INDIANAPOLIS – As Chris Ballard embarks on his 25th year in the NFL, the Indianapolis Colts’ general manager is grappling with a grim reality: he’s never endured a playoff drought this long. The Colts have now missed the postseason in four consecutive seasons (2021–2024), a streak that stands as the most frustrating of Ballard’s career. The team hasn’t celebrated a playoff win since a wild-card victory in 2018.
Reflecting on the past few seasons, Ballard acknowledged the mounting pressure and disappointment. “It sucks, man,” he said. “It’s a bothersome thing, especially with the expectations we have here in Indy.”
That sense of frustration is shared throughout the organization. The Colts have kept a solid core intact, yet the results continue to fall short. The excuses have worn thin, and with star players aging, time is running out to turn things around.
“There’s definitely been a shift this offseason,” said linebacker Zaire Franklin. “You feel it from the fans—they’re upset, they’re demanding. But honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Few understand the mounting pressure more than defensive tackle DeForest Buckner. After reaching the Super Bowl with the 49ers in 2019, Buckner arrived in Indianapolis in 2020 with championship aspirations. Instead, he’s played in just one playoff game and seen those hopes repeatedly dashed.
“We’ve had the talent, the potential, and the core players to be better,” Buckner said. “Not getting over the hump the past four years has been frustrating. As leaders, we’ve talked about changing our approach to try and find those few extra wins that can push us into the postseason.”
The most glaring issue has been quarterback instability. After years of short-term fixes, the Colts are now pinning their hopes on a training camp battle between 2023 first-round pick Anthony Richardson Sr. and veteran Daniel Jones, who was released by the Giants.
But the quarterback position isn’t the only problem. Last season, the defense collapsed when it mattered most. Indianapolis ranked near the bottom of the league in both yards (29th) and points (24th) allowed per game. The offseason brought change—cornerback Charvarius Ward was signed, and respected former Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo was hired—but the wounds from 2024 still linger.
“It was the worst defensive performance we’ve had since I’ve been here,” Buckner said. “No matter how well you perform individually, your name is attached to that. I have a lot to prove this year.”
As the Colts prepare for training camp, the city is still buzzing from the Indiana Pacers’ surprise run to the NBA Finals. That success reignited excitement across Central Indiana—something the Colts hope to recapture.
“I was at those Pacers games, and it was inspiring,” Franklin said. “Seeing how they came together, how the city rallied—it’s what we want to create here. We’ve had our fair share of heartbreaking moments. It’s about time we start making great ones.”
With fan patience wearing thin and expectations rising, 2025 may prove to be a make-or-break year for Ballard, head coach Shane Steichen, and the rest of the Colts’ leadership.
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