I’ve always disliked the Indianapolis Colts, first because of their proficiency as choke artists (see 96-02 seasons) & later because their fans were a bunch of disloyal bandwaggoners when the team did start performing. I hadn’t been a fan when the team wasn’t winning, and unlike everyone else in the state, I wasn’t going to become a fan just because they were winning. I remained loyal to the Denver Broncos, and disgusted by the rampant bandwaggoning, I became an anti-Colts fan. I’ve maintained that stance for years, despite my respect for Peyton Manning as a player & a person.
This past year has been odd for a long-time Broncos fan living in Indianapolis. I was dubious when John Elway procured Manning, cautiously optimistic after the defeat of the Steelers in week one. Now, I am thrilled and excited to see my team going to the playoffs, to see them regaining their place as one of the top teams in the NFL. I still fear that everything will fall apart when Manning leaves (as it did in Indianapolis), but for now I’m just focusing on this year’s playoff run.
But here in Indianapolis a new era is beginning. I find it difficult to root against the young Colts team this year. If I’m being honest, it’s inspirational to see all these rookies and inexperienced players band together, to fight through their first year head coach’s leukemia, to win game after improbable game. With four games left in the season it seems likely the Colts will play the Broncos in the first round of the playoffs. Oftentimes these things work out so poetically I wonder if the whole NFL isn’t being staged somehow. Of course I will cheer for a vicious Broncos defeat of the Colts, but for the first time in my life, I’m happy to see the Colts even make the playoffs.
Nobody tell my brother I said that.
December 4, 2012
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