It's been a rough week here in Indianapolis. Our quarterback and our team parted ways. It happened with the kind of class and dignity our city showed during the Super Bowl played here last month. Most of us knew it would happen, but that didn't make it any easier to watch.
Then today, several more of our boys -- ok, men -- got their marching orders. I'm not talking 2nd and 3rd string no-names. I'm talking men whose names we proudly wore on jerseys week after week. Men who made big plays. Men who made the Indianapolis Colts so easy to love, even when they posted a 2-14 record.
We love these men -- Gary Brackett, Joseph Addai, Melvin Bullitt, Dallas Clark -- not just for what they did on the field, but more for what they brought to our community. They are caring, giving individuals who make us proud to be Colts fans.
But we are fans of the TEAM, not just of the individual players, so to those of you getting ready to join the ranks of the Indianapolis Colts, we say "Welcome." Before you sign on the dotted line, there are some things you should know about this city and our team:
- We don't do big egos here. If you've got the goods, be proud. But don't be arrogant. The "I" in this city is for Indianapolis, not for some football player who behaves as though he's a gift to our team.
- We don't do illegal here. We're not accustomed to opening our newspapers and turning on our television to news about members of our football team being in legal trouble for drugs, domestic abuse, illegal gambling, drinking and driving or whatever. Oh, we're not perfect and there have been a few incidents in the past (Mr. McAfee), but our players are generally good citizens and we like it that way.
- Indianapolis is your home and its people will be your new family. So spend time with us. Join us at restaurants and in the mall and on the little league fields with your kids. We're not starstruck. We'll probably strike up a conversation, but we know how to be polite enough to let you have your space, too.
- Be polite back to us. Jeff Saturday has held a door open for me...twice. Good manners endear you to the fans and make your mamas proud.
- Let us know what you're passionate about -- and I hope at least one of you will be passionate about the elderly -- and let us know how we can support your efforts there. Those guys who are leaving have left behind some pretty big holes to fill in that regard. We want to see you do good -- inside and outside of Lucas Oil Stadium.
- Know we've got your back. We know this is a rebuilding year. Probably several of them. But we'll stand behind you, as long as you give it your all and stay focused on the game, not the limelight.
Signed,
The 4th Frog
A Colts Fan
8 comments:
Man, I didn't hear about the mass exodus until just now. Addai and Painter should've been gone last year, but I think they'll regret the others. Being an A's fan in baseball, I know how "gutting the team" feels, many times over. They should post your list in the clubhouse.
Well said, Amy. You should make this a letter to the editor at Indy Star. And that's cool about Jeff Saturday. I'm so glad they kept him; he's like a big football teddy bear.
This is so lovely, Amy. It should be printed and handed out to the entire team on the first game of the season.
Awesome post Amy...I hope that they heed your words.
I agree with Ami... this should hit the editor's desk at IndyStar. For real. You have definitely summed up what it means to be both a Colts player AND a fan.
And how great is it that both nationally-recognized teams to come out of Indy (Colts and Bulldogs) have in their ranks coaches and players of such high character and standards! So proud to be fans of both teams. :)
Go Dawgs!
Go Colts!
I agree with Ami... this should hit the editor's desk at IndyStar. For real. You have definitely summed up what it means to be both a Colts player AND a fan.
And how great is it that both nationally-recognized teams to come out of Indy (Colts and Bulldogs) have in their ranks coaches and players of such high character and standards! So proud to be fans of both teams. :)
Go Dawgs!
Go Colts!
LOVE your message. Well said, and I hope the management can fill the big shoes they have emptied with equally quality human beings, not just great athletes!
@Ami & @Rebecca -- Ok. I did submit it to the Indy Star as a Letter to the Editor. It's longer than they like, but we'll see. Thanks for the encouragement.
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