Indianapolis Colts GM Chris Ballard was not a fan of anonymous sources questioning Adonai Mitchell’s character.
Ballard and the Colts selected the former Texas star in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Obviously, the organization was a big fan of Mitchell and what he could bring to the franchise.
But that didn’t stop Ballard from teeing off on those unnamed people who would “tear a young man” down like Mitchell.
“I mean, I read some of the bull (expletive) that was said,” Ballard said. “I mean, just a typical (expletive), excuse my language. Typical league, unnamed sources, you know, ‘bad interview,’ that’s such bull (expletive). I mean it (expletive) is. It’s bull (expletive). Like, put your name on it. I’m tired of … we tear these young men down.
“These are 21, 22 year old men. If people out there can tell me they’re perfect in their lives, it’s crap. It’s crap. This is a good kid. And, you know, for those reports to come out … I said it last year, it’s bull (expletive). I’m sorry. I apologize for the language. I don’t, but I do.”
A borderline first round pick, Mitchell was passed over by numerous wideouts. He felt the sting as well.
“Right now the only thing I’m feeling is I’m just kind of pi--ed,” Mitchell said. “I don’t really know what other way to call it. I’m excited to work, excited to get there. Be the best teammate I can be, be the best person and ultimately the best player I can be for the team. It’s been a long time coming.”
Mitchell started off the first two seasons of his college career at Georgia, playing in 21 games with 15 starts where he caught 38 passes for 560 yards and seven touchdowns for the back-to-back national champions. Playing his best football in the postseason for the Bulldogs where he had eight catches for 148 yards and four touchdowns in the team’s four College Football Playoff games.
Mitchell transferred to Texas ahead of the 2023 season where he earned the Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year Award and was named an All-Big 12 Second-Team selection. Recording 55 receptions, 845 yards and 11 receiving touchdowns that tie for fifth-most in a season in program history.
Mitchell played high school football at Cane Ridge High School in Antioch (TN) where he was a four-star prospect, ranked the No. 302 overall recruit and the No. 45 wide receiver in the country in the 2021 cycle according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.
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