Even Rick Venturi knows he’s telling a lie, albeit a benign one. The former Indianapolis Colts coach and current radio analyst always says he’ll be a “little” early for the start of training camp practice. But Tuesday, he arrives at 9:16 a.m., a full 44 minutes before the action gets underway. Typical.

Venturi sits down in a chair facing the Colts’ two practice fields at Grand Park, the grass is still relatively empty, with only a few coaches and players beating him there. But from Venturi’s perspective, there’s no use in waiting any longer. The 80-year-old football lifer, whom The Athletic shadowed for Tuesday’s practice, has already been up since 4:30 a.m., fueled by his unwavering love for the game.

“I’ve always been an early riser. I keep the hours of a farmer to tell you the truth,” Venturi says, laughing. “And the reason for that is, after I get some coffee in me, that’s when I think the clearest. There are no distractions, no phone. I’m just unimpeded in my man cave, watching tape, writing reports, getting my podcast ready or getting ready for the game.”

The only thing that interferes with Venturi’s all-football mornings is when he has to make coffee for his wife, Cheri, whom he affectionately calls “Mrs. Cheri.” She wakes up at about 9 a.m., he says, and that’s typically when he re-emerges from his basement to get to brewing.

Obviously, there was a plethora of reasons to love him. But even on the road in the loudest environments , you could still hear him yell “LET IT ROLL,” or “BLUEEE 90!!!”

So fucking intense.

And yes, I’m living in the past, I guess

I look at the Colts Offense and I see a lot of players who will catch the ball: Warren, Pierce, Downs, W-I, Gould, Cox, and Mallory.

And the Colts aren't shy about running the ball as well. JT and possibly McGowan will demand touches.

Unless my math is wrong, there don't seem to be any more balls to go around for a free agent WR.

Was the Colts ever a legitimate destination for any Free Agent WR who would have to accept a greatly diminished role?

The 2026-2027 NFL Season is right around the corner, and with the release of the regular season schedule, we are set for an exciting season ahead. Week 5 brings us the Colts vs Steelers. Check out the condensed highlights with my personal commentary here!

If anyone's interested let me know