Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning. (Credit: Matt Stamey-US PRESSWIRE)
By Nate Davis, USA TODAY
Cracks seem to be forming in QB Peyton Manning's relationship with his only NFL employer, the Indianapolis Colts.
After Manning granted a wide-ranging interview to The Indianapolis Star earlier this week on his murky future and a frustrating present marked by the departure of many of his close colleagues, owner Jim Irsay weighed in Thursday amid the team's introduction of new coach Chuck Pagano.
"Look, I have so much affection and appreciation for Peyton," Irsay said. "We're family, you know, we always will be and we are," before saying of Manning, "He's a politician."
Indy Star's Kravitz: Irsay's remarks bringing curtain down on Peyton Manning's Colts career
"I don't think it's in a good interest to paint the horseshoe in a negative light," Irsay said. "He's such a big part of that and everything else, but the horseshoe always comes first.
"I think one thing that he's always known, because he's been around it so long, is 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 got wind of the comments and responded to the Star's Bob Kravitz, who penned the original story. Said the four-time MVP, who's spent all 14 years of his NFL career in Indy:
"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.
"I just want to keep rehabbing and working hard, and when the time is right for Mr. Irsay and I to sit down, I look forward to a healthy conversation about my future. I've worked too hard and have such great respect and have so many great relationships inside the building and out, and it's incredibly important that those remain."
Even if Manning doesn't.
Meanwhile, Irsay tweeted the following early Friday morning:
"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"
USA TODAY
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