Disappointed, Jim Irsay, owner and CEO of the Colts, said he “couldn’t be more excited” about the 2024 season.
Westfield, IN: Adonai Mitchell, a rookie wide receiver, was answering a question about Anthony Richardson when his helmet fell onto his golf buggy. Jim Irsay, the owner and CEO of the Colts, was not far behind. It came to rest during Sunday’s training camp practice at Grand Park, a few feet short of the green grass where Irsay was holding court with the media.
Then followed the thunderous applause.
Mitchell was urging the audience to shout as loudly as possible after pulling off one of the most impressive plays of training camp: a twisting, tumbling snag of a long pass during a one-on-one practice. Irsay took a moment to clear his mind and looked over before continuing to talk about Richardson and explaining why he was as delighted as the spectators.
for the Colts in this incarnation.
“Winning the division is our goal,” Irsay subsequently stated. “I really think, to me, it’s the best team we’ve fielded in a while.”
The Colts haven’t won the AFC South since 2014, but general manager Chris Ballard stated last week that he expects the team to be “in the mix” this year. This optimism stems from Richardson’s potential as the No. 4 overall choice in the 2023 NFL Draft, according to Ballard. Richardson gave Irsay and the Colts a glimpse of a dynamic playmaker and a smart quarterback with a strong feel for the position during his four games as a rookie.
Due to a shoulder injury, Richardson’s season ended in Week 5, although Irsay thinks the 22-year-old doesn’t need to modify his style of play.
Irsay remarked, “I think his style is great.” “And we’re just really excited for him to have a fantastic year, running and throwing, though probably more throwing than running. He speaks with Shane (Steichen) about self-defense, but not extensively. It’s a physical game that you have to play. However, his size, strength, and durability were some of the reasons we selected him; I believe the injury was the result of an uncommon circumstance.”
Irsay is also excited about the unrealized potential that Richardson and running back Jonathan Taylor have to offer the Colts offense, which finished 10th in points scored the previous season, despite those two spending the entire two plays on the field.
“It’s the speed that they bring and that’s something that’s really exciting,” Irsay stated. “We are aware of Jonathan’s abilities, and when combined, the two of them can be quite dangerous from a big play perspective.
The squad has improved in some respects, in my opinion, merely by virtue of their readiness to play. It’s thrilling, and I genuinely believe those men have the potential to be a deadly combo. In this level, speed is essential, but it’s also risky. Both of those men are really good. I know our fans are going to find it interesting to witness.”
Perhaps the next time Irsay’s thoughts get muffled by applause, it will be because Mitchell, along with Richardson, Taylor, Josh Downs, Michael Pittman Jr., and others, produced an incredible play during a Lucas Oil Stadium game rather than a practice at Grand Park.
Ultimately, the 2024 season will commence in a mere six weeks.
Irsay said, “I just couldn’t be more excited.” “I think we have a great opportunity to have an excellent year.”
