Arr, Colts owner Jim Irsay be givin' a good verbal thrashin' to them NFL runnin' backs! He be sayin' their bellyachin' be downright indecorous!
2023-07-27
Arr, Jim Irsay, the swashbucklin' plunderer o' Indianapolis Colts, be pipin' up 'bout them ruckus NFL players, claimin' it be mighty indecorous. Methinks 'tis a fine jest, seein' as how they be sailin' 'round with their gripes, while we be sailin' the high seas!
In a humorous and 17th-century pirate-like language, NFL running backs have been expressing their concerns about the current market for their position. However, Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay has now joined the conversation from the other side. Irsay, known for his vocal social media presence, has spoken out against running backs who feel that their market value does not match their importance to teams.Irsay wrote, "NFL Running Back situation – We have negotiated a CBA, that took years of effort and hard work and compromise in good faith by both sides..to say now that a specific Player category wants another negotiation after the fact, is inappropriate. Some Agents are selling ‘bad faith’.."
It's interesting that Irsay made this comment considering his own starting running back, Jonathan Taylor, is entering the final year of his contract before becoming a free agent in 2024. Taylor, who was the leading rusher in the NFL in 2021 and dealt with an ankle injury in 2022, had discussions about an extension with the Colts, but they did not go as well as he had hoped.
The Colts' general manager, Chris Ballard, commented on the situation, stating that "the market is what the market is." He emphasized that the team values Taylor but believes that the situation will work itself out over time.
This offseason has been tough for several running backs across the league, including Saquon Barkley of the New York Giants and Josh Jacobs of the Las Vegas Raiders. They were unable to negotiate long-term extensions and have faced difficulties in reaching agreements with their respective teams.
In response to the market devaluation of running backs, players like Austin Ekeler of the Los Angeles Chargers and Derrick Henry of the Tennessee Titans have voiced their support for their fellow running backs. They believe that the position is crucial and deserving of fair compensation.
Ultimately, the running backs are determined to fight for what they believe they deserve. They argue that their value to their teams cannot be underestimated, and they are willing to do whatever it takes to secure their bag.