In an emotional meeting, Indianapolis Colts coach Shane Steichen interrupted the celebration in the locker room to address his team after the victory over the Miami Dolphins. The triumph, with a score of 33-8, took on a special meaning, marking the team’s first victory after the death of its owner, Jim Irsay.
Steichen wanted to highlight the importance of this victory, which coincided with the tribute to Jim Irsay, who was honored during halftime of the game with his induction into the team’s Ring of Honor. “This is a special moment,” Steichen declared to his team.
Subsequently, the coach presented commemorative balls to Irsay’s three daughters, who are now the team owners, creating an atmosphere filled with emotion after the game.
“There’s a man who gave so much to this city and to this organization. He’s not physically with us, but he’s spiritually in this locker room. He’s watching us. And he raised three daughters to run a football team. And we couldn’t be more grateful.”
Shane Steichen
Irsay’s daughters, Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt, and Kalen Jackson, witnessed the Colts’ victory in their first game of the season, breaking a streak of ten losses and a tie in opening games since 2013.Moved by Peyton Manning’s halftime speech, Irsay’s daughters celebrated the victory and remembered their father.
“This means a lot. Someone said the retractable roof was open so he could see us and he was with every one of you. He loved this team so much.”
The halftime ceremony featured the presence of team legends such as Marvin Harrison, Edgerrin James, and Dwight Freeney, who played under Irsay’s direction.
Manning highlighted the unity that Irsay achieved in the team: “He was not only the owner of the Colts, but he united us all.”
Daniel Jones: A Standout Debut
The Colts’ victory was historic not only for breaking the losing streak at the beginning of the season, but also for the performance of quarterback Daniel Jones, who had a promising debut.
Jones, who hadn’t started since he was a backup for the New York Giants, signed a one-year contract with the Colts and won the competition for the starting position in the preseason.
In his first official game with the Colts, Jones completed 22 of 29 passes for 272 yards, adding three touchdowns (one passing and two rushing). He became the first quarterback in Colts history to achieve at least 250 yards and three touchdowns in his debut.
Also, the Colts scored on every possession of the game, something that hadn’t happened since 1977, according to data.
Jones remained calm and kept perspective, remembering the importance of a long season: “It’s a long 17-game season and you have to play at a high level all the time. A good start. I think we feel good about the start, of course there are things to clean up and work on, but I think everyone on our team is mature enough, they know enough, that we have to keep growing and improving. The best teams in the league keep building on success.”
Steichen highlighted the team’s confidence in the passing game, something that was demonstrated in the match. The Colts’ receivers found spaces in Miami’s defense, and Jones took advantage of the situation.
Michael Pittman Jr., who scored a 27-yard touchdown, summarized the team’s performance: “Danny came out and tore it up today. I’m not sure it could have gone better on offense. I felt like we were rolling and he threw a great pass and the rest is history, I guess.”
