For a lot of people in the Midwest, particularly in Indiana, it is just as important that professional athletes positively reflect the city, state, and community off of the field as it is that they achieve on-field success. Hoosiers will not tolerate a professional team that includes players who are continually public nuisances, break the law, and generate press that negatively reflects on and negatively impacts the community. Players like Pacman Jones, Vince Young, Albert Haynesworth, Cedric Benson, and Brandon Marshall are not the kind of players off-field that the Colts will typically target in free agency.

Consider how positively most Colts players display community service, professionalism on and off of the field, intelligence, and a hard work ethic. While no team is perfect, as players are human beings and make mistakes too, very rarely will any kind of repeat offenses be tolerated. Key defensive tackle Ed Johnson, who was arguably the most talented nose tackle in Indianapolis after Booger McFarland’s career ended, was charged with speeding and marijuana possession and was cut less than 24 hours later. The team took a chance with Johnson from the get-go, as he had a history of drug related problems in college and informed him that he was on a one-strike and your out policy. Head Coach Jim Caldwell was willing to give him a second chance a year later but he was cut after only a brief stay. More >