Indianapolis Colts General Manager Chris Ballard has broken his silence following a tumultuous 2024 season that saw the team miss the playoffs for the fourth consecutive year.
Addressing the media, Ballard took full responsibility for the team’s shortcomings and outlined a new approach aimed at revitalizing the franchise’s championship aspirations.
The Colts finished the 2024 season with an 8-9 record, a result that fell short of expectations. In a candid admission, Ballard acknowledged that his decision to retain the same roster without introducing significant competition was a mistake. He stated, “I didn’t create enough competition on the roster… that directly falls on my shoulders. I was wrong. I was wrong.”
One of the most pressing issues for the Colts has been the quarterback position. While Anthony Richardson has shown flashes of potential, his development has been hindered by injuries and inconsistent play. Ballard emphasized the need for a more competitive environment at the quarterback position, stating that Richardson’s status as the unquestioned starter was a factor in the team’s struggles. To address this, the Colts plan to bring in another quarterback to compete with Richardson during the 2025 offseason.
Beyond the quarterback position, Ballard acknowledged deficiencies across the roster. He expressed disappointment in the team’s performance and committed to making significant changes to improve the overall competitiveness. “We’ve got to be better about making sure we identify the right free agents that can help this team to where it needs to go,” he said.
Despite the challenges, Ballard remains optimistic about the team’s future. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to continue leading the franchise and emphasized the importance of earning back the trust of fans and ownership. “Anything I say until we win—really win, and I want to win big here—until we do that, I get it. I understand the frustration,” Ballard remarked.
As the Colts embark on the 2025 offseason, all eyes will be on Ballard’s decisions to reshape the roster and restore the team to its former glory. With a renewed focus on competition and improvement, the Colts aim to return to playoff contention and ultimately achieve their championship dreams.
