Indianapolis Colts Football

A CHANCE TO MEET PAT MCAFEE AND MUCH MORE AT POOLS OF FUN IN NOBLESVILE ON SATURDAY

Looking to spend a day with Colts punter Pat McAfee with a chance to win various Colts prizes, including tickets and a signed Andrew Luck helmet.

Well then you’ve come to the right place as Pools of Fun in Noblesville will host McAfee for an autograph session on Saturday, May 18th.

Full details of the event and prizes are below:

Saturday, May 18 at Pools of Fun – Noblesville location – 14765 Hazel Dell Crossing Noblesville, IN 46062

Event time: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Pools of Fun Open House

*Colts elements arrive at noon with Pat McAfee signing autographs from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Lots of register to win prizes and raffle items including:

·         Autographed Andrew Luck helmet

·         Colts team signed helmets

·         VIP Colts Practice Facility tour for four (4)

·         Discounted pool supplies and services

·         Green Egg grill

·         Colts tickets

All proceeds from the raffle benefit the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

DAILY CLIPS: APRIL 30TH

COLTS NEWS (LOCAL AND NATIONAL)
Indianapolis Colts luxury suites cited as Indiana lawmakers limit new CIB taxes
Indianapolis Colts’ Pat McAfee adds $5,000 to reward in Boone County hit-and-run case
Pop Your Way Into The Pacers Playoffs With Pat McAfee
Colts deal disappointing first-round pick Jerry Hughes to Buffalo for LB Kelvin Sheppard
Colts Daily Links: Analysts lukewarm on team’s draft, ‘hard to see it all falling into place’
Indianapolis Colts’ best undrafted free agents: No. 9, returner Aaron Bailey
Indianapolis Colts’ best undrafted free agents: No. 10, safety Melvin Bullitt
What’s not to like about Colts’ draft class?
Colts offseason has look, feel of upgrade
In their words: Colts picks on Bo, trouble, Dungy
Colts hoping for more high marks on draft picks
NFL: North Penn’s Brandon McManus signs with Indianapolis Colts
Bills trade LB Sheppard to Colts for LB Hughes
Colts deal Hughes for Kelvin Sheppard
Colts offer reward in hit-and-run search
Colts, Bills exchange linebackers
Draft review: Indianapolis Colts
Colts shuffle much maligned Hughes off to Buffalo
George Bremer: Colts’ home finale holds keys to future
Colts owner Jim Irsay, kicker Pat McAfee boost reward in hit-and-run that killed Anita Wernsing, 78

COLTS.COM
All Means Possible
Dream not denied by language barrier
Open Mini-Camp Practice at Lucas Oil Stadium
Indianapolis Colts Acquire LB-Kelvin Sheppard in a Trade with the Buffalo Bills in Exchange for LB-Jerry Hughes
Colts Owner & CEO Jim Irsay and P-Pat McAfee Contribute to Reward for Arrest and Conviction of Hit-and-Run Driver in Death of Fayette, Ind. Grandmother
True to the Board

AFC SOUTH BLOG
David Caldwell ready to hire in front office
Titans host Idonije, Winston on visits
Texans just missed on Arthur Brown
Reiterating: Jaguars don’t covet Tebow
Assessing AFC South draft trades
On Houston Texans DE J.J. Watt’s fame
Jaguars’ undrafted rookies

NFL NEWS
Monday Morning Quarterback
Bills swap LBs with Colts for versatility
Noisy Courtship, Quiet Breakup
Why NBA center Jason Collins is coming out now
NFL warns against gay jokes, talk
Dolphins: Mike Wallace’s remarks “do not reflect the views” of the organization
Collin Klein reportedly to be Houston Texans QB
Sam Montgomery: ‘Effort was not needed’ sometimes against weaker teams
Tennessee Titans QB Jake Locker talks about team’s draft class
Are the Jaguars interested? ‘Plans do not include Tim Tebow’
Jaguars dismiss Terry McDonough, 2 others
Reviewing ESPN and NFL Network’s coverage
Report: Tyrann Mathieu won’t sign deal without guaranteed money

AFC TEAM NEWS
Malcolm Williams, Jeremy Ebert among five released by Patriots
Jets release Tim Tebow
Chargers check in on LT Bryant McKinnie

NFC TEAM NEWS
Eli Manning calls Ryan Nassib, welcomes Syracuse QB to NY Giants
Briggs on Collins’ coming out: ‘How about those Bulls!’
MORRISSEY: Heredity made Long easy choice for Bears

COLTS OWNER & CEO JIM IRSAY AND P-PAT MCAFEE CONTRIBUTE TO REWARD FOR ARREST AND CONVICTION OF HIT-AND-RUN DRIVER IN DEATH OF FAYETTE, IND. GRANDMOTHER

Indianapolis Colts Owner & CEO Jim Irsay has pledged $10,000 and punter Pat McAfee has added $5,000 to the reward, which is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of a driver who struck and killed 78-year-old Anita Wernsing of Fayette, Ind. The driver left the scene following the incident.

Wernsing was leaving Mt. Tabor Primitive Church on the 7000 block of South State Road 267 on November 25, 2012 when she was struck. Boone County Sheriff’s Department investigators said that the vehicle that hit Wernsing was a dark SUV that was traveling northbound on 267.

Police have asked anyone with information on the case to call them at 765-482-1412 or send the department an email at: tips@co.boone.in.us.

CULTURE CLUB

Pat McAfee on Wednesday signed his franchise tender, the sixth such player in the league to do so.

The move by McAfee will earn him a one-year guaranteed salary, and the team still has time to reach a multiple-year agreement with him.

The club has had a busy off-season with the addition of new players and the retention of some who made contributions last year and in previous seasons.

Ryan Grigson has spoken in the past of the importance of “culture” on the team.  McAfee is a very big piece of the culture.

Since joining the club in 2009, he has been a very solid performer.  Entering his fifth season, McAfee has punted 290 times for a franchise-record 45.5 average.  He has had 89 punts land inside the 20, while nailing 123 touchbacks on kickoffs.

Yardage gained by special teams success often is overlooked.  It’s even called “hidden” yardage.

It was not so hidden last year in two division victories.  A first-quarter 42-yard punt by McAfee was fair caught at the Jacksonville 10-yard line.  A defensive stop set the stage for a Colts field goal and a 3-0 lead.

A third-quarter placement punt of 36 yards was killed at the Jaguars’ four and two plays later, Darius Butler picked off a pass for an easy scoring return and a 24-3 lead.

Five games later, a booming 52-yard effort by McAfee in the third quarter went out of bounds at the Tennessee one-yard line.  A play later, Cassius Vaughn picked off a pass and stepped into the end zone for a score, one that put the Colts ahead, 21-20, after trailing by 13 points at halftime.

Those are dramatic examples of the talents McAfee possesses.  He has set the franchise seasonal records for gross yardage in consecutive seasons (46.6, 2011; 48.2, 2012).  This past year, he set the club seasonal net record at 40.3.  His 26 kicks inside the 20 tied Hunter Smith’s 2002 mark.

Enough about numbers.  McAfee is a personal presence, too.

In addition to being one of the most savvy and visible communicators in the club’s Indianapolis era, he is a standup guy.

People remember the Broad Ripple incident two years ago, and how McAfee handled addressing it showed manner of the man and the quality of his heart.

There are many players in the locker room who combine to make this a positive culture.  It is one that will help win games, and McAfee will be a part of the process.

Players return later this month to start working.  It is a time to feel good, if you’re a Colts fan.

Having Pat McAfee going into competition is an advantage for Indianapolis.

DAILY CLIPS: APRIL 4TH

COLTS NEWS (LOCAL AND NATIONAL)
Help us decipher this tweet from Jim Irsay
DHB follows his heart to Indy
Pat McAfee signs franchise tender
Reassessing the Colts’ needs
Colts draft ranked middle of pack in five-year starters from 1993 to 2006
Colts all-time best, worst draft picks to be ranked in 20-day blog series

COLTS.COM
2013 Positional Series: Specialists
Baskets of Hope
Colts Mailbag

AFC SOUTH BLOG
The division’s $5 million dollar men
Applause for Bradley’s opening themes
Maybe this FB will be a good thing for the Texans

NFL NEWS
NFL to mandate cameras in home locker rooms
NFLPA tells agents to report any hint of collusion
Cards’ Washington gets 4-game suspension
J.J. Watt says injured elbow never fully healed last season
Titans turn attention to NFL Draft
Top draft prospects visit Jaguars

AFC TEAM NEWS
Nate Solder out to improve
Dan Rooney settles into new role with Steelers

NFC TEAM NEWS
Giants sign defensive lineman Mike Patterson
Redskins re-sign quarterback Rex Grossman and bring aboard Pat White

DAILY CLIPS: APRIL 3, 2013

COLTS NEWS (LOCAL AND NATIONAL)
Colts punter Pat McAfee signs franchise tender
Colts signing of WR Darrius Heyward-Bey is one-year chance worth taking
Receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey follows his heard – and Andrew Luck – to Indianapolis
Heyward-Bey feeling fortunate to hook up with Luck
Free agent WR follows heart to Indy
Heyward-Bey follows heart to sign with Colts

COLTS.COM
2013 Positional Series: Defensive Backs
Heart leads to Colts

AFC SOUTH BLOG
Marks is seventh FA to move in division
Reassessing the Titans’ needs
Moon calls Pardee a ‘Texas legend’

NFL NEWS
Bruce Arians: Carson Palmer gives Cardinals QB depth ‘as strong as anybody’s’
Nnamdi Asomugha joins Niners
Branden Albert wants commitment
Seau lawsuit merged with Pa. NFL concussion case
Jets and Revis look stuck together until some team takes the bait
Report: John Harbaugh didn’t want Ed Reed back with Ravens
Monday Morning QB – Tuesday

AFC TEAM NEWS
Patriots mourn Chuck Fairbanks
Tom Telesco inherits the Philip Rivers shopping Bonus

NFC TEAM NEWS
Pat White cancels tryout with NY Giants to sign with Washington Redskins, play backup QB to Robert Griffin III: report
McCaskey ‘heartbroken’ over Urlacher’s departure

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS USE FRANCHISE TAG ON PUNTER PAT MCAFEE

The Indianapolis Colts have designated its franchise tag on punter Pat McAfee.

“It’s an honor to know that I’ll be a member of the Indianapolis Colts for at least another year,” said McAfee. “I love the city, I love the team, and I love being a member of the community. I obviously hope to work out a long-term deal to stay here forever, but one more guaranteed year is awesome. Go Colts.

McAfee enters his fifth NFL season after being selected by the Colts in the seventh round of the 2009 NFL Draft (222^nd overall). In his career (63 games), he has totaled 290 punts for a franchise record 45.5 average while adding a long kick of 66 yards, which he set in 2010. McAfee has also pinned 89 punts inside the 20-yard line as well as contributing with 123 touchbacks on kickoffs.

In 2012, McAfee set franchise single season records for punting average (48.2), net punting average (40.3), 50.0-yard average games (five) and tied the mark for punts inside the 20-yard line (26). He also established a team record for kickoff touchbacks (45) in a single season.

As a rookie in 2009, McAfee was named to the PFW/PFWA and The Sporting News NFL All-Rookie Teams.

McAFEE LIKES SETTING, WANTS TO RETURN

Pat McAfee has had a very successful four seasons with the Colts, twice setting seasonal records in punting average.

McAfee is one of 14 unrestricted free agents, a list that includes a number of teammates:  Donnie Avery, Darius Butler, Austin Collie, Moise Fokou, Dwight Freeney, Tony Hills, Antonio Johnson, Winston Justice, Fili Moala, Mewelde Moore, Jerraud Powers, Drew Stanton and Jamaal Westerman.

McAfee has joined Freeney in recent days in being vocal about wanting to continue his Colts career.  Both are draft picks by the Colts who want to extend their days in Indianapolis.

Free agency starts on March 12.  Clubs may negotiate with its players prior to the deadline, and players in the unrestricted category like McAfee and Freeney can reach agreements with another team without the Colts receiving compensation once the signing period ensues.

Colts General Manager Ryan Grigson is a seasoned evaluator who knows the process full well.  He has seen teams with which he has worked ink players prior to a deadline.  Other times, players have re-signed with their teams once the free agency period starts, and some have left for other pastures.

Grigson has a keen eye on his current roster.

“I won’t get into specifics, but I’ve watched this team every day,” said Grigson after the season ended.  “I’ve watched this team from practice.  I know these guys from college.  I’ve seen how they are in the locker room.  I’ve taken in every ounce of information from the strength coach, from Chuck, from every source possible, and I feel like I have a good feel.

“I have prioritized, but that can also change in terms of if offers are rejected.”

Sometimes there is an interest all around in getting things done early.  Other times there is a thought that testing the open market can benefit a player greatly.

With players at all positions, there is a market.  But where is it?

“You don’t (know), and sometimes you’ll be pleasantly surprised, or you’ll be flabbergasted,” said Grigson.

ARIANS TALKS HALFTIME ADJUSTMENTS, SPECIAL TEAMS, AND ‘NEXT MAN UP’

Colts interim head coach/offensive coordinator Bruce Arians covered a variety of topics on Monday evening while on the ‘Pagano Show’ hosted by ‘Voice of the Colts’ Bob Lamey. Below are some of the highlights:

On the key to the start of the second half against the Titans:

“I’ve always been of the impression that the first five minutes of the second half usually dictate what happens in a ball game, especially when you’re down. If you get rolling just like we did with Green Bay, get an interception and something good happens with a touchdown, the crowd gets into it and then it just snowballs.”

On the message at halftime that has allowed this team to be so successful in the second half:

“You just figure out why you’re down, what the mistakes are and how to correct them. Hollering and screaming, that doesn’t get anything done. You’ve got to teach at halftime and our coaching staff does a great job of adjusting at halftime. I thought we matched (the Titans) intensity or created more intensity than they did in the second half with our crowd getting into it when we took that first drive down there and scored. So you are always positive. You’ve got to be positive until the last tick goes off the clock.”

On the play of Pat McAfee this season and some of his punts leading to turnovers:

“He’s done it over and over this year. We’ve got some turnovers out of it for big plays. He’s a Pro Bowler. I don’t know if he’ll get voted in but he’s a Pro Bowler. He’s always been a boomer but to be able to boom it and directionally kick it, that is a great, tough job. He’s handling it and getting better and better at it.”

On the importance of the special teams unit in general:

“They’ve been huge especially in the last month. T.Y’s really getting to be an electric returner. Our guys see it. They are blocking their tails off for him. Our coverage units are really doing a great job and our specialists have been outstanding. We are not where we’re at right now without our special teams.”

On the continued success of unsung guys stepping up on a weekly basis:

“They are looking for their opportunities and when you play well, you get more opportunities. They’ve bought into that style of ‘next man up’ and that’s more than a mantra when guys believe in it. Once you’re in there, don’t come out. Make me keep you in the game.”

On the enjoyment you have gotten out of helping this team out in unforeseen circumstances:

“You do what you have to do. Mr. Irsay asked me to do this and I’m more than happy to put that hat on and sit in that chair while Chuck’s out, and I can’t wait until he gets back. That’s the job I was asked to do I’m just trying to do it to my best.”

LEFEGED REWARDED WITH CAPTAINCY

When Bruce Arians announced earlier this week six Colts captains for the rest of the regular season, some of the names could have gone without saying.

Luck, Wayne, Mathis….Lefeged.

Special teams ace Joe Lefeged was a bit caught off guard earlier in the week when a hoard of media surrounded his locker wanting to talk to the Colts safety who was named one of two special teams captains (Pat McAfee).

“It’s a big honor especially to be a captain of an organization like the Colts,” Lefeged said. “With this history they have of winning and the Hall of Fame players that have played here, it’s a big deal to me and I take it real serious.”

Lefeged’s 15 tackles on special teams this season ranks second in the NFL and he is quickly becoming one of the league’s top gunners.

Last week against he Lions, Lefeged was called upon to fill in for starting safety Tom Zbikowski to go along with his special teams duties.

After not recording a win away from home last season, Lefeged has been apart of three of them this year and knows the importance of earning victories in hostile environments.

“We know what we have to do when we go on the road,” Lefeged said. “We cannot give up plays on special teams. We have to play solid football for us to have a chance to win a game.”

After being an undrafted free agent in 2010, Lefeged has found a niche on the Colts special teams while providing depth at a safety position occupied by a pair of veterans.

Sitting in Lefeged’s locker is the shirt indicating Indianapolis being placed No. 32 on the preseason rankings and the Colts captain is ready to keep on proving the critics wrong

“Nobody except our families and the people in this organization thought that we were going to be where we are today,” Lefeged said.

“They picked us last. Coach Pagano that was his main focus. Nobody thought we were going to be good this year. Our job wasn’t to be good two, three years from now. We were going to reload and be ready to win this year. We are starting to see it come together and we have to win some games in December for us to have a chance at the playoffs.”