“I want [Peyton] to be able to make that decision. He knows with the option bonus that’s due we’d have to re-do the contract, and you can re-do the contract. You can do that. If he can play again and he wants to be here, and I assume he does, I want him here. But his arm has to come back and it’s a matter of the nerve regeneration taking place. Any contract we would have has to take that process into consideration.’”

-Jim Irsay, Indianapolis Colts’ owner

This is the first intelligent, non-batshit-loco thing that Jim Irsay has done during this entire Peyton saga.  With one statement, he’s now put the onus back on Peyton to show the public that a) he’s a good guy and a team player, and b) that he wants to stay in Indy.  If Peyton says, “nope, I’m not restructuring.  I want the money,” he comes off looking like the asshole who just wanted out of Indy all along.  Because here’s reality: no one is going to pay him $28mil this year to play football.  So if he won’t take what will essentially be a market deal from Indy, he’s admitting he just wants out. So well played, Irsay.  Well played.

PS- I know I screwed up and left you without a quote on Valentine’s Day.  That’s my bad.  I know it’s the day of the year men need football more than any other.  If you feel betrayed, shocked, embarrassed, disappointed or nauseous, your feelings are justified.  In order to make it up to you though, I’ve decided to release this rare photo of the Ranter on Valentine’s Day evening.  Enjoy.