Holdout? What Holdout?

Coming out of an offseason that was dominate by NBA headlines, NFL fans and media alike pounced at the slightest sign of any story that could break the stranglehold that the NBA had on ESPN and other news outlets. For Colts fans, the big story of the offseason was the possible holdout of star wide receiver Reggie Wayne. With each OTA that Wayne missed or tweet that was re-tweeted, the fear of uncertainty forced some Colts fans to disregard all love that they once had for the talented receiver. However, that concern and frustration was quickly gone the second that Wayne stepped onto the field at Anderson University prepared to take on the hardships of  NFL training camp. It was as if nothing had ever happened and all ill-will had been forgotten. Once again showing the short term mindset of the casual NFL fan.

Outside of Peyton Manning, no player received as much applause and cheers as number 87, showing that he was still number two in the heart of Colts fans. Children attempted to climb the fence, grown men begged and pleaded for autographs, and women just wanted to be closer to the soft spoken receiver, who many were ready to get rid of only a mere month ago. As I watched fans respond to Wayne’s presence at training camp day after day, it became more and more evident that the majority of Colts fans don’t really care about what goes on off the field in the NFL. The only thing they care about is Indianapolis, winning, and who the Colts put on the field on a weekly basis.

Bob Sanders, who would feel the wrath of fans in cities, such as, Philadelphia or Chicago for his inability to stay healthy, still receives one of the largest and warmest welcomes of any of the players. Sure, everyone has their favorite NFL players, and Sanders’ big-play ability dazzles spectators, but is he worth anywhere near the salary that he is making? The answer is no, and although he may be a favorite Colt of many, most would gladly have him traded or released if it meant the Colts winning another Super Bowl. Now I am not saying the Colts should cut Bob Sanders, but fans know this is a business as well, and winning is just as important to fans as it is to the organization. Fans want results now, and although they may be angered by Sanders’ inability to stay healthy or Wayne’s threatened holdout, at the end of the day they want the players who give them the best chance to win. Even if it means overpaying or changing your feelings for a certain player.

With several issues, such as, CBA talks, Tim Tebow, Terrell Owens, Brett Favre, and the New York Jets headlining NFL news on a weekly basis, the casual Colts fan has absolutely no care about any of these situations, because all are outside of Lucas Oil Stadium. As long as Peyton Manning is under center and the Colts are winning, it would seem that Colts fans have no other worries in the world. However, when the day comes that Manning is no longer taking snaps and the Colts are faced with a rebuilding process, the true will and faith of Colts fans will be tested. It will be interesting to see if this town truly bleeds blue or if it simply enjoys a winner.