The Indianapolis Colts have had, all things considered – a rookie head coach and quarterback, season-ending injury to said quarterback, a terrific year under first year head coach Shane Steichen.
Going into this final game of the year with the opportunity to win the AFC South for the first time since 2014 is quite the achievement for team that had a wonky roster with plenty of holes on the offensive line, secondary, and a big question mark directly over the performance of their signal caller(s) this season.
OK, to celebrate our 40th season, I’m giving away 40 $100 gift cards to world-famous St. Elmo’s Steak House. There will be 40 WINNERS!
For a chance to win, quote this tweet w/name of YOUR choice of 2023 Colts MVP. Winners selected early next week. GOOD LUCK, HERE WE GO!👍🏈— Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) January 5, 2024
So when whacky (to put it kindly) owner, Jim Irsay, put out a tweet asking the Indy faithful as to who they believed earned the mantel of Indianapolis Colts team MVP, you would imagine contributors such as starting QB, Gardner Minshew, perennial Pro Bowl and All-Pro, Quentin Nelson, or 100 catch receiver, Michael Pittman, would receive the majority of the love.
Who Do Fans Think Is The Indianapolis Colts 2023 MVP?
Alas, the name that came up so much that he started actually trending on Twitter – sorry ‘X’ – is…
Zaire Franklin! https://t.co/ZXbC25HlLH
— Austin Curtis (@Sneakysniperzzz) January 5, 2024
Zaire Franklin.
In fact, it was not just fans hyping up the former 7th round pick linebacker, but even other, prominent media members, who lamented his exclusion from further season honors.
Zaire Franklin should be a pro-bowler…also the system needs a tweak, no? @ZiggySmalls_ @Colts pic.twitter.com/LEnGrJF78b
— Kay Adams (@heykayadams) January 4, 2024
And they have a good case: not only was Zaire Franklin’s play good enough for the team to feel comfortable releasing multiple time All-Pro and still-young liinebacker, Shaquille Leonard, but Franklin has put up superb stats this season, including 170 total tackles.
Hopefully Franklin continues to get the recognition that he so keenly deserves, but undoubtedly his eyes will be focused firmly on the Houston Texans, who the Colts face on Saturday night.
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