Colts Moved On From Manning, Jim Irsay Wanted More Championships

Mar 7, 2012; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning (left) speaks during a press conference as owner Jim Irsay looks on during a press conference. (USA TODAY Sports)

Does Peyton Manning really need more fire in the belly for this coming week’s game against his former team? Probably not, but Colts owner Jim Irsay is providing it nonetheless.

In an interview with USA Today, Irsay explains why he let Manning walk and why he drafted Andrew Luck. Irsay referenced his Super Bowl XLI ring.

"“We’ve changed our model a little bit, because we wanted more than one of these.” [Tom] Brady never had consistent numbers, but he has three of these.  Pittsburgh had two, the Giants had two, Baltimore had two and we had one. That leaves you frustrated.“You make the playoffs 11 times, and you’re out in the first round seven out of 11 times. You love to have the Star Wars numbers from Peyton and Marvin [Harrison] and Reggie [Wayne]. Mostly, you love this.” –Jim Irsay (USA Today)"

“Mostly, you love this,” Irsay said as he pointed to his ring. Manning is the only reason why Irsay has a ring. Unreal.

This comes from the same guy who wants to honor Manning with a pregame tribute.

In a perfect world, Manning will have seven touchdown passes on Sunday, and we’ll lip read “Idiot owner, all liquored up,” as he goes to shake Irsay’s hand after the game.

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