Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay
Jim Irsay Sends a Clear Message: Colts’ Recent Struggles Are ‘Not Good Enough’
Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay didn’t mince words on Friday morning. As the NFL Scouting Combine wrapped up and the league approached the frenzy of free agency, Irsay took to social media with a blunt assessment of his franchise’s recent performance.
“(Fourteen) losing seasons as we enter season 42 in Indy—Not.Good.Enough,” Irsay posted on X. “(Two) SB (Super Bowl) appearances, 1 win—Not.Good.Enough. Colts will be back, our fans deserve better!”
It’s the first time Irsay has addressed the state of his team since the Colts finished the 2023 season with an 8-9 record. At that time, he acknowledged the team’s lack of recent success while reaffirming his faith in general manager Chris Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen. Now, as the Colts prepare for a pivotal offseason, Irsay’s message makes it clear—status quo isn’t acceptable anymore.
A History of Disappointment
The numbers don’t lie. The Colts haven’t won the AFC South since 2014, two years before Ballard took over as GM. Since then, the division has been dominated by their rivals, with the Titans, Jaguars, and Texans each winning it twice. To make matters worse, Indianapolis hasn’t reached the postseason since 2020 and hasn’t won a playoff game since 2018.
For a franchise that once expected to contend for championships regularly, this dry spell is unacceptable. Irsay’s comments reflect a growing frustration among Colts fans who have watched the team struggle to regain its footing in a competitive AFC.
A Shift in Strategy?
With over $40 million in cap space, per OverTheCap.com, Ballard appears ready to make moves in free agency—something he has largely avoided in recent years. Last offseason, defensive end Samson Ebukam was the only starter acquired in free agency, a stark contrast to the rest of the league’s playoff teams. In fact, all 14 teams that made the postseason last year added at least one veteran starter in free agency.
That’s why this offseason feels different. If the Colts truly want to turn things around, they can’t rely solely on the draft. They’ll need to be aggressive in free agency, whether that means shoring up the offensive line, adding defensive playmakers, or securing a veteran presence at quarterback.
Quarterback Situation Still Uncertain
Speaking of quarterbacks, Ballard recently hinted at the possibility of bringing in competition for Anthony Richardson. The 2023 No. 4 overall pick has shown flashes of potential, but his inconsistency and injury concerns remain a problem. Through two seasons, Richardson has appeared in just 15 games, and his accuracy issues have raised questions about his long-term viability as the Colts’ franchise quarterback.
Ballard’s comments suggest that this year could be a make-or-break season not just for Richardson, but also for the leadership duo of Ballard and Steichen. If the team doesn’t show significant improvement, Irsay’s patience may wear thin.
A Defining Offseason Ahead
The message from Irsay is clear: what the Colts have done recently hasn’t been good enough. That puts immense pressure on Ballard and Steichen to deliver results, starting with this crucial offseason. The Colts have the financial flexibility to make an impact in free agency, but they’ll need to strike the right balance between short-term fixes and long-term sustainability.
For a franchise desperate to reclaim its place among the AFC’s elite, the coming months will be pivotal. Whether Irsay’s frustrations turn into meaningful change remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—the Colts can’t afford another year of mediocrity.
