The Indianapolis Colts faced the New York Giants on Sunday with their playoff hopes hanging by a thread.
Against a struggling 13-loss Giants squad, it seemed like the perfect opportunity for the Colts to stay in contention.
However, the team faltered, suffering a crushing 45-33 defeat that officially eliminated them from postseason contention and dropped their record to 7-9.
The fallout from the loss extended far beyond the field.
Former Colts punter and popular sports personality Pat McAfee, known for his outspoken nature, delivered a scathing critique of the team.
McAfee, a Pro Bowl alumnus and host of The Pat McAfee Show, has often been a vocal supporter of the franchise.
However, his frustration with the team’s performance and culture reached a boiling point after Sunday’s defeat.
McAfee’s grievances with the team didn’t emerge overnight.
Over the course of the season, he has repeatedly criticized issues within the organization, including an incident involving quarterback Anthony Richardson.
Several weeks ago, Richardson asked out in the middle of a game, citing fatigue.
McAfee publicly questioned the team’s work ethic and leadership, sparking backlash from fans, local media, and even current Colts players.
On Sunday, McAfee took to social media to vent his frustrations in an emotional tirade, leveling serious accusations at the team’s culture and professionalism.
“I’ve said what I believed to be the truth about the team… & a bunch of ‘Colts fans’ on the internet were trying to get me booed out of the city… Current players, who have won nothing during their entire tenures, started using me and my face to try and paint me as the enemy in the city I’ve committed my life to,” McAfee posted on X.
“A blind person could see the red flags on this team… Work ethic questions, NEVER happens on good teams… Preparation commitment questions, NEVER happens on good teams… Late to meetings, NEVER happens on good teams… Late to/skipping treatment, NEVER happens on good teams… The franchise QB tapped out of a game… on 3rd down… in the red zone… because he was tired… NEVER HAPPENED in the history of the NFL.
“As a multiple-year season ticket holder (not renewing)… and someone who has actively, daily, attempted to be an additive to this beautiful city. I hope they become a good franchise again… this city deserves it… the OGs in the Colts building deserve it (equipment managers, trainers, ticketing, PR, sales)… and on the flip side, the players/coaches in that building deserve whatever happens to them.
“Your unwarranted arrogance, laziness, and lack of professionalism have led you to ANOTHER early vacation… which is probably what most of you entitled bums have been hoping for. I don’t speak for the city… and I don’t speak for all ex-Colts players because I was only a punter… nominated for the HOF 3 times now but nonetheless… I speak from my own perspective… I’ve never seen a group waste opportunities/talent/money more than this group.”
McAfee’s scathing comments are a reflection of the broader discontent surrounding the Colts’ disappointing season.
Once a playoff contender, the team now faces an offseason filled with tough questions and uncertainty.
What are your thoughts on McAfee’s brutally honest assessment of the Colts and their current culture???
