Pat McAfee, former Indianapolis Colts punter and now a popular sports commentator, did not hold back when reacting to the recent comments made by Colts’ team captain Kenny Moore. After the Colts’ disheartening loss to the Buffalo Bills, Moore made it clear that the team is not putting in the effort necessary to succeed, saying, “Our team doesn’t work. I don’t think the urgency is there, the details are missing, and the effort just isn’t showing up.”
McAfee, known for his outspoken takes on NFL matters, shared his thoughts on these comments during a segment on his podcast, and it was clear he agreed with Moore—though perhaps even more frustrated by the situation.
Frustration with the Lack of Effort and Professionalism
McAfee didn’t sugarcoat it, and he empathized with Moore’s frustration. “When your team captain is saying that the team isn’t working hard, that’s a massive problem,” McAfee said. “It’s not just a coach or a player, it’s the guy who’s supposed to be setting the tone. Kenny Moore isn’t just saying that as a random guy in the locker room. He’s one of the leaders—if he’s saying it, you know it’s bad.”
The former Colts punter turned media personality emphasized how rare it is for someone like Moore to speak out so directly, and how concerning that should be for fans and management alike. “There’s no sugarcoating this. When a captain steps up and says this, it’s not just about individual players; it’s about the culture in the building,” McAfee continued. “And clearly, that culture isn’t working right now.”
AR’s Confusion and the Colts’ Leadership Problems
One of the key aspects McAfee focused on was the play of rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson (AR), who has shown glimpses of his potential but has also faced significant challenges. Richardson’s lack of professional behavior, especially when he “tapped out” of the game, was a point of particular concern for McAfee.
“AR tapping out? That’s something no quarterback has ever done in NFL history, and it’s a massive red flag. It’s a sign of a bigger issue,” McAfee said. “This isn’t just about AR’s development; it’s about the leadership—or lack thereof—in that building.”
McAfee pointed out that it’s clear Richardson, despite his immense physical talent, doesn’t seem to know how to handle the pressure of being the face of the franchise. “This guy’s talented, sure. But it’s not just about making plays on the field—it’s about understanding the responsibility that comes with the position. That’s something he seems to be missing.”
The frustration around Richardson’s development also brings up a larger issue about the Colts’ coaching and overall organizational leadership. McAfee took aim at both head coach Shane Steichen and the front office, suggesting they’ve failed to create a structure that helps players like Richardson thrive.
The Bigger Issue: A Broken Culture in Indianapolis
McAfee also delved deeper into the Colts’ broader organizational issues, calling out the lack of professionalism that has plagued the team for years. From his experience in Indianapolis, McAfee has seen how important it is for a team to establish a winning culture from the top down.
“When I was in that locker room, there was a level of professionalism that started at the top, with the coaches, and filtered down to the players,” McAfee recalled. “Right now, it doesn’t feel like that’s the case. The Colts’ organization has been caught in a cycle of dysfunction—there’s a lack of urgency, a lack of accountability, and it shows on the field.”
McAfee didn’t mince words when discussing the Colts’ inability to compete with the league’s top teams. “You watch teams like the Bills, Chiefs, or Eagles, and you see a cohesive, professional unit that holds itself accountable. The Colts? They’re all over the place, and it’s hard to watch.”
The frustration of Colts fans, the lack of a clear direction, and the mounting issues around the team seem to have all come to a head this season. McAfee wasn’t shy about calling for a change, especially in the wake of Moore’s comments.
What Needs to Change?
While McAfee was empathetic to Moore’s frustrations, he also acknowledged that the problems go beyond the players and captains. “The culture in Indianapolis needs a complete overhaul. That starts with the coaching staff, the front office, and the way they approach each day. You can’t have a franchise quarterback learning how to be a professional while the rest of the organization is failing to set the right example,” McAfee said.
McAfee also emphasized that changes need to happen soon if the Colts are ever going to get back to relevance. “This isn’t just about getting new players or drafting the right quarterback. It’s about cleaning house. It’s about creating an environment where people come in and know what’s expected of them from day one.”
Final Thoughts: Pat McAfee’s Call for Action
In the end, McAfee was blunt about his belief that the Colts’ current state is unsustainable. “This is a franchise in trouble, and something has to give. You can’t just keep doing the same thing and expect different results,” he said. “I love the Colts, but they’ve got to get their act together.”
McAfee’s comments resonate with many Colts fans who have watched their team underperform year after year. While the frustration is palpable, McAfee’s call for a reset seems to be the right one. The Colts need to figure out what kind of culture they want to build and how they can create an environment where everyone is held accountable—from the players to the coaches to the front office. Until they do, the dysfunction will continue.
As for Kenny Moore’s comments, McAfee made it clear that they should serve as a wake-up call for everyone involved. “When your captain is telling you things aren’t working, it’s time to listen. And right now, the Colts aren’t listening.”
