Colts Fans Against Peyton Fans: Time to Distinguish Between the Two

If you have any ability whatsoever to think logically and objectively as the fan of a team, then you must understand that what happened today in Indianapolis was the only option.

Now, for the majority of Colts fans, I'll try to explain why there was no way around the emotional divorce between Jim Irsay and Peyton Manning today.

You could see the pain in their faces and feel the disappointment in this awful situation as the two spoke. They explained that it was what neither wanted, but both knew had to happen. It wasn't boss and employee, rather just Jim and Peyton. Their words came from the heart, and it wouldn't have been right if it had happened any other way.

But in the midst of the bittersweet moments today, I found myself trying to view this as a business deal. Attempting to see things as an objective bystander, knowing the future of an entire organization was at stake.

Fans in Indianapolis have reacted in many different ways. There have been tweets remembering the good times, thanking Peyton for his 14 years in our city and others enraged at Irsay for letting the future Hall of Famer go. But it just had to happen.

Let's say the decision was made to keep Manning. His contract would have to be restructured, probably to something heavily incentive-laden, and who knows if that is something he is willing to do? He would be forced to give up practice snaps to the heir, most likely Andrew Luck, which has never happened in his previous 14 seasons.

Or the other "option," holding onto Manning and trading the first pick in the draft for multiple picks to load up different positions. While the need for many players is there, it seems ridiculous to pass on Luck in a quarterback-driven league in hopes that you'll find another gem once Peyton does decide to hang it up.

And both of those scenarios hinge on his ability to still perform at a high level, which has only been confirmed by his doctor and a grainy video shot on the Duke University campus.

So while you're stewing tonight, considering burning your Colts gear to show Irsay how you feel about this move, stop for a minute and celebrate the history that has been made. Remember how it has felt to be a Colts fan for the last decade.

It's our triumphs that make the thought of tough times so difficult. Think about the teams who have had little or no success during this time and say thanks. Thank Peyton, Marvin Harrison, Dwight Freeney and all involved.

But don't forget to say thanks to Jim Irsay, either. After all, he is the one who drafted Manning instead of Ryan Leaf and made our team worth loving.