Jim Irsay shares thoughtful message on Ryan Kelly's time in Indy

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Former Colts center Ryan Kelly reportedly agreed to a two-year, $18 million deal to join the Minnesota Vikings.

Kelly was previously the longest tenured Colt, playing in Indianapolis for nine seasons.

“It’s been an honor to watch Ryan represent the horseshoe and he will forever be a part of the Colts family,” Irsay said in a post to X (formerly Twitter).

Irsay applauded Kelly’s charity work off the field as well.

“As great as he was on the field, Ryan, along with his wife Emma, made just as big of an impact off the field,” Irsay said. “They’ve used their platform to advocate for families and bring awareness to Count the Kicks and Concerns of Police Survivors in addition to other community initiatives. Their courage, strength and resilience have been an inspiration to so many.”

Kelly was drafted in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft. He is the only center the Colts have ever taken in the first round.

He was a four-time Pro Bowler and made it to the All-Pro second team one time. Kelly was a captain in his final two seasons with the Colts.

“We will always have a special place in our hearts for Ryan, Emma, Mary Kate, Ford, Duke and Stella Kelly,” Irsay said.