In a surprising and dramatic twist just moments ago, former Indianapolis Colts General Manager Ryan Grigson—a figure who had largely faded from the NFL spotlight in recent years—has made headlines once again after delivering a bold, unfiltered message directed squarely at current Colts GM Chris Ballard and the entire Colts organization.
The comments, delivered during a live segment on his newly launched hockey-meets-football podcast, “Ice & Iron: The Grigson Files”, took an unexpectedly fiery turn as Grigson addressed what he called the “stagnation and softness” of the current Colts culture under Ballard’s leadership.
“This team used to have teeth,” Grigson said bluntly. “Now? It’s finesse over fight. Chris needs to stop building pretty rosters and start building winners. The fanbase deserves more than promises and 9-8 seasons.”
The message was reportedly sparked by the Colts’ sluggish 1–2 start to the 2025 season and criticism from former players and media pundits about the team’s lack of identity and inconsistent quarterback development—issues that ironically also plagued Grigson’s own tenure.
What’s even more unexpected is Grigson’s recent re-emergence in sports media, culminating in the launch of “Ice & Iron”, where he blends commentary on hockey (his new passion project) with insider NFL takes. The podcast had been gaining a small but loyal following—until today’s comments sent it viral.
Social media erupted within minutes. Some fans backed Grigson’s comments, while others blasted him for “revisionist history” and pointed to his checkered legacy in Indianapolis, including the controversial selection of several underperforming draft picks and the over-reliance on Andrew Luck.
Ballard has yet to respond publicly, but Colts insiders say the front office is “not taking the remarks lightly.”
Whether this is a calculated PR move by Grigson or a genuine moment of frustration, one thing is certain: the former GM has just reignited old fires in Indianapolis—and the timing couldn’t be more curious, as the Colts prepare to face the unbeaten Kansas City Chiefs this Sunday.
