Daniel Jones says Colts players share responsibility for Chris Ballard's firing

INDIANAPOLIS (WRTV) - It's been two days since the Colts decided to part ways with general manager Chris Ballard after a 2-4 start to the season.

Ballard was the Colts' general manager for 10 seasons, during which he compiled a 72-82-1 overall record, along with a 1-2 playoff record.

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During Wednesday's practice, Colts leaders such as quarterback Daniel Jones, cornerback Sauce Gardner, and kicker Spencer Shrader described their reactions to the decision.

"Tough news to get, and obviously really grateful for Chris (Ballard) and his support, him giving me a chance here," Jones said. "It's tough whenever you see anyone let go in this business, especially someone like him. He's a first-class guy, cares about the players, treats all the players the right way, and you can tell he really cares. So, feel lucky to have spent the time together with him and have the ultimate respect for who he is as a man. It's a tough part of the business, but I feel for him. Feel for his family."

Ballard's firing follows a prolonged stretch of below-average play. On Wednesday, Jones was asked whether he bears any responsibility for the decision, and whether Ballard might still be general manager if he and the rest of the team had performed better.

"Absolutely," Jones said. "I mean, I certainly do. I think we all do. And that's the tough part about it is your play and the results of these games affects people. It affects people in this building. Yeah, so there's definitely a responsibility there, and you feel that as players, and I feel that as a quarterback. You've got to play well. We've got to win. I've got to put the team in a position to win games."

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One of Ballard's final big moves came ahead of last season's trade deadline when the Colts traded for New York Jets All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner in exchange for two first-round picks. As Gardner continues his second season in Indy, he opened up about what Chris Ballard meant to him.

"Man, we appreciate everything (Chris) Ballard did," Gardner said. "Obviously, I probably wouldn't be here without him, so I appreciate him for that, and he was a great person. It's just one of those things where we just got to keep our head down, stay focused on the task at hand because that's what he would want us to do."

Second-year Colts kicker Spencer Shrader said a team's on-field performance reflects the work of its front office. He also acknowledged that players share responsibility, knowing their performance can affect the jobs of those behind the scenes.

"When you're in the system and the environment, you know that jobs of coaches, general managers, any type of personnel of some type in the building is riding in some part of you," Shrader said. "I think that's extra drive at the end of the day because it's not just for yourself."

Until Colts owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon can bring in a new general manager to fill Ballard's place, assistant general manager Ed Dodds will oversee all roster decisions for the rest of the season.