“Where’s the loyalty?”
That was one of the first things I said when I learned that Jim Irsay was releasing Peyton Manning from the Colts roster.
Any frequent reader of my column knows that I am not a sports enthusiast. I do not understand many of the plays, nor do I know what any of those technical terms referees are always referencing actually mean. So from a technical or play-by-play perspective, I can not offer any knowledge. What I do know, however, is what Manning means to the city of Indianapolis, and what he has done for this city. It’s no exaggeration to say he has contributed greatly to the economic development of Indianapolis. But his contributions far exceed money. The impact he has made outside the sports arena is just as great. The Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at St. Vincent is evidence of that effort.
As I questioned the loyalty of Irsay and the entire Colts franchise, perhaps I was thinking so much about Manning’s 14-year tenure with the team, his philanthropic efforts and the economic developments of the city that I didn’t consider the business aspect of the NFL, specifically the Colts. When I looked at things from that vantage point, my perspective changed and I was able to better understand why the decision was made. After all, business is business, right?
Oftentimes in business, executives have to make decisions that may be unpopular or even highly contested. Be it changing insurance companies, restructuring the company, or downsizing; tough choices have to be made. Irsay made a decision that was tough, but necessary for the future of the franchise.
During Wednesday’s press conference when Irsay and Manning officially announced what everyone already knew would happen, both men stressed the solid relationship and mutual respect each had for the other. To show solidarity and such a united front during a highly emotional time for this city was not only the right thing to do, it was necessary.
The decision was amicable and Indianapolis residents needed to know that.
While this is a difficult time for Indianapolis, there is something good that can result from Manning’s departure from the Colts: the rise of a young talent who can begin to make his own mark in Indianapolis.
Everyone knows that the Colts will probably pick Stanford standout Andrew Luck during this year’s draft. As sad as Manning’s departure is, it does pave the way for Luck. This realization led me back to my “loyalty” comment.
I realize that so often in our attempt to be loyal to one person, we prohibit someone else. Consider it this way: I have often written about older individuals in powerful positions who simply refuse to pass the torch to someone else. That person wants to hold their power for as long as they can rather than give some other individual who may be just as capable an opportunity.
Regardless of the true reason for Manning’s departure (age, salary caps, his neck injury, or any other factor), Manning is leaving the Colts franchise a highly respected leader who had a tremendous impact on the team and the city of Indianapolis.
Wednesday was a sad day in Indianapolis and I’m sure we’ll have many more of those as Irsay restructures the team. More cuts will definitely be made and Irsay made that clear. Manning said it best during the press conference: “Times change, circumstances change and that’s the reality of playing in the NFL.”
It’s a sad reality, but also necessary for any franchise to achieve future success.
While Manning thanked Irsay, his teammates and the city of Indianapolis during his remarks, we should actually be thanking him.
Thanks for helping to make us a world-class city and better positioning us for great opportunities during your time here and beyond. You will be missed.
You can email comments to Shannon Williams at shanonw@indyrecorder.com.
