In a surprising turn of events, former Indianapolis Colts General Manager Ryan Grigson, who has recently resurfaced in the media spotlight through a string of high-profile interviews and the launch of his unconventional new hockey-focused podcast, delivered a blunt and unexpected message aimed directly at current Colts GM Chris Ballard, the front office, and the entire team—just minutes ago.
The message, shared via a live-streamed segment on his podcast “Skate & Strategy,” quickly went viral across sports media platforms. While discussing leadership styles and decision-making in professional sports, Grigson suddenly shifted focus to the NFL—specifically, his old team in Indianapolis.
“I’ve kept quiet for a long time out of respect,” Grigson said. “But watching what’s going on now? This franchise is drifting. Chris [Ballard] has had time—years—and yet they’re still circling mediocrity. Draft capital wasted. Free agents mismanaged. This city deserves more.”
He continued, throwing more pointed criticism:
“I took the heat, sure. But I also gave this team Andrew Luck, and we won. What’s been done with that foundation since? Not enough. And everyone in that building knows it.”
Grigson’s comments have ignited fierce debate across NFL circles, with some defending Ballard’s tenure—highlighting roster rebuilds and the emergence of young quarterback Anthony Richardson—while others admit Grigson may have a point about the team’s stagnation in recent years.
Neither Chris Ballard nor the Colts organization have issued an official response, though sources inside the team say the comments were “heard loud and clear.”
Grigson’s reappearance, paired with this explosive callout, has now reignited old debates about his controversial tenure from 2012–2016, during which the Colts went 49-31 and made three playoff appearances, but also saw mounting tension around player management and offensive line failures that contributed to Andrew Luck’s early retirement.
