Jim Irsay Comments on Peyton Manning, Andrew Luck in NFL.com Interview

The Indianapolis Colts' decision to part ways with Peyton Manning was the ever-so-rare win-win football decision. While Manning continued to set records and push for AFC championships, Indianapolis built around its star for a new generation in Andrew Luck.

Looking back? It feels like a no-brainer for all sides. In the moment, though, it was a decision that altered the history of multiple NFL franchises and highlighted the increasingly fractured relationship between Manning and the organization behind the scenes, as Colts owner Jim Irsay highlighted in an interview with NFL.com's Michael Silver, which took place prior to his suspension.

In particular, the Silver piece uncovers tensions from that 2011 season that were shrouded behind a public relations cover. According to Silver's report, Manning agitated behind the scenes to get back on the field—at one point suggesting he play only in red-zone situations.

Irsay first made the final call that Manning would not be allowed to play and then months later declined the $28 million option bonus on his star quarterback, allowing him to hit free agency for the first time in his career. According to Silver, the situation with Manning had "gotten really, really bad" by the end of the 2011 season.

Michael Conroy/Associated Press

Manning, the Colts' No. 1 pick in the 1998 draft, played his first 14 NFL seasons in Indianapolis. He led the Colts to 11 playoff appearances and two Super Bowls, including a victory in Super Bowl XLI. But a debilitating neck injury in 2011 put Manning's career in jeopardy, leading to the 2-14 season that opened the door for Luck.

"It was such a deep time of really giving great thought to what had to be done...and it was really, really hard," Irsay said of moving on from Manning. "It was so hard because no one wants to say the party's over. No one wants to have to be that person. And at the same time, this new era that's dawned has been incredible."

The Colts drafted Luck, seen by many as the best college prospect since Manning, with the first pick in the 2012 draft. Luck led Indianapolis to playoff appearances in each of his first two seasons. He currently leads the NFL with 1,617 passing yards and 14 touchdowns.

Jeff Roberson/Associated Press

"Andrew is just everything as advertised, and more," said Irsay. "He is such an amazing young man and is just so focused and talented, and it's such a blessing and such an exciting thing to be around. When you're around Andrew and you kind of get immersed in this new era, it's energizing."

Manning's free agency, meanwhile, led to perhaps the most intense free-agent bidding process in NFL history. Teams like the San Francisco 49ers and Arizona Cardinals were seen as serious contenders, right until the moment John Elway swooped in and took Manning right out from under the NFC West teams' noses.

Manning, of course, has returned to full health and reclaimed his status as the NFL's best quarterback. He set league records with 55 touchdowns and 5,477 yards in 2013, carrying the Broncos to a Super Bowl appearance. While the Seattle Seahawks laid one of the biggest beatdowns in the game's history on Denver, the Broncos returned in 2014 with a better all-around roster and Super Bowl expectations.

Last week Manning became the second quarterback in NFL history to top 500 touchdown passes. It is a near certainty that he will break Brett Favre's record of 508 scores at some point this season, and the all-time yardage record is not out of the question if he returns in 2015. Though Manning will be doing all of that in a Broncos uniform, Irsay did not sound like someone who regretted his decision.

"It worked out like Peyton and I both hoped, and how everyone hoped," Irsay said. "He found a team that was outstanding and was able to have his greatest season and all those things. And we were able, with Ryan and Chuck and Bruce Arians, to be able to have a winning season and a playoff season so quickly, and we've built on that and now get to embrace some big expectations. It's really beautiful."

Irsay, who is currently serving a six-game suspension after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor drug charge, will be allowed to return Friday, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. The Colts play the Houston Texans on Thursday night, where Luck will attempt to put Indianapolis in position for its second straight AFC South title.

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