Irsay fires back at Manning, calls Peyton a 'politician'

Following the Thursday press conference announcing the hire of new head coach Chuck Pagano, Irsay fielded questions about several matters, most notably Peyton Manning's recent interview with Bob Kravitz of the Indianapolis Star, in which Manning said

There's little doubt that if Peyton Manning recovers from his injury and even approaches the form that was his former self, that he will be an upgrade over at least two-thirds of the NFL's quarterbacks. So why not the Jaguars?

The Colts' quarterback and the team owner have seemingly been communicating through a go-between. That person happens to be a columnist, Bob Kravitz of The Indianapolis Star.

Peyton Manning is obviously a goner in Indy. Let's assume he is healthy enough to play in 2012. Which teams seem like a good fit? The Jets? Signing Peyton would mean the end of any future for Sanchez in that locker room. The Redskins?

While the NFL world descends on Indianapolis for the Super Bowl, Peyton Manning looks like he's on the way out. If this is how it ends for Manning, Jim Irsay, and the Colts, the lesson is hard to ignore.