Colts defend raising '2014 AFC Finalist' banner
The Indianapolis Colts got bashed earlier this week for hanging a "2014 AFC Finalist" banner from the rafters of Lucas Oil Stadium. On Friday, the Colts attempted to justify the display of a seemingly hollow achievement.
Colts chief executive officer Pete Ward told ESPN just making the playoffs is a great accomplishment.
"It's very hard in the National Football League to win," Ward said. "Not every team gets to make the playoffs. To make the playoffs, and more so consistently, is something to be proud of. It's an achievement to be proud of. A lot of teams would love to be in a position to recognize a playoff season regardless of how it ends."
Indy did the same thing after the 1995 and 2003 campaigns, when they fell one game short of the Super Bowl. Ward was actually surprised at the backlash for the 2014 version.
"I'm very surprised at what it's turned into," Ward said. "This is not a new thing we've just started. All the visiting, all the national media - as well as media attending the (NFL scouting) combine and other major events - have all seen our banners since 1987, have known we've done them. So it's interesting that it has suddenly become a news story. I know we're not the only team and franchise in sports that recognizes in-stadium achievement that doesn't involve a world championship."
The Colts lost the 2014 conference title game 45-7 to the New England Patriots. That seems like something they would want to forget, not remember.