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USA Today
a day ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Texans pass on Kareem Jackson, take future 3-time Pro Bowler at No. 20 in 2010 NFL redraft
Texans pass on Kareem Jackson, take future 3-time Pro Bowler at No. 20 in 2010 NFL redraft After finishing 9-7 under Gary Kubiak, the Houston Texans looked to be on the verge of a breakthrough following the 2009 season. Andre Johnson and Matt Schaub were turning the corner as a rising duo in the AFC, plus the defense was improving with former No. 1 pick Mario Williams at the helm. But the secondary was missing an element at cornerback. Dunta Robinson was a stable No. 1 option, but he left the previous year for Atlanta, thus leaving a massive hole on the boundary. That offseason, the Texans knew someone needed to take over, though Johnathan Joseph was still a year away from signing with the AFC South franchise. In the 2010 draft, Houston added Alabama cornerback Kareem Jackson to anchor the boundary. By the time he finished his tenure with the Texans, he eventually shifted to safety after spending several seasons at the nickel position. Jackson was a steady option for Houston under both Kubiak and later Bill O'Brien, but with a need for a long-term boundary option, he might not have been the first call. Pro Football Focus redrafted the first round of the 2010 class. Instead of Jackson, Houston landed perhaps the best cornerback in the class with Florida's Joe Haden coming off the board at No. 20. Haden was still the first cornerback selected, though instead of going at No. 7 to the Cleveland Browns, he landed with a contender in the AFC for several seasons. "Haden was a three-time Pro Bowler — in 2013, 2014 and 2019. He looked like a home-run draft pick, earning an 84.2 PFF coverage grade in his first NFL season," PFF wrote. "Although his PFF grades were relatively stable throughout his 12-year career, that number did end up being his career best. Hindsight is always 20/20 when it comes to the NFL draft, so it's easy to say the Browns would have passed on Haden, knowing his injury concerns for a more proven name. At No. 7, Cleveland took All-Pro safety Devin McCourty, who initially landed at No. 27 with New England. Haden, at his peak, was a top-five defensive back in the league. Even after leaving Cleveland, the former All-American posted promising numbers with the Pittsburgh Steelers as their No. 1 defensive back. In Houston, he likely would have paired a potent duo opposite Joseph, helping the Texans become a steady force in the AFC under Kubiak and Wade Phillips. As for Jackson, he still landed in the first round, but not at a place Texans fans would have loved him. The do-it-all defensive back instead became an enemy of Houston as a member of the Indianapolis Colts. "The Colts were in a position to select the best defensive player available in this draft after failing to beat the Saints in Super Bowl 44," PFF wrote. "In this case, that's safety Kareem Jackson, who originally went 20th overall. "Jackson took a year or two to find his footing in the NFL, but from 2012 through 2020, he recorded an 87.3 PFF overall grade and an elite 90.0 PFF coverage grade with Houston and Denver." The Texans would've loved for Jackson to remain a corner and become the next big name in coverage, but it's hard to blame them for taking the best defensive back on the board based on the numbers. In the re-draft, they took the long-term position over the player who became a fixture of the franchise, which still they can't be faulted for doing.
USA Today
22-05-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Jim Irsay, longtime Colts owner, dies at 65
Jim Irsay, longtime Colts owner, dies at 65 Show Caption Hide Caption Legendary Colts owner Jim Irsay dies Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay has died at 65. Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay has died. The team confirmed his death in a statement Wednesday evening. He was 65. 'We are devastated to announce our beloved Owner & CEO, Jim Irsay, passed away peacefully in his sleep this afternoon," Pete Ward, the team's chief operating officer, revealed. "Jim's dedication and passion for the Indianapolis Colts in addition to his generosity, commitment to the community, and most importantly, his love for his family were unsurpassed. Our deepest sympathies go to his daughters, Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt, Kalen Jackson, and his entire family as we grieve with them." Irsay dedicated most of his adult life to the Colts. After spending years around the team – his father, Robert Irsay, acquired the then-Baltimore Colts in 1972 – Jim Irsay worked in various capacities for the club, including as a ball boy, scout and in the personnel department. He became the organization's youngest general manager in 1984, the year of his father's controversial relocation of the franchise from Baltimore to Indianapolis. Jim Irsay became the Colts' controlling owner following his father's death in 1997. "Some of Jim's fondest memories came from his youth working training camps in Baltimore and growing relationships with players, coaches, and staff whom he considered his extended family," according to the team's statement. "Jim's love and appreciation for the NFL in addition to its history, tradition, and principles influenced him to become a steward of the game throughout his 50-plus years in the League." Beloved for decades in Baltimore, the Colts didn't win much initially after moving to Indianapolis. Irsay made a momentous trade with the Los Angeles Rams for legendary running back Eric Dickerson during the 1987 season, but the Indianapolis Colts didn't win their first playoff game until 1995. But the franchise became a powerhouse at the turn of the century. Peyton Manning won a record five league MVP awards after the Colts picked him atop the 1998 NFL draft. Manning benefited greatly from the staff Irsay put around him, including general manager Bill Polian and head coach Tony Dungy. The Colts also selected a host of other future Hall of Famers, including wideout Marvin Harrison, running back Edgerrin James and defensive end Dwight Freeney. After years of coming up short in the playoffs to the dynastic New England Patriots, Manning and Co. finally broke through to win Super Bowl 41 following the 2006 season. Indianapolis played again on Super Sunday three years later but lost to the New Orleans Saints in Super Bowl 44. With Manning on the field, the Colts captured eight division titles and only missed the playoffs twice. NFL WORLD REACTS Peyton Manning, many others offer tributes to Jim Irsay However, the organization has largely struggled since, despite Irsay's aggressive attempts to restore it to glory. He made the decision to part with injured Manning in 2012 and draft Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck No. 1 overall that year to replace him. Manning would go on to lead the Denver Broncos to two Super Bowls, including a victory in Super Bowl 50 (his final game), while Luck's once-promising career was short-circuited by injuries that led to his surprise retirement shortly before the 2019 season. The Colts have not won a playoff game since. "We were deeply saddened to learn of Jim Irsay's passing today," NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. "Jim was a friend, and a man deeply committed to his family, the game, the Colts, and the Indianapolis community. "Within the League, Jim was an active Chairman of the Legislative Committee and member of the Finance Committee. He led with integrity, passion and care for the Colts' players, coaches and staff, and his courageous work in support of mental health will be a lasting legacy. Outside of football, he was a talented musician and built an extraordinary collection of historical and musical artifacts that he shared with people across the country. On behalf of the entire NFL, I extend my heartfelt condolences to Jim's daughters and their families, and to his many friends throughout the NFL." Despite the Colts' up-and-down fortunes under Irsay, he had other notable successes during his tenure. After playing in the RCA Dome for years, the club moved into beautiful Lucas Oil Stadium in 2008. Indianapolis hosted Super Bowl 46 at the conclusion of the 2011 season and was widely acclaimed as the host city. Irsay also earned praise for his willingness to speak out against controversial Washington owner Daniel Snyder in 2022, sparking momentum that eventually led to Snyder's ouster. Irsay was a colorful character off the field, too. He was a power lifter as a young man. Later in life, he collected guitars, among other things, and fronted his own band – singing at events around Indianapolis. Irsay also battled substance abuse during his lifetime. He was arrested in 2014 amid suspicion of driving under the influence and drug possession. He eventually pleaded guilty to a pair of misdemeanors and was suspended by the NFL for six games and fined $500,000. In recent years he fronted the team's "Kick the Stigma" campaign in a bid to help people suffering from mental health issues. "Jim's generosity can be felt all over Indianapolis, the state of Indiana and the country," read Ward's statement. "He made philanthropy a daily endeavor. He never hesitated to help countless organizations and individuals live better lives. Music was one of Jim's passions and the ability to share his band and collection with millions of people across the world brought him tremendous joy. Simply put, he wanted to make the world a better place and that philosophy never wavered all the way up to his passing. Jim will be deeply missed by his family, the Colts organization, and fans everywhere, but we remain inspired by his caring and unique spirit.' Irsay spent recent years grooming his daughters to take control of the Colts. Carlie Irsay ran the team while he was in rehabilitation in 2014. However no formal succession plan has yet been revealed. This story has been updated with new information. All NFL news on and off the field. Sign up for USA TODAY's 4th and Monday newsletter.
