{
  "id": 5053264,
  "title": "Indianapolis Colts GM claims NFL stars returning to college is the ‘stupidest’ thing he’s ever heard",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/02/indianapolis-colts-gm-claims-nfl-stars-returning-to-college-is-the",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-02T09:05:22.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/indianapolis-colts-gm-claims-nfl-090522747.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Indianapolis Colts General Manager Chris Ballard has expressed his vehement disapproval of NFL stars returning to college, calling it the 'stupidest' thing he has ever heard. During a press conference ahead of the Colts' opening week game against the Baltimore Ravens, Ballard questioned the logic behind players who dedicate their lives to reaching the NFL abandoning that dream and returning to college. Ballard's frustration was palpable, especially considering the controversy surrounding WR Keenan Allen and his legal issues. The GM's response was candid and blunt, reflecting his genuine disbelief at the idea of rookies leaving the NFL to return to college. Ballard emphasized that none of the players he drafted or signed for training camp made any such requests, indicating that he would not tolerate any such requests from future rookies. The situation may soon be tested as the SEC and LSU prepare to address the eligibility of former NFL players in a court hearing Thursday.",
  "summary": "NFL executives were bound to be unhappy about cut stars returning to college, but Chris Ballard may have said what every NFL figurehead is thinking! With the NCAA at odds with LSU and other college teams about the eligibility of former NFL players returning to play for college, this standstill has become a hotly discussed subject. While some officials are trying to give far more nuanced takes on…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}