:
-He made a few calls yesterday, although things are quiet right now the general feeling is that the meeting between Irsay and Peyton will most likely come next week. The feeling right now is kind of like a longtime couple, they just don't want to "break up". As silly as it sounds, that's what he said.
-Said that something would have happened sooner if the Super Bowl had not been in their city. Something will have to happen by the time the combine rolls around in 2 weeks because that is once again in their city and they'll want resolution before there are more media types swarming them again. (Although personally, what do these guys care?)
-Again Schefter alluded to the fact that Manning is open to structuring his contract in a way that would allow any new team that signs him to assume little risk. (My thought here, is WHY won't someone including Mike & Mike ask the question 'would Peyton do this option for the Colts')
-Schefter basically said that the Colts are moving on. It's not that they can't decide to go with Peyton and Luck this next season; it's that it doesn't make sense. You select a QB #1 overall, that player needs all the playing time and all the reps he can get. At that point, Schefter adds, what could Luck possibly 'learn' from Peyton Manning from sitting on the bench?
-He made a few calls yesterday, although things are quiet right now the general feeling is that the meeting between Irsay and Peyton will most likely come next week. The feeling right now is kind of like a longtime couple, they just don't want to "break up". As silly as it sounds, that's what he said.
-Said that something would have happened sooner if the Super Bowl had not been in their city. Something will have to happen by the time the combine rolls around in 2 weeks because that is once again in their city and they'll want resolution before there are more media types swarming them again. (Although personally, what do these guys care?)
-Again Schefter alluded to the fact that Manning is open to structuring his contract in a way that would allow any new team that signs him to assume little risk. (My thought here, is WHY won't someone including Mike & Mike ask the question 'would Peyton do this option for the Colts')
-Schefter basically said that the Colts are moving on. It's not that they can't decide to go with Peyton and Luck this next season; it's that it doesn't make sense. You select a QB #1 overall, that player needs all the playing time and all the reps he can get. At that point, Schefter adds, what could Luck possibly 'learn' from Peyton Manning from sitting on the bench?
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Super Bowl Saturday in Indianapolis
Here's a collection of photos I was able to collect on the Saturday before the Super Bowl in Indianapolis. I made the trip there with my wife and our friend Alessandra. We made a lifelong memory.
We arrived in Super Bowl city around 10:00 AM and it was like instant Heaven. I have seen a lot of scenes in sports, but it was one of those moments when I just couldn't believe that we were able to actually be there in the flesh. This above is one of the first early morning shots of Lucas Oil when we parked and got out of the car in Indianapolis.
Here's a shot of Lucas Oil Stadium after we parked the car. It's beautiful and I can't wait for my first trip inside the palace that will belong to Andrew Luck someday. You needed credentials to get past security, something we absent-mindedly didn't think of when we made the trip to Indy. We thought we were going to be able to walk up to the stadium and get pictures. Not the case.
I've seen this a couple of times when I've been to Indianapolis. I want to know more about it, what it is. It's on the side of a couple of sports bars that appear to be closest to the stadium in Indy.
Here it is, the majestic view of the backside of the stadium from where we parked. This was taken on our morning walk into the city.
The media horde appeared as soon as you got to center city Indy.
More media horde.
All street roads were marked in the 'Super Bowl Village' by team names.
There were cool mural-like paintings of Eli Manning (pictured above) and Tom Brady on each side of Lucas Oil Stadium.
Look closely. This is behind the live filming of Saturday morning's Sportscenter on ESPN. Steve Young, Trent Dilfer, and Steve Levy were at work as we stood behind and watched.
Here's what the television looked like, shot of Indianapolis in the background. There were lots of Colts fans and #18 jerseys that weren't pictured.
Here's the infamous Super Bowl 'Zipline'. We didn't wait in line to do it. It seemed like a long wait for 30 seconds of fun.
This was the artificial surface field outside the NFL Fan Experience. I had never stood on NFL artificial surface until this point. I can see why players say it's just like grass.
This is an ice sculpture we saw downtown on our way to eating lunch at the Colts Grille.
Here's the prices of Super Bowl tickets in the StubHub booth that we walked into. This was around 11:30 AM Saturday. I guess tickets got as low as around $1,200.00 by kickoff.
Here's Antrel Rolle. We went into the Giants team hotel before lunch and saw the entire Giants team load the bus and head to practice.
Just a Hallway the players were all walking by to head to the team bus at the J.W. Marriot. Looks like my camera failed me a little bit.
This was the elevator all the players came down before walking past us at the Marriot. As you can see, we weren't the only fans there who wanted to wish the Giants well on the way to their last walk-through before the big game.
Here's my first time at the NFL Experience. It was very neat, I wish I had more than one day to see everything. My favorite thing at the Experience was the memorabilia show. I would have liked to get my picture taken with the Lombardi Trophy but I wasn't feeling up to waiting in the line.
Probably the best shot of the entire day. There's Kevin Gilbride, Giants Offensive Coordinator and Eli Manning. When I saw Manning walk by and just the emotion he seemed to carry--how laid back he was--I knew the Giants were headed for a win on Sunday and another World Championship.
One of my other favorite Giants, Victor Cruz.
My favorite restaurant in the world. Every time I go to Indy, I'm headed here in some fashion.
Who wouldn't want to stay the night at the Bud Light hotel? Bud Light, the official beer of the NFL.
The Colts Grille just looks cool from the outside.
I still have no clue what "Put the Money in the Bag" means, Reggie Wayne. But you remain one of my favorite Indianapolis Colts of all-time and I hope you're coming back.
This was the hotel that we spent a large portion of the day at. A famous shot that got a lot of television time as the week went on.
There's nothing not to love about the Colts Grille, even the ketchup.
I'm a Buckeye, and I love this man. Thanks for all those Saturdays, Jim.
A legend.
Completely over-rated. The NFL Shop before you left the NFL Experience. Stuff was marked up 200% and the selection just wasn't that great. Glad I kept my wallet in my pocket to be honest. We did get to see Alyssa Milano from a distance.
The pride of Ada, Ohio. The Wilson Football Factory. It was only $160 to make your own personalized football. No wonder my wife said don't even think about it.
Here's Matt Forte signing some autographs at the GMC stand at the NFL Experience. I just missed Cam Newton, much to my dismay.
Now here's a bit of foreshadowing I believe. Why would whoever is in charge allow that #12 Colts jersey to appear? Every team had the #12 jersey representing the mannequin. But it's a little coincidental, no?
Jim Cordle, #63 for the New York Giants. These are die-hard fans. Or family members.
This is Jim Cordle's aunts stuffed into one jersey. And maybe his sister. My co-worker is childhood friends with him. He's also a Buckeye. And now he's got a Super Bowl ring.
Night falls on Indy. Wow, we were really there.
This is where we spent the majority of our evening. This is the Giants team hotel. My wife is from the same home town as the VP of HR for the NFL. When the hotel came around and looked for credentials, she told them we were with her.
We talked about Roger Goodell, NFL Films, Peyton Manning's future in Indy, how things were during the strike, the NFL's feelings on Indianapolis hosting the Super Bowl, and a number of other things.
I saw a lot of the Giants team. I saw Kate and Rooney Mara. I talked with Mrs. Tisch. I saw Archie Manning. I talked to Spencer Paysinger, his uncles and dad. I could go on and on. We hung out with NFL and Giants family members until about 10:30 PM. It was one of the coolest memories I've ever made.
NFL Shop at the NFL Experience.
One of the cooler things to look at during the NFL Experience. Every team had one locker with unique items and equipment in it. Here's Cam Newton's.
The Wilson Football stand, hard at work.
These are fans who waited in line to get their picture taken with the Lombardi Trophy. People really do love this game.
Sam Hurd's autograph picture can be had at a markdown price. I wonder why.
We really came, conquered, and saw.
We talked about Roger Goodell, NFL Films, Peyton Manning's future in Indy, how things were during the strike, the NFL's feelings on Indianapolis hosting the Super Bowl, and a number of other things.
I saw a lot of the Giants team. I saw Kate and Rooney Mara. I talked with Mrs. Tisch. I saw Archie Manning. I talked to Spencer Paysinger, his uncles and dad. I could go on and on. We hung out with NFL and Giants family members until about 10:30 PM. It was one of the coolest memories I've ever made.
We really came, conquered, and saw.
Here's the guys I grew up watching as a kid.
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Indianapolis Road Trip
My wife and I are headed to Indianapolis to take in the sights and sounds of the Super Bowl on the eve of the game. We'll likely attend the NFL Experience and there will be pictures and some scribes to follow--I just want to go to the Colts Grille again.
Friday, February 3, 2012
It's Super Bowl Weekend
What a tough work week it was. Then again, they're all tough.
Today invokes memories of the past for me, starting with the Super Bowl between the Giants and Buffalo Bills in 1990 which was my first Black Sunday I ever remember watching.
Who remembers the 'Bud Bowl'?
That's what Super Bowl commercials are to me. I'm hoping we see a return of the Bud Bowl one of these days. I always rooted for Budweiser by the way, it was probably some evil foreshadowing of what my future would hold.
And how about the Budweiser Weasel?
There's been a lot of great commercials, game day dishes, and memories that surround this weekend for me. We've finally reached the end of the 2011 NFL season and while it's a celebration and culmination of the great season we just witnessed it's also the end and the long off season awaits us all.
I think this is going to be a tremendous Super Bowl on Sunday, and my wife's team hopefully wins their second title in four years over the Patriots. Really there wasn't a lot of rhyme or reason to this post, but I needed an excuse to get those clips in here at some point.
Today invokes memories of the past for me, starting with the Super Bowl between the Giants and Buffalo Bills in 1990 which was my first Black Sunday I ever remember watching.
Who remembers the 'Bud Bowl'?
That's what Super Bowl commercials are to me. I'm hoping we see a return of the Bud Bowl one of these days. I always rooted for Budweiser by the way, it was probably some evil foreshadowing of what my future would hold.
And how about the Budweiser Weasel?
There's been a lot of great commercials, game day dishes, and memories that surround this weekend for me. We've finally reached the end of the 2011 NFL season and while it's a celebration and culmination of the great season we just witnessed it's also the end and the long off season awaits us all.
I think this is going to be a tremendous Super Bowl on Sunday, and my wife's team hopefully wins their second title in four years over the Patriots. Really there wasn't a lot of rhyme or reason to this post, but I needed an excuse to get those clips in here at some point.
Irsay Tweet: Peyton Hasn't Passed Our Physical
For the first time I actually realize that Peyton Manning maybe isn't coming back to the Indianapolis Colts.
A Jim Irsay tweet that came around 2:00 AM was the latest in what is shaping up to be a public relations chess match.
This is obviously a response to the word out of Peyton Manning camp that Peyton had been cleared to resume his NFL career by two doctors. That news surfaced yesterday just after the 5:00 hour when I was hopping on a treadmill.
More analysis, commentary and reaction are coming today. I think we should all get a few more hours of shut-eye and wait for that Colts team statement.
A Jim Irsay tweet that came around 2:00 AM was the latest in what is shaping up to be a public relations chess match.
More analysis, commentary and reaction are coming today. I think we should all get a few more hours of shut-eye and wait for that Colts team statement.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Andrew Luck: "I'd love to be #1 pick, and a Colt"
Not much too shocking with Luck's admission, but the interview he gave to SI's Don Banks earlier today is a decent read here on a Thursday afternoon.
-Luck is looking to have a good showing at the combine and 'not rest on his laurels from college'.
-He has not yet met Jim Irsay.
-Andrew Luck does not have a twitter account. Yet.
-He mentioned leaning on his father and coaches at Stanford who were former NFL players that played in the NFL to prepare him for the scrutiny that players face in the pro game.
Luck was in Indianapolis not to foreshadow the city he will call his own in just a few short months but for a promotional outing presented by Gatorade. He literally flew into the city at 8:30 AM and flew out around 3:00 PM today if you're wondering about his whereabouts at the current moment.
And in case you missed it, Jim Irsay was on the radio this morning while you were rolling out of bed.
UPDATE: PFT actually beat us to the punch. I did not realize (because I am at work and read through the article too quickly) that Luck actually talked about forcing the hand of teams to end up elsewhere. The response he gave was interesting to say the least.
I asked Luck if he was good in every way with the notion of playing for the Colts if they make him the top pick, and he said: "Absolutely, I'd love to be No. 1. Being a competitive guy, you want to be No. 1.''Other pieces of information we learned from the SI piece:
-Luck is looking to have a good showing at the combine and 'not rest on his laurels from college'.
-He has not yet met Jim Irsay.
-Andrew Luck does not have a twitter account. Yet.
-He mentioned leaning on his father and coaches at Stanford who were former NFL players that played in the NFL to prepare him for the scrutiny that players face in the pro game.
Luck was in Indianapolis not to foreshadow the city he will call his own in just a few short months but for a promotional outing presented by Gatorade. He literally flew into the city at 8:30 AM and flew out around 3:00 PM today if you're wondering about his whereabouts at the current moment.
And in case you missed it, Jim Irsay was on the radio this morning while you were rolling out of bed.
UPDATE: PFT actually beat us to the punch. I did not realize (because I am at work and read through the article too quickly) that Luck actually talked about forcing the hand of teams to end up elsewhere. The response he gave was interesting to say the least.
Why I Started PTH
Welcome to anyone who has found their way here.
I want this blog to be about everything that is NFL Football. I want it to cover the in's and out's of a specific era. I want it to speak the language of the game that has given me so many wonderful memories from my childhood into my adult years.
I hope that this blog becomes a stomping ground for not just Indianapolis Colts fans, but fans of the greatest league on earth. A web space where you just might see anything, so long as it has to do with football.
I grew up on John Madden, the NFL Today Show, and Tecmo Bowl. I want this blog to embody all of the passion I have inside of me for Sundays in the fall and winter.
I want this blog to be about everything that is NFL Football. I want it to cover the in's and out's of a specific era. I want it to speak the language of the game that has given me so many wonderful memories from my childhood into my adult years.
I hope that this blog becomes a stomping ground for not just Indianapolis Colts fans, but fans of the greatest league on earth. A web space where you just might see anything, so long as it has to do with football.
I grew up on John Madden, the NFL Today Show, and Tecmo Bowl. I want this blog to embody all of the passion I have inside of me for Sundays in the fall and winter.
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