Irsay on money

He likes to spend it on his own players

IFR Analysis: Irsay’s assessment should come as a surprise to no one who follows the Colts. The Colts have been one of the NFL’s most-consistent contenders for more than a decade for several reasons. One is the presence of quarterback Peyton Manning, but another has been the roster constistency brought about at least in part to the team’s approach to free agency. They long have taken the financially responsible approach of drafting and developing players, and avoiding the risks of veteran free agency, their belief being too often you pay too much for an aging player who doesn’t quite fit your franchise once he arrives. This approach frustrates fans in March, but it has helped the Colts consistently contend in an era in which most teams outside Pittsburgh, Indianapolis, Philadelphia and Foxbrough have had trouble sustaining year-in, year-out success.