Colts General Manager Chris Ballard Earns the PFWA’s 2020 Jack Horrigan Award

The Professional Football Writers of America has awarded Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard as its 2020 Jack Horrigan Award recipient:

The award is given annually to the league or team official, who has qualities and a professional style in best helping the pro football writers perform their jobs.

Ballard is the first member of the Colts franchise to ever receive such a distinction, as he had previously won the PFWA’s 2018 Executive of the Year.

The other nominees for this year’s Jack Horrigan award were Baltimore Ravens executive VP Kevin Byrne, Dallas Cowboys team owner/GM Jerry Jones, Los Angeles Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn, and NFL VP of Communications Brian McCarthy.

However, Ballard ultimately won out.

Since arriving to the Colts in 2017 as general manager, Ballard has been highly regarded for being both forthright and transparent/open with the media. He’s not going to be someone who’s going to beat around the bush or lie to save face.

As The Athletic’s Stephen Holder pointed out, by fully cooperating with the media, Ballard ensures that Colts’ fans get the best information available—which also helps team owner Jim Irsay’s franchise by keeping its fans fully engaged (as well as informed).

It’s another great honor for one of the league’s best, brightest, and most media savvy general managers.