After NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Colts running back Jonathan Taylor had requested to be traded, franchise owner Jim Irsay took the contentious contract impasse to the next level.
Earlier Saturday, Rapoport reported that Irsay and Taylor met aboard the Indianapolis owner’s private luxury bus in an attempt to repair the relationship between the two sides as both parties appear dug in regarding a potential contract extension. However, not only did the two sides not come any closer to an agreement in the meeting, but the star back has now demanded to be traded.
The Athletic’s James Boyd reported late Saturday night that the club’s brash owner made some eye-popping comments just before the reports of Taylor’s trade request emerged that took a rather dark tone in response to the running back’s demand.
“If I die tonight and Jonathan Taylor is out of the league, no one’s gonna miss us,” Irsay said, per Boyd. “The league goes on. We know that. The National Football (League) rolls on. It doesn’t matter who comes and who goes, and it’s a privilege to be a part of it.”
#Colts owner Jim Irsay: “If I die tonight and Jonathan Taylor is out of the league, no one’s gonna miss us. The league goes on. We know that. The National Football (League) rolls on. It doesn’t matter who comes and who goes, and it’s a privilege to be a part of it.”
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) July 30, 2023
Though Irsay may have a rather grim outlook on Taylor’s request, it doesn’t mean he’s eager to trade the NFL’s 2021 leading rusher either.
“We’re not trading Jonathan... end of discussion,” Irsay said in a text to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer. “Not now and not in October!”
Text from @Colts owner @JimIrsay on Jonathan Taylor’s trade request (as reported by @RapSheet): “We’re not trading Jonathan… end of discussion. Not now and not in October!”
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) July 30, 2023
After comments like these, this stand-off is likely not going to end anytime soon.
