The Indianapolis Colts’ disastrous 45-33 loss to the 3-13 New York Giants in Week 17 was the last nail in the coffin of their playoff hopes. It ignited a firestorm of criticism from former Colts punter and media personality Pat McAfee.
The ESPN and WWE host went on a huge rant on X, criticizing the team’s culture, players, and management. McAfee called out what he described as “red flags a blind person could see.”
Pat McAfee Puts Mirror in Front of Indianapolis Colts
Colts fans and NFL followers turned the team into a portal of online jokes. McAfee’s post was a frustrating one, believing that a “loser attitude” permeates the Colts organization.
“A franchise quarterback tapping out of a game because he was tired — never happened in the history of the NFL,” McAfee vented, referencing when quarterback Anthony Richardson opted out of a critical play against the Houston Texans in Week 8.
Fans on social media agreed with McAfee’s sentiments.
“It’s honestly incredible that the Colts have found a way to have complicated relationships with Pat McAfee & Peyton Manning. Just an absolute clown show from top to bottom,” one said.
It’s honestly incredible that the Colts have found a way to have complicated relationships with Pat McAfee & Peyton Manning. Just an absolute clown show from top to bottom. https://t.co/E2y57btPzI
— Tony Adragna (@CoachAdragna) December 30, 2024
“Well when your owner is an alcoholic and his drinking buddies are your coaching staff…. that’ll happen,” wrote one more.
One user tweeted, “Yea, totally wish the Colts would have just stuck with Peyton till the very end and never started the losing on purpose trend. Hopefully they realize this and never do it again. The colts did it again in 2022. I call it the curse of Peyton manning but it’s really just…”
Another commented, “Pat has me blocked but he’s so right about the culture in the Colts building. They need to sweep everyone out of there including the QB. Richardson was a major reach and not an NFL QB.”
“Maybe Manning and McAfee should come in and fix it,” tweeted one more.
One more fan said, “The problems in that building are vast in scope and reach. It’s gonna be an undertaking to correct it all.”
McAfee, a longtime Colts loyalist, accused the team of arrogance and laziness, adding, “This city deserves better, but this group wasted talent, money, and opportunities.”
The loss to the Giants sealed the Colts’ fate with a 7-9 record. Richardson, who missed the game due to injuries, has struggled this season with eight touchdowns, 12 interceptions, and a 61.6 passer rating.
As things stand, the Colts are staring down another offseason of disappointment. The organization is under pressure to rebuild trust with its fan base. Whether they can shake off the cloud of mediocrity and deliver a winning culture remains to be seen, but as McAfee put it, “I have no idea how they fix it.”