Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard held a press conference on Wednesday to answer questions about Josh McDaniels’ shocking decision to spurn their head coaching job to remain as the New England Patriots’ offensive coordinator.
It goes without saying that Ballard was not a happy camper. And while he did show himself well to the media on Wednesday, there was visible anger there. To end the press conference, Ballard uttered a line that should get us all excited for the 2018 season.
#Colts GM Chris Ballard ends his press conference regarding Josh McDaniels by saying, “The rivalry is back on."pic.twitter.com/WznnHjEEOX
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) February 7, 2018
“The rivalry is back on.”
Obviously, Ballard was referencing the New England Patriots. That’s a whole lot of savage there.
Reports came out Tuesday night that the Patriots offering McDaniels a huge raise to retain him was somewhat in response to the entire Deflategate mess. We have no idea of that’s true. What we do know is that petty is at an all-time high around the NFL.
As for Ballard, his presser was all sorts of awesome.
Colts GM Chris Ballard on whether or not Josh McDaniels gave him a reason for backing out: "I live in a black and white world. Either you're in or you're out. I didn't want the explanation." pic.twitter.com/MnRPOb3wGx
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) February 7, 2018
We give him credit for handling this in the best possible way. Others weren’t so kind.