Colts GM Discusses Keenan Allen Arrest

Colts wide receiver Keenan Allen was arrested this past weekend on charges of DWI and DWI endangering a person. While the veteran may eventually face punishment from the NFL, it sounds like the Colts have dealt with the issue internally.

Colts GM Chris Ballard told reporters that the organization has already handled the Allen situation and the WR won’t lose his roster spot following the arrest. The executive admitted that the Colts used the 34-year-old’s entire body of work when considering how to proceed.

“I think every player is an individual case of how you handle things,’’ Ballard said (per Mike Chappell of FOX59.com). “Like I said, good people make mistakes. It happens. They make mistakes. Holy (expletive), we want to kill people that make one mistake in a 14-year career. Give people grace. One of the problems we have right now (is) we don’t give anybody grace. I think over time he will prove to y’all and this city who he is and I think he’ll do that in a short amount of time.’’

As Chappell writes, the Colts offer players a ride-share program, and the Colts join the NFLPA in educating players about how to act when they’re away from the team facility. The reporter adds that Allen could eventually face a three-game ban from the NFL, although that would likely come after the 2026 campaign. While the Colts may have also privately punished the player, it sounds like both sides have moved past the issue.

“Fourteen years in the league,’’ Ballard said. “Fourteen years in the league and no issues, OK? Decorated career. Decorated teammate. As you know, our relationship with Philip Rivers. I know Philip holds him in extremely high regard. And Shane was with him (with the Chargers). And after you meet his mom and dad, who are just amazing people, we feel good about who he is. Unequivocally, feel good about who Keenan Allen is.’’

The Colts may be unexpectedly reliant on Allen, at least for the early parts of the 2026 campaign. Alec Pierce continues to recover from offseason surgery and remains uncertain for Week 1. The organization also dealt Michael Pittman this past offseason, leaving Josh Downs as the only healthy and reliable WR on the depth chart. Allen would likely see a significant role from the get-go, as the team’s alternatives at the position include Laquon Treadwell, Ashton Dulin, and rookie seventh-round pick Deion Burks.

Despite 2025 representing his age-33 season, Allen was still productive in his return to the Chargers last year. The wideout finished the campaign with 81 catches for 777 yards and four touchdowns.