June 7, 2025 • 33 mins
The Last Word, the Colts' offseason radio show, returns this week with Matt Taylor and Casey Vallier reacting to the news of quarterback Anthony Richardson experiencing a setback with his shoulder injury, which will sideline him for the remainder of the offseason program. They also break down how Richardson’s extended absence could affect his competition with Daniel Jones for the starting quarterback role and the guys catch up with rookie kicker Spencer Shrader, who is emerging as a strong candidate to replace Matt Gay as the Colts’ top kicking specialist in 2025.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:05):
The NFL never sleeps. The roster is ever evolving, and
it's all about finding the edge. This is the last word.
The off season home of the Indianapolis Colts.
Speaker 2 (00:18):
Oh yeah, welcome in. Happy Friday, tgif we are the
off season home of the Indianapolis Cold Sun Radio Matt
Taylor here tonight, Good Friday to U Casey Valley Along.
We're inside the Indiana Union Construction Industry Radio Studio. We've
got a loaded show. Not gonna lollygag too much. First
(00:38):
off case, Happy weekend to you, buddy.
Speaker 3 (00:40):
All right, Yeah, I'm doing well. It's June now, you know,
month of May over you. First weekend in June.
Speaker 4 (00:46):
Here we go.
Speaker 2 (00:47):
Yeah, but the rain can go away?
Speaker 3 (00:49):
All right, amen, I'll tell you. I mean, you got
kids who play sports. We have had every night cancelations
and practices we haven't had because there's been a lot
more rain this year than I can Yeah, the rain
please go away.
Speaker 2 (01:02):
The some pump for those that have the basements. They're
getting to work out here in this spring. I don't
know if it's summer yet, but holy smokes, like I said,
we're loaded on the show tonight. We're going to react
to the news of Anthony Richardson missing the remainder of
the offseason workout program and of course next week's Mini
camp due to that shoulder injury. We'll also talk about
(01:22):
how the rest of the Colts offense, how that's looking
to this point in OTAs, and then we'll also sit
down Casey with kicker Spencer Schrader. You talk about impressive
this young guy walk to the walk, but he is
heavily in the mix to take over for Matt Gay
as the team's top kicking specialist here this offseason. But
we lead off with Anthony Richardson, Shane Steike and met
(01:43):
with reporters ahead of the team's final OTA practice. The
revelation that Anthony Richardson suffered an aggravation in the AC
joint of his surgically repaired right shoulder two years ago
that flared up last Thursday during OTA work. He's gonna
miss the remainder of the spring. He'll miss the off
season workout program, the I should say, the Mini camp,
(02:05):
which will wrap up the off season workout program next week.
And Richardson said that he reported pain in that shoulder
last week. So the Colts are doing the right thing here.
Sitting him the rest of the spring, and Shane said
that Richardson will not need surgery, no timetable on a return.
He's gonna be back at training camp. We just don't
(02:26):
know when that's going to be, Casey. So with the
mini camp that's about to come up next week, which
is sort of the culmination of the off season workout
program this nine week period, what does this setback mean
for Anthony Richardson? What is he gonna miss and how
significant is this?
Speaker 3 (02:42):
Yeah, it's pretty big. I mean, I'm not gonna sugarcoat it.
It's one of those things where this off season workout
that you do this what is it two and a
half months something like that, it all leads to mini
camp that's really your first real taste of football. You're
building up to this upcoming week. So missing those those
meaningful reps, those meaningful you know, situations and all of that,
(03:04):
that's what the biggest thing is. I do like that
there is no surgery on the timeline right now, and
you know, we're expecting him to be back at training camp.
Don't know when in training camp, but that's the timetable.
But it is still a big blow because those are
reps that you really like to see him out there,
especially with this competition because I think for you know,
all the media contingent that's going to be watching this
(03:24):
competition on a daily basis. Next week was really when
you're gonna get a good taste of it, because you've
got a couple of days to build on it. Yeah,
kind of start to see seeing stack and grow exactly,
see how he bounces back from a good throw or
a bad throw. Same thing with Daniel Jones too, right,
just wanted to see how that competition would continue to evolve.
Speaker 2 (03:44):
And we talked yesterday on the Colts Daily Update. It's
been talked all day long here on these airwaves. The growth,
all right, it's been well chronicled. Fifteen starts in two years.
That's it for Anthony Richardson. Four different, four separate injuries
that have caused him to miss time concussion, right shoulder, oblique, back.
(04:04):
He's missed over fourteen hundred snaps. This is the last
thing that he needed here. So the stunting or the
stop start, the interruption, if you will, of Anthony Richardson's growth,
trying to solidify himself as this team starting quarterback and
hopefully the franchisees quarterback if you will.
Speaker 3 (04:23):
Yeah, it's massive because we already knew that heading into
the NFL. He had the lack of reps with you know,
the lack of starts and all of this in college.
So it all just continues to build on. You talked
about that was the last thing you wanted to see
was an injury. So this is where one of the
words you kind of hear from all these guys when
they do go through an injury, it's those mental reps.
(04:44):
So the mental side of the game right now for
Anthony is massive. You talked about footwork that he was,
you know, working through during the offseason. All of that
can stay. You can still work on all of that
while you're dealing with that shoulder. Yeah, but the mental
reps is going to be massive right now. And it's
one of those things too where you know, I'd love
to talk to Anthony and just say, hey, you gotta
stay positive because ultimately, when it's go time, you're in
(05:07):
a competition, you got to go out there and show that, hey,
I can be this team's quarterback. I can be the
guy that leads them where they need to go. So
it's gonna be a real pivotal time for Anthony moving forward.
Speaker 2 (05:16):
You know, we've harkened back to the end of last season.
You know, when Chris Ballard and Shane Steike and met
with reporters at the end of the twenty twenty four season,
both guys were honest about wanting to bring someone in
competition wise for Anthony Richardson, not only to push him
and make him better, but to also give this team
an insurance policy that could win games and could compete
(05:40):
at a high level because of all the time that
Anthony Richardson had missed. And again, you just don't all
this practice time, either in the regular season or the
offseason workout program OTAs mini camp. Right now, we did
the math, that number is hovering around sixty different workout
sessions that Anthony Richardson has missed since being drafted by
(06:03):
the Colts, on top of all of the game reps,
which are just invaluable. But with all of that said,
the context here, how does this factor into the quarterback
competition now between Richardson and Daniel Jones, Who's gonna get
quite frankly, a lot more snaps than what he was
going to receive. If you have a healthy Richardson.
Speaker 3 (06:20):
Yeah, I can't remember what then, was it one hundred
and seventy. I think that's the number that Shane had
kind of calculated both for both guys. So it really
dives into that. I mean, you think, you think about
all this time he's gonna miss. Now it could be
one of those things that he could be ready to
go when camp starts, and that would dwindle the amount
of reps that he's missing compared to Jones. But it
definitely gives Jones the leg up because he is getting
(06:42):
all the reps next week. When you think about these
first team reps that are going to be so valuable
to this team, those are the kinds of things that
Daniel Jones going to have that leg up on. You're
starting to get into rhythm and grooves with a team,
especially when camp starts to roll around and you've.
Speaker 2 (06:57):
Had more you do something with everybody around you or comfortable,
and yet that's.
Speaker 3 (07:01):
The thing, is that comfortability, and then you throw somebody
else in there and it's like not necessarily like you
haven't thrown with Anthony, but you got to kind of
relearn if you reteach your hands in your mind to
be where Anthony is, So it's gonna be one of
those things that the competition, it's gonna be impacted for sure.
Speaker 2 (07:17):
Yeah, you just you just can't deny the fact that
Jones is gonna have more of an opportunity to take
more reps and get more comfortable because, like you said yesterday,
for Anthony Richardson, not a new offense, not all new terminology.
For Daniel Jones, it is, and I'm sure he's comfortable
with it now, but obviously he's gonna gain more comfort
within it just because he's gonna get more physical reps
(07:39):
with the ones and some of the twos that sprinkle
in throughout the course of a practice. So yeah, I
mean it's it's definitely a speed bump for sure, casey
for Anthony Richardson. But when when he does come back,
and we don't know when that's gonna be, it's gonna
be during training camp at some point. Hopefully beginning of
training camp is not in jeopardy. Hopefully that first preseason
(08:01):
game and a joint practices with practice, I should say
with the Ravens that's not in jeopardy. But I still
think this competition is still going to evolve. I don't
think it's over. But for now, I think it's safe
to say the Daniel Jones. You can be confident in
that Daniel Jones is going to be focused on taking
advantage of this time under center. He doesn't want this
(08:22):
injury for Anthony Richardson. No, but hey, in reality, you've
got to be a professional and you've got to take
advantage of all the situations that come your way, no
matter how they come your way.
Speaker 3 (08:32):
I mean, what's the big thing we always talk about
in the NFL. The best ability is availability. So for
Daniel Jones, he's available, He's gonna get those reps and
that's going to be key for him in this competition.
I would agree with you, though, I don't think it's
one of those things where, oh, well, he's going to
miss a month or whatever it is of reps that
means Daniel Jones wins this because you do have, you know,
a handful of you know, meaningful reps that ar has
(08:54):
taken with this staff, and that all plays into it
as well. You have some stuff on tape that we've
seen Anthony do well that's going to be bought into
this as well. But it definitely does give Jones a
leg up.
Speaker 2 (09:05):
Yeah, And one final thing on this, something that we
talked about earlier this week. The entire offseason for both
of these quarterbacks, Richardson and Jones, has been about consistency
and all that they do and everything sort of adding
up to the big picture in the colt's decision at
the end of the preseason going into late August and
(09:25):
early September on who the starting quarterback is for this franchise.
All of the work in phase one, all of the
work in phase two, Jones working out on his own,
Anthony Richardson trying to improve on the footwork and working
out on his own with his personal guys and his
personal coaches. That's part of the puzzle too. So all
these pieces add up to the picture that you're trying
(09:46):
to create here to give yourself the best chance to
win for twenty twenty five. But Casey, I think it's
fair to say that OTAs and mini camp are probably
bigger pieces to the puzzle because you're putting everything together
right against a real defense, valuable time on the field.
So they're part of the puzzle, but they're probably the
(10:07):
biggest pieces of the puzzle, and that's what's most discouraging.
If you're Anthony Richardson, is that you're not going to
be able to have a chance to, you know, write
your signature on some of those puzzle pieces that are
bigger in terms of putting the whole big picture together.
Maybe that's a bad analogy. I'd try to drive it home,
but I think it's fair to say that.
Speaker 3 (10:27):
That's exactly right, because ultimately, when you think about all
the stuff leading into now, it's a lot of meetings,
it's a lot of install and you're putting all of
those individual individual where you're putting all of that together
to where it is this next week when you think
about mini camp. Yeah, ultimately we're not at training camp.
That's a reason that this is June, and it's a
little bit more. It's not all the pressure on right now,
(10:50):
but it is still so important. So it is a
big crushing blow for Anthony Richardson.
Speaker 2 (10:54):
All right, anything else about the offense, I mean, obviously
this has been heavily centered on Anthony Richardson. Anything else
about the offense that has stood out so far during.
Speaker 3 (11:01):
OTA, I mean, I think really the tight ends have
been you know, one thing that I have noticed. I
noticed again yesterday we were out there watching. You know,
Tyler Warren, Will Mallory have flashed. We've seen Jelannie Woods
last week, Moiley Cox getting involved. So I think the
tight end group, which had gotten a lot of scrutiny,
I think there has been kind of a really nice
(11:22):
start to the you know, the twenty twenty five season
with the tight end showing what they can do in
the offense.
Speaker 2 (11:27):
And same thing up front. You know, we're starting to
see some guys intermix. You know, last week Tanner Bordolini
was running with the first team offense and then this
week it was Danny Pinter. Yeah, and I think that's
a fair competition. So quarterback, offensive line, at center, right guard,
those are some things that we're going to be watching
out for the remainder of the offseason workout program that
(11:49):
comes to a head next week with a three day
mandatory mini camp. Hey, twenty twenty five single game tickets
for the Colts are on sale now headed Colts dot
com slash tickets to grab those through Ticketmaster, the official
marketplace of the Colts in the NFL. So we've talked
about quarterback and offensive line. Casey, when we come back,
I want to talk about a position group that I
(12:11):
think is really important and something that is going to
be vital for the success of this twenty twenty five team.
And it's on special teams. Yes, who kicks the ball
for this team? Matt Gay released back in April. Here
comes back Spencer Schrader. Maddix Trahio has a cannon for
a right leg undrafted guy out of Temple. But we're
(12:32):
going to talk to Spencer Schrader about rejoining the Colts,
all the travels he had last year as a rookie
and what he expects for himself in his sophomore year
back in Indianapolis. So that's coming up next. Stay with us.
This is the Last Word of the Offseason Home of
the Indianapolis Colts ninety three five one seven five the Fan.
Speaker 1 (12:52):
We talked Colts football every Friday on The Last Word,
the offseason radio home of the Colts from the Indiana
Union has Instruction Industry Radio Studio.
Speaker 2 (13:02):
Welcome back to The Last Word, off Season home of
the Colts inside the Indiana Union Construction Industry Radio Studio.
Matt Taylor here along with Casey Valley, joined the Colts
in Berlin by placing a deposit to unlock early access
to official Cults Germany, ticket and travel packages on location
exp dot com. Slash Colts Germany is the way you
(13:26):
can access all of that information. Well, led Zeppelin here
immigrant song casey, you know it? I love They've been
playing the Jim Ersey playlist. Oh, I know, it's been
awesome practice the last couple of weeks. I don't have
anything against the typical. I just know these songs better, Like, hey,
I know this one. I can sing to this one.
(13:47):
So he did not hip That's all right, that's all right.
We try to strive for excellence every single day. Speaking
of that, so we talked about Anthony Richardson and the
shoulder in the first segment, But quarterback is not the
only only roster battle going on with this team here
in the offseason. Again, I would argue that offensive line,
what's gonna happen at center, what's gonna happen at right guard?
(14:08):
That's really important. But I think there's a really interesting
and intriguing battle going on at kicker between Spencer Strader
and Maddox Trehio. Okay, so follow me on this. Schrader
last year a rookie, Trehillo is a rookie now young
man at a temple. Undrafted free agent Guy Schrader kicked
with three different teams last year, Colts, Jets, and the Chiefs.
(14:31):
Made a game winning field goal last year with Kansas
City against the Panthers. But this guy has had quite
the suitcase in a short amount of time, and we're
gonna hear from him. Casey, But this guy is incredibly mature,
talks like a guy with way more miles. If you
will under his.
Speaker 3 (14:51):
Feet, I mean I trip on my shoelaces. This guy
he doesn't, I mean, he doesn't stumble on anything. He's
very impressive.
Speaker 2 (14:57):
Yeah, So, Matt Gay released by the Colts back in April.
Let's go in depth now with Spencer Schrader heavily in
the mix to take over all the important Colts kicking
duties in twenty twenty five. All Right, it's time to
talk some ball and some key special teams with Colts
kicker Spencer Schrader joining us here. Spencer, last year was
quite the rookie season for you three different teams. You
(15:18):
started off in training camp in the preseason with the
Colts knock down a key fifty four yard fifty six
yard field goal against the Bengals in that preseason finale,
kick with the Colts in Week one, then played with
the Jets, played with the Chiefs game winning field goal.
Speaker 4 (15:32):
With Kansas City.
Speaker 2 (15:33):
What what was last year like for you? Your first
year in the NFL. You're in doctrination into pro football.
Speaker 5 (15:38):
Oh my gosh, it's hard to even summarize. It's so crazy.
I feel like last year was like three years in one.
Speaker 2 (15:44):
I just understand why.
Speaker 5 (15:45):
Yeah, all the different adventures I got to experience, and
I think I hit everything there was to hit.
Speaker 2 (15:50):
Like.
Speaker 5 (15:50):
I came in as undrafted free agent. I got some
preseason reps. I punted and held because we go to
Baby Yeah yeah, yeah, punted and held and ended up
getting kept on the team. I got elevated for Game one.
I was on and off practice squad. I go over
the Jets, kick a game for them, get poached by
the Chiefs, and go over and play like you said,
and then ended up being on IR and just I
(16:12):
look at it, I'm like, man, that's a blessing to
be able to experience all those different adventures in the
way that it prepares you. The people that you get
to meet and that you come into contact with. I
wouldn't change anything about last year.
Speaker 2 (16:22):
What was the most difficult part of last season? Because
when the Colts brought you back in in free agency
back in March, you know, Chris Ballard was really honest
and impressed on how you were able to succeed in
three different situations, and he said, this is not easy
for a guy to go five for five and knock
down some clutch key fuel goals as a rookie. So
(16:44):
what was the hardest part about thriving in all of
those different situations you were kind of thrust it into.
Speaker 5 (16:49):
It's a really good question because I feel like a
lot of guys would answer it like, oh, new coaches,
you know, new operation, new staff, new culture, new stadium,
new fields.
Speaker 4 (16:58):
But to me, it wasn't any of that.
Speaker 5 (17:00):
I had one consistency last year, and that was competing
against myself, and so the mentality of going and competing
against yourself every single day and trying to strive for
your best is always the most difficult part.
Speaker 4 (17:11):
To me.
Speaker 5 (17:12):
It wasn't the field. It wasn't this, you know, the grass.
That wasn't the new operation or the new staff. It
was can I have confidence in myself? Can I have
self belief every single day, no matter what the circumstance
is to perform, and so you're your own greatest enemy
in a sense. And so to me, that was the
greatest challenge last year was keeping that confidence every single day.
Speaker 2 (17:33):
Where does that initial self belief come from? Is that
from your mom and dad, your family? Where does that?
Where do you get that from?
Speaker 5 (17:39):
I think first it's from faith, and then it's supported
by family for sure. I think you have to believe
in yourself because you're You're the person that's going to
hold yourself down the most at the end of the day.
And so if you believe in yourself and you just
go after your dreams, no one else can really hold
you back. They can say things, but at the end
of the day, it only becomes a restriction if you
(18:02):
believe that you know. And so for me, like you
just have to believe in yourself, even in the moments
that you feel like you don't.
Speaker 4 (18:08):
That's the only way that you're going to succeed.
Speaker 3 (18:10):
It's like we're hearing a sermon here, Spencer Schrader. Impressive
right there. I want to go back to Brian Mason
and the you know, the kind of up and down
relationship you guys have had because you know, he recruited
you to go to Notre Dame. You're with him for
a brief stint, then he comes to the Colts. How
wild is it that here you are about to play,
you know, potentially playing for him again at that level
(18:32):
when you initially got to know him trying to go
to play at Notre Dame.
Speaker 5 (18:36):
Man, I think everything happens for a reason. I'm just
so grateful to have the opportunity to get recruited by
him to Notre Dame. And one of the things I
remember was just how honest he was and how I
felt like he had my best interest in mine because
I think he took the Colts job about a month
after I'd committed to Notre Dame, and he called me
and he said, listen, man, you have to stay here.
He's like, this is the place for you. Stay committed
to Notre Dame. You're a Notre Dame guy. You're going
(18:58):
to have an amazing experience. And he didn't try to
convince me to do anything else. That was unlike me.
You know, I felt like he truly did have my
best interest in mind, and so I went through that year.
I had, you know, ups and downs performance wise, but
just an unbelievable experience overall at a really magical institution.
And then you know he sees that and we keep
in touch, and then he brings me in as an
(19:18):
underrafted free agent and the same thing, Like every single
day last year, I just felt like he was honest
with me and he had my best.
Speaker 4 (19:24):
Interest in mind.
Speaker 5 (19:25):
And that's sometimes a rarity in the in the NFL space.
You know, it is a business, and you know it's tough,
and everyone's trying to make a living for themselves and
keep their position. So to have a guy that's very
honest with you like that is a real blessing, and
so I'm just grateful that I get the chance to
be around him a little longer now.
Speaker 3 (19:39):
With specialists, Ultimately, you know, it's not the linebacker spot.
There's not six or seven of them. Typically you've got
thirty two jobs heading into the NFL. So that mindset
you talk about a competing against yourself as an undrafted
free agent last year, how important do you think that
is one of the things that kind of thrived you
to get here, because ultimately there are thirty two spots
(19:59):
occu when these guys come into the league, so you
were already on that back burner. How difficult was that
and being able to kind of keep that mind frame
of I've got to do everything I can every single
day just to get that out there, to try to
get my opportunity.
Speaker 4 (20:11):
It's really difficult.
Speaker 5 (20:12):
But I was so blessed to be around Luke and
Rigo and I was speaking about it earlier, but one
of the things I really respect about those guys who
are nine and ten year veterans who have been on
almost the same team their entire tenures. They come in
every single day with a humility and they go about
their work like it's day one. There's no ego involved.
There's self confidence for sure, but there's no ego. There's
(20:34):
no I deserve to be here. It's I'm going to
work every single day so that I can earn the
right to be here. So to be around that as
an undrafted free agent, I wasn't thinking about going and
taking a job. I wasn't thinking about going and taking
one of the thirty two spots. I was just like,
I'm going to go in, I'm going to do my
best every single day, and regardless if I have an
opportunity to play.
Speaker 4 (20:55):
Good things are going to happen.
Speaker 5 (20:56):
I'm going to meet some really cool people, and I'm
going to develop and I'm going to grow as a
and then hopefully I get the chance to kick on
the field at the end of the day.
Speaker 4 (21:03):
But it's not even about that really.
Speaker 5 (21:04):
Yeah, if I do all those things, it'll lead to
success overall.
Speaker 2 (21:07):
Spencer Schrader is with US Colts kicker going into year
number two. He's with the team last year. But it's
been a wild ride even since you've returned. You know,
Matt Gay released in April. You were signed in March,
and then Matt Gay released in April, and then here
comes Maddix Triheo, undrafted free agent kicker for the Colts
after the draft. What do you know about him? And
(21:29):
you said, you know, you've been working and trying to
implement some of the things you're picking up from some
of the guys that you've worked with, like Matt Gay
and Harrison Butker, And I'm sure he's picking up things
from you. So what's been your limited interactions so far
with young Maddix Tririo, undrafted guy at a temple.
Speaker 5 (21:46):
He's a great kid and he's super talented, and he's
been pushing me every day to set a stand ard,
set a high stand and continue to perform. And I
think competition is a beautiful thing because, like I was
saying before, you have to view it as you're competing
with yourself at the end of the day. And so
to be able to balance competition and have great relationships
with those people, to be able to give back, just
like I was giving back from Matt, from Harrison, from
(22:08):
these other guys, it's something I'm really grateful for.
Speaker 4 (22:11):
And he's just been awesome for the room.
Speaker 5 (22:12):
He works really hard every single day and he's been
kicking phenomenally and so I think it's a great thing
that he's here and I wish him all the best.
Speaker 4 (22:19):
I think he'll be very successful.
Speaker 2 (22:21):
Talk to Brian Mason in the offseason. He's talking about,
you know, the importance of knocking down those clutch long
field goals, right, that's what makes the great ones great.
You're certainly on that trajectory. This is kind of a
nerdy question, maybe a little bit of a sports science question,
but how do you attack the ball differently when you're
trying to attempt a long fuel goal compared to like
a mid range thirty five forty yard field goal.
Speaker 5 (22:43):
So ideally you you don't right, Ideally you want to
kick every ball the exact same, but there is a
factor that plays into your brain when you're back there.
No one is immune to those emotions. And we all
know where I'm kicking from, and so if.
Speaker 2 (22:56):
It's likely Casey gets the driver out, yeah exactly, Oh
here we go, right, I.
Speaker 5 (23:01):
Think to me, it's like, okay, you just have to
dial in a focus even more because everything matters from
that distance, Like if you mis hit the ball just
a tiny amount, it's going wide, right, wide, left, and
so I just think about attacking the ball aggressively seeing
it and then swinging through to my target and then
it either goes in or doesn't.
Speaker 2 (23:24):
I don't know why I'm not a kicker, probably because
I don't have this guy leg right here. Have you
always had a big leg or is that something you've developed.
Speaker 4 (23:31):
I've always had a big leg.
Speaker 5 (23:32):
I grew up playing soccer and I just love to
just blast goals, like it's just something I just love
to do.
Speaker 4 (23:38):
My dad would take.
Speaker 5 (23:38):
Us out across the street to a goal, my sister
and I and he would just throw us balls and
be like, all right, thirty, blast twenty with your left,
tend with your right because we always had to work
more with our left right and we would just rip shots.
And so, you know, I never knew that I was
going to be an NFL kicker. I only started playing
my senior year of high school. But yeah, I think
just playing a.
Speaker 2 (23:56):
Bunch football that is right.
Speaker 5 (23:57):
Yeah, yeah, just playing a bunch of sports grown up
and having a dad that would go out to the
fields with me and help me out was a huge
blessing and it's turned into what it hasen.
Speaker 2 (24:06):
Did your Spencer Schrader with us? By the way, did
your parents play soccer?
Speaker 5 (24:10):
No, my dad was a basketball player in Northern Indiana,
so true Hoosier. Yeah, my mom didn't play any sports,
but she's pretty athletic.
Speaker 4 (24:17):
You know.
Speaker 5 (24:17):
She's five ten, one hundred and thirty pounds and like
she can play pick a ball and do everything. So
I think I got some of my height from her.
So yeah, I learned from both sides.
Speaker 4 (24:24):
You know.
Speaker 3 (24:25):
Now you talk about you picked up football late. Did
you have any offers to play soccer at the next level?
Speaker 5 (24:30):
Yes, I had quite a few offers in Florida. I
had wanted to go pro. So actually after my senior
high school I took a gap year one overseas and
played soccer in Brazil in Canada, Okay, And then I
got back to the US and was debating do I
play college soccer?
Speaker 4 (24:44):
Do I play college football?
Speaker 5 (24:45):
And Tim Tebow has always been a big role model
of mine. I thought it was cool how he used
his platform in the football space to promote his faith
and just some of the really cool charitable, philanthropic things
that he's done off the field, and so I decided
to switch over to football. And so, you know, usually
the follow up question to that is, well, was it
really hard to change from soccer to football because it's
(25:06):
soccer something you pursued your entire life and you're really
passionate about. And I would say, yes, it is, But
my mission stayed the exact same. My mission is a
person as a human beings stayed the exact same from
soccer to football, and so that made the switch a
lot easier.
Speaker 3 (25:19):
So this is going to be one one final thing here.
Just looking at your you don't look like a typical kicker.
What's with I mean? If you look at your upper
body here. What else can you? Did you play anything else.
Speaker 4 (25:31):
In foot US? No, didn't play anything?
Speaker 5 (25:33):
Okay, football, No, But I play a lot of pickup sports, Okay,
a lot of basketball, soccer. Obviously, played tennis. I'm at
a pretty high level. Played pickleball now, so I've gone
from that.
Speaker 4 (25:44):
Yeah, just always just.
Speaker 2 (25:45):
Playing out of the kitchen, bro. Yeah, last night, that's
the last time you need, all right, be smart, just
let those and let the other guy get a point.
Speaker 4 (25:57):
You're good, right exactly.
Speaker 2 (25:59):
Speaking of offers, last thing with Spencer Schrader with us,
like you said, you mentioned you had a couple of
different offers after being released by the Chiefs to land
somewhere else in the NFL. The Colts were among those
that were blowing up your phone, if you will. Why
did you want to come back to the Colts.
Speaker 5 (26:15):
Because of everything I experienced last year, just the obviously
Luke and Rego and what amazing professionals they were to
be around, all the growth that I experienced being here
around Brian Mason and Joe Hastings and Izzy and just
the staff and the fan base and the culture that
has been cultivated here at the Colts is something I
wanted to be a part of and also have just
a great community here. You know, I'm from Westfield, Indiana originally,
(26:37):
and so it's just such a blessing to be back.
Speaker 4 (26:39):
And there's still parts of me that I do it.
Speaker 5 (26:43):
Yes, it's a business, and yes, you're supposed to go
where the money is better and blah blah blah, but
there's pride too, you know. And you do still represent
a logo at the end of the day, and you
still are playing for a fan base, and so I
wanted to come back and be a part of that again.
Speaker 2 (26:57):
So well said right there. All right, So let me
give you this last scenario here. There's four seconds, the
Colts have one time out, they get a first down
of the fifty yard line. They're down by two. Are
you confident you're rolling in and you're knocking down a
sixty six yard field goal? Yeah, I mean, you've got
the leg for it. I just don't know. I mean,
you said you're good from seventy, bro.
Speaker 4 (27:17):
I'm good. I'm confident. What else are we gonna do?
Anthony Richards throw the ball along?
Speaker 2 (27:23):
I understand, I'm.
Speaker 4 (27:24):
Saying the field in that situation.
Speaker 2 (27:26):
I love that confidence, brother, That's what we need in
twenty twenty five. That's Spencer Strader, right there's really appreciate
your time and all the best the rest of the
spring and can't wait to get you going in training camp.
Speaker 4 (27:36):
You guys so much. I appreciate it.
Speaker 2 (27:38):
Yeah, that's Spencer Strader alongside Casey Value I Matt Taylor back,
youre live on the last word. I think Casey, I
think the Colts are right to have this much confidence
in him based on I know it's a short sample size,
but just his character, his makeup, and most importantly that
right leg of his I mean he was making them
(28:00):
from fifty five in practice earlier this week. That would
have cleared from sixty six sixty seven. It wouldn't seem Yeah.
Speaker 3 (28:06):
I mean he spoke with the media and they asked,
you know, where are you comfortable, and he's like, inside seventy.
I'm like, okay, so you're good. There's not a mark
on the field. You're like, no, I'm not comfortable there.
Speaker 4 (28:18):
You talked about it.
Speaker 3 (28:19):
I mean he's a very impressive guy. And also the
relationship with Brian Mason, where Brian Mason at Notre Dame
kind of recruited him to Notre Dame. So I'm right
there with you. I'm pretty impressed by this guy.
Speaker 2 (28:28):
Yeah, good to hear from Spencer Schrader. Appreciate his time.
If you missed any of that, check it out on
the podcast page when you have a moment.
Speaker 1 (28:36):
Hey.
Speaker 2 (28:36):
The Colts have teamed up with Anthon, Blue Cross and
Blue Shield to recognize school teachers, administrators, nurses and staff
members who all go above and beyond. You know, a
classroom quarterback. Everybody does, all right, take the time to
nominate yours at Colts dot com slash Classroom Quarterbacks. We're
kind of up against it in terms of time. When
we come back, though, we'll give you the form Credit
(28:56):
Union Question of the Week, which will center Casey around
the memory of Jim irsay as his love for music.
We'll have some fun talking about the Big Man's playlist
when we come back. Stay with us. This is the
last Word ninety three five one oh seven five the Fan.
We now return to the offseason home of the Colts.
(29:17):
The last word from the Indiana Union Construction Industry Radio Studio.
We are back. Last word brought to you by Meyer,
the Official super Center of the Colts, proud sponsor of
hundreds of local sports teams across the Midwest. Casey Valley Long,
I'm Matt Taylor. Thanks for being here tonight inside the
Indiana Union Construction Industry Radio studio. The Greatness of the
(29:40):
who brings us back in for the final time one
of the favorite bands of Jim Mersay. We've talked a
lot of football tonight with Anthony Richardson and the offense
we heard from Spencer Schrader, but we're still honoring the
legacy and the memory of Jim Irsay. Great memorial earlier
this week on Monday, So Forum at a Union Question
(30:01):
of the Week time, Casey, we know about the love
of Jim Mersay in his music collection on the appreciator
that he was for rock and roll. So simple question, Casey,
which of Jim Irsay's favorite songs is also one of
your favorite songs?
Speaker 4 (30:18):
Okay?
Speaker 3 (30:18):
So my dad, I love my dad's music is It's
one of the things that I appreciate the most that
he is kind of handed down to me, is his
kind of music appreciation. We have this little between my
dad and my uncle inside our family. They're huge Warren
Zevon fansh Okay, and one of the things I loved
about Jim Mersay when he would play when this band
(30:38):
was out is he would always come out and play
Send Lawyers, Guns and Money open with that is one
of It's so funny because my my uncle was an
international accountant and he would go in some places overseas
that were not great places towards the US citizens. They
didn't they didn't care too much for Americans. So there
was always this inside joke between my uncle and my
dad that if he would send him a letter in
(31:01):
the mail that said Warren Zevon, it was send Lawyers
Guns of money, that was like, I need help get
me out of here. So that song has always been
a lot in my family as kind of like a
funny little inside Joe. I love it, but so that
one is probably mine. But then hearing you know, all
the renditions of his shelter from the store over the
last handful of Dylans from Bob Dylan. Tip of the
Cap too, because the bosch Man sounded pretty dark good
(31:23):
and he.
Speaker 2 (31:23):
Could play, he could play, he could play.
Speaker 3 (31:25):
Yeah, those two are probably two of my favorites when
I think.
Speaker 2 (31:28):
Of Jimmy my man could play the guitar right, he
could hold his own I just I love you know,
one of the speakers at the memorial called Jim Irsay
a beatlesologist.
Speaker 4 (31:38):
You know.
Speaker 2 (31:38):
I bet Jim Mersay knew how many weeks all the
songs were number one on the starts and all that stuff.
So yeah, I mean, the the boss Man loved Al
Green and certainly loved Tom Petty. I love Tom Petty,
led Zeppelin, John Mellencamp, and you mentioned Warren Zevonne, the
Jay Giles band. Oh yeah, I think part of my
affinity for Jim Mersay among many things, you know, the generosity,
(32:00):
the great owner of the great man that he was.
But I was probably most in tune with Jim Mersey
through his love for music because he was sixty five
and I was thirty eight going on sixty five. Right,
I love being there.
Speaker 3 (32:12):
Anybody that knows Matt Taylor, You're You're an old soul
for sure.
Speaker 2 (32:15):
Absolutely, So my brother, keep rocking up there, Levin, all right,
keep the amp on max volume. Visit the forum credit
Union fanforum section of Colts dot com and get in
various discussions on the Colts Forum credit Union helping members
live their financial dreams. That's gonna do it for us
tonight we got a run. We're up against it. Thanks
for talking Colts, thanks for getting in the last word
(32:37):
with us. We'll do it again next Friday for Casey Valley.
I'm Matt Taylor. ESPN Radio is coming up next here
in the Home of the Colts ninety three five one
oh seventy five the fan have a great weekend.
Speaker 6 (32:53):
You see, baby, I've been I don't want to get
next to you.
Speaker 4 (33:07):
M
The NFL never sleeps. The roster is ever evolving, and
it's all about finding the edge. This is the last word.
The off season home of the Indianapolis Colts.
Speaker 2 (00:18):
Oh yeah, welcome in. Happy Friday, tgif we are the
off season home of the Indianapolis Cold Sun Radio Matt
Taylor here tonight, Good Friday to U Casey Valley Along.
We're inside the Indiana Union Construction Industry Radio Studio. We've
got a loaded show. Not gonna lollygag too much. First
(00:38):
off case, Happy weekend to you, buddy.
Speaker 3 (00:40):
All right, Yeah, I'm doing well. It's June now, you know,
month of May over you. First weekend in June.
Speaker 4 (00:46):
Here we go.
Speaker 2 (00:47):
Yeah, but the rain can go away?
Speaker 3 (00:49):
All right, amen, I'll tell you. I mean, you got
kids who play sports. We have had every night cancelations
and practices we haven't had because there's been a lot
more rain this year than I can Yeah, the rain
please go away.
Speaker 2 (01:02):
The some pump for those that have the basements. They're
getting to work out here in this spring. I don't
know if it's summer yet, but holy smokes, like I said,
we're loaded on the show tonight. We're going to react
to the news of Anthony Richardson missing the remainder of
the offseason workout program and of course next week's Mini
camp due to that shoulder injury. We'll also talk about
(01:22):
how the rest of the Colts offense, how that's looking
to this point in OTAs, and then we'll also sit
down Casey with kicker Spencer Schrader. You talk about impressive
this young guy walk to the walk, but he is
heavily in the mix to take over for Matt Gay
as the team's top kicking specialist here this offseason. But
we lead off with Anthony Richardson, Shane Steike and met
(01:43):
with reporters ahead of the team's final OTA practice. The
revelation that Anthony Richardson suffered an aggravation in the AC
joint of his surgically repaired right shoulder two years ago
that flared up last Thursday during OTA work. He's gonna
miss the remainder of the spring. He'll miss the off
season workout program, the I should say, the Mini camp,
(02:05):
which will wrap up the off season workout program next week.
And Richardson said that he reported pain in that shoulder
last week. So the Colts are doing the right thing here.
Sitting him the rest of the spring, and Shane said
that Richardson will not need surgery, no timetable on a return.
He's gonna be back at training camp. We just don't
(02:26):
know when that's going to be, Casey. So with the
mini camp that's about to come up next week, which
is sort of the culmination of the off season workout
program this nine week period, what does this setback mean
for Anthony Richardson? What is he gonna miss and how
significant is this?
Speaker 3 (02:42):
Yeah, it's pretty big. I mean, I'm not gonna sugarcoat it.
It's one of those things where this off season workout
that you do this what is it two and a
half months something like that, it all leads to mini
camp that's really your first real taste of football. You're
building up to this upcoming week. So missing those those
meaningful reps, those meaningful you know, situations and all of that,
(03:04):
that's what the biggest thing is. I do like that
there is no surgery on the timeline right now, and
you know, we're expecting him to be back at training camp.
Don't know when in training camp, but that's the timetable.
But it is still a big blow because those are
reps that you really like to see him out there,
especially with this competition because I think for you know,
all the media contingent that's going to be watching this
(03:24):
competition on a daily basis. Next week was really when
you're gonna get a good taste of it, because you've
got a couple of days to build on it. Yeah,
kind of start to see seeing stack and grow exactly,
see how he bounces back from a good throw or
a bad throw. Same thing with Daniel Jones too, right,
just wanted to see how that competition would continue to evolve.
Speaker 2 (03:44):
And we talked yesterday on the Colts Daily Update. It's
been talked all day long here on these airwaves. The growth,
all right, it's been well chronicled. Fifteen starts in two years.
That's it for Anthony Richardson. Four different, four separate injuries
that have caused him to miss time concussion, right shoulder, oblique, back.
(04:04):
He's missed over fourteen hundred snaps. This is the last
thing that he needed here. So the stunting or the
stop start, the interruption, if you will, of Anthony Richardson's growth,
trying to solidify himself as this team starting quarterback and
hopefully the franchisees quarterback if you will.
Speaker 3 (04:23):
Yeah, it's massive because we already knew that heading into
the NFL. He had the lack of reps with you know,
the lack of starts and all of this in college.
So it all just continues to build on. You talked
about that was the last thing you wanted to see
was an injury. So this is where one of the
words you kind of hear from all these guys when
they do go through an injury, it's those mental reps.
(04:44):
So the mental side of the game right now for
Anthony is massive. You talked about footwork that he was,
you know, working through during the offseason. All of that
can stay. You can still work on all of that
while you're dealing with that shoulder. Yeah, but the mental
reps is going to be massive right now. And it's
one of those things too where you know, I'd love
to talk to Anthony and just say, hey, you gotta
stay positive because ultimately, when it's go time, you're in
(05:07):
a competition, you got to go out there and show that, hey,
I can be this team's quarterback. I can be the
guy that leads them where they need to go. So
it's gonna be a real pivotal time for Anthony moving forward.
Speaker 2 (05:16):
You know, we've harkened back to the end of last season.
You know, when Chris Ballard and Shane Steike and met
with reporters at the end of the twenty twenty four season,
both guys were honest about wanting to bring someone in
competition wise for Anthony Richardson, not only to push him
and make him better, but to also give this team
an insurance policy that could win games and could compete
(05:40):
at a high level because of all the time that
Anthony Richardson had missed. And again, you just don't all
this practice time, either in the regular season or the
offseason workout program OTAs mini camp. Right now, we did
the math, that number is hovering around sixty different workout
sessions that Anthony Richardson has missed since being drafted by
(06:03):
the Colts, on top of all of the game reps,
which are just invaluable. But with all of that said,
the context here, how does this factor into the quarterback
competition now between Richardson and Daniel Jones, Who's gonna get
quite frankly, a lot more snaps than what he was
going to receive. If you have a healthy Richardson.
Speaker 3 (06:20):
Yeah, I can't remember what then, was it one hundred
and seventy. I think that's the number that Shane had
kind of calculated both for both guys. So it really
dives into that. I mean, you think, you think about
all this time he's gonna miss. Now it could be
one of those things that he could be ready to
go when camp starts, and that would dwindle the amount
of reps that he's missing compared to Jones. But it
definitely gives Jones the leg up because he is getting
(06:42):
all the reps next week. When you think about these
first team reps that are going to be so valuable
to this team, those are the kinds of things that
Daniel Jones going to have that leg up on. You're
starting to get into rhythm and grooves with a team,
especially when camp starts to roll around and you've.
Speaker 2 (06:57):
Had more you do something with everybody around you or comfortable,
and yet that's.
Speaker 3 (07:01):
The thing, is that comfortability, and then you throw somebody
else in there and it's like not necessarily like you
haven't thrown with Anthony, but you got to kind of
relearn if you reteach your hands in your mind to
be where Anthony is, So it's gonna be one of
those things that the competition, it's gonna be impacted for sure.
Speaker 2 (07:17):
Yeah, you just you just can't deny the fact that
Jones is gonna have more of an opportunity to take
more reps and get more comfortable because, like you said yesterday,
for Anthony Richardson, not a new offense, not all new terminology.
For Daniel Jones, it is, and I'm sure he's comfortable
with it now, but obviously he's gonna gain more comfort
within it just because he's gonna get more physical reps
(07:39):
with the ones and some of the twos that sprinkle
in throughout the course of a practice. So yeah, I
mean it's it's definitely a speed bump for sure, casey
for Anthony Richardson. But when when he does come back,
and we don't know when that's gonna be, it's gonna
be during training camp at some point. Hopefully beginning of
training camp is not in jeopardy. Hopefully that first preseason
(08:01):
game and a joint practices with practice, I should say
with the Ravens that's not in jeopardy. But I still
think this competition is still going to evolve. I don't
think it's over. But for now, I think it's safe
to say the Daniel Jones. You can be confident in
that Daniel Jones is going to be focused on taking
advantage of this time under center. He doesn't want this
(08:22):
injury for Anthony Richardson. No, but hey, in reality, you've
got to be a professional and you've got to take
advantage of all the situations that come your way, no
matter how they come your way.
Speaker 3 (08:32):
I mean, what's the big thing we always talk about
in the NFL. The best ability is availability. So for
Daniel Jones, he's available, He's gonna get those reps and
that's going to be key for him in this competition.
I would agree with you, though, I don't think it's
one of those things where, oh, well, he's going to
miss a month or whatever it is of reps that
means Daniel Jones wins this because you do have, you know,
a handful of you know, meaningful reps that ar has
(08:54):
taken with this staff, and that all plays into it
as well. You have some stuff on tape that we've
seen Anthony do well that's going to be bought into
this as well. But it definitely does give Jones a
leg up.
Speaker 2 (09:05):
Yeah, And one final thing on this, something that we
talked about earlier this week. The entire offseason for both
of these quarterbacks, Richardson and Jones, has been about consistency
and all that they do and everything sort of adding
up to the big picture in the colt's decision at
the end of the preseason going into late August and
(09:25):
early September on who the starting quarterback is for this franchise.
All of the work in phase one, all of the
work in phase two, Jones working out on his own,
Anthony Richardson trying to improve on the footwork and working
out on his own with his personal guys and his
personal coaches. That's part of the puzzle too. So all
these pieces add up to the picture that you're trying
(09:46):
to create here to give yourself the best chance to
win for twenty twenty five. But Casey, I think it's
fair to say that OTAs and mini camp are probably
bigger pieces to the puzzle because you're putting everything together
right against a real defense, valuable time on the field.
So they're part of the puzzle, but they're probably the
(10:07):
biggest pieces of the puzzle, and that's what's most discouraging.
If you're Anthony Richardson, is that you're not going to
be able to have a chance to, you know, write
your signature on some of those puzzle pieces that are
bigger in terms of putting the whole big picture together.
Maybe that's a bad analogy. I'd try to drive it home,
but I think it's fair to say that.
Speaker 3 (10:27):
That's exactly right, because ultimately, when you think about all
the stuff leading into now, it's a lot of meetings,
it's a lot of install and you're putting all of
those individual individual where you're putting all of that together
to where it is this next week when you think
about mini camp. Yeah, ultimately we're not at training camp.
That's a reason that this is June, and it's a
little bit more. It's not all the pressure on right now,
(10:50):
but it is still so important. So it is a
big crushing blow for Anthony Richardson.
Speaker 2 (10:54):
All right, anything else about the offense, I mean, obviously
this has been heavily centered on Anthony Richardson. Anything else
about the offense that has stood out so far during.
Speaker 3 (11:01):
OTA, I mean, I think really the tight ends have
been you know, one thing that I have noticed. I
noticed again yesterday we were out there watching. You know,
Tyler Warren, Will Mallory have flashed. We've seen Jelannie Woods
last week, Moiley Cox getting involved. So I think the
tight end group, which had gotten a lot of scrutiny,
I think there has been kind of a really nice
(11:22):
start to the you know, the twenty twenty five season
with the tight end showing what they can do in
the offense.
Speaker 2 (11:27):
And same thing up front. You know, we're starting to
see some guys intermix. You know, last week Tanner Bordolini
was running with the first team offense and then this
week it was Danny Pinter. Yeah, and I think that's
a fair competition. So quarterback, offensive line, at center, right guard,
those are some things that we're going to be watching
out for the remainder of the offseason workout program that
(11:49):
comes to a head next week with a three day
mandatory mini camp. Hey, twenty twenty five single game tickets
for the Colts are on sale now headed Colts dot
com slash tickets to grab those through Ticketmaster, the official
marketplace of the Colts in the NFL. So we've talked
about quarterback and offensive line. Casey, when we come back,
I want to talk about a position group that I
(12:11):
think is really important and something that is going to
be vital for the success of this twenty twenty five team.
And it's on special teams. Yes, who kicks the ball
for this team? Matt Gay released back in April. Here
comes back Spencer Schrader. Maddix Trahio has a cannon for
a right leg undrafted guy out of Temple. But we're
(12:32):
going to talk to Spencer Schrader about rejoining the Colts,
all the travels he had last year as a rookie
and what he expects for himself in his sophomore year
back in Indianapolis. So that's coming up next. Stay with us.
This is the Last Word of the Offseason Home of
the Indianapolis Colts ninety three five one seven five the Fan.
Speaker 1 (12:52):
We talked Colts football every Friday on The Last Word,
the offseason radio home of the Colts from the Indiana
Union has Instruction Industry Radio Studio.
Speaker 2 (13:02):
Welcome back to The Last Word, off Season home of
the Colts inside the Indiana Union Construction Industry Radio Studio.
Matt Taylor here along with Casey Valley, joined the Colts
in Berlin by placing a deposit to unlock early access
to official Cults Germany, ticket and travel packages on location
exp dot com. Slash Colts Germany is the way you
(13:26):
can access all of that information. Well, led Zeppelin here
immigrant song casey, you know it? I love They've been
playing the Jim Ersey playlist. Oh, I know, it's been
awesome practice the last couple of weeks. I don't have
anything against the typical. I just know these songs better, Like, hey,
I know this one. I can sing to this one.
(13:47):
So he did not hip That's all right, that's all right.
We try to strive for excellence every single day. Speaking
of that, so we talked about Anthony Richardson and the
shoulder in the first segment, But quarterback is not the
only only roster battle going on with this team here
in the offseason. Again, I would argue that offensive line,
what's gonna happen at center, what's gonna happen at right guard?
(14:08):
That's really important. But I think there's a really interesting
and intriguing battle going on at kicker between Spencer Strader
and Maddox Trehio. Okay, so follow me on this. Schrader
last year a rookie, Trehillo is a rookie now young
man at a temple. Undrafted free agent Guy Schrader kicked
with three different teams last year, Colts, Jets, and the Chiefs.
(14:31):
Made a game winning field goal last year with Kansas
City against the Panthers. But this guy has had quite
the suitcase in a short amount of time, and we're
gonna hear from him. Casey, But this guy is incredibly mature,
talks like a guy with way more miles. If you
will under his.
Speaker 3 (14:51):
Feet, I mean I trip on my shoelaces. This guy
he doesn't, I mean, he doesn't stumble on anything. He's
very impressive.
Speaker 2 (14:57):
Yeah, So, Matt Gay released by the Colts back in April.
Let's go in depth now with Spencer Schrader heavily in
the mix to take over all the important Colts kicking
duties in twenty twenty five. All Right, it's time to
talk some ball and some key special teams with Colts
kicker Spencer Schrader joining us here. Spencer, last year was
quite the rookie season for you three different teams. You
(15:18):
started off in training camp in the preseason with the
Colts knock down a key fifty four yard fifty six
yard field goal against the Bengals in that preseason finale,
kick with the Colts in Week one, then played with
the Jets, played with the Chiefs game winning field goal.
Speaker 4 (15:32):
With Kansas City.
Speaker 2 (15:33):
What what was last year like for you? Your first
year in the NFL. You're in doctrination into pro football.
Speaker 5 (15:38):
Oh my gosh, it's hard to even summarize. It's so crazy.
I feel like last year was like three years in one.
Speaker 2 (15:44):
I just understand why.
Speaker 5 (15:45):
Yeah, all the different adventures I got to experience, and
I think I hit everything there was to hit.
Speaker 2 (15:50):
Like.
Speaker 5 (15:50):
I came in as undrafted free agent. I got some
preseason reps. I punted and held because we go to
Baby Yeah yeah, yeah, punted and held and ended up
getting kept on the team. I got elevated for Game one.
I was on and off practice squad. I go over
the Jets, kick a game for them, get poached by
the Chiefs, and go over and play like you said,
and then ended up being on IR and just I
(16:12):
look at it, I'm like, man, that's a blessing to
be able to experience all those different adventures in the
way that it prepares you. The people that you get
to meet and that you come into contact with. I
wouldn't change anything about last year.
Speaker 2 (16:22):
What was the most difficult part of last season? Because
when the Colts brought you back in in free agency
back in March, you know, Chris Ballard was really honest
and impressed on how you were able to succeed in
three different situations, and he said, this is not easy
for a guy to go five for five and knock
down some clutch key fuel goals as a rookie. So
(16:44):
what was the hardest part about thriving in all of
those different situations you were kind of thrust it into.
Speaker 5 (16:49):
It's a really good question because I feel like a
lot of guys would answer it like, oh, new coaches,
you know, new operation, new staff, new culture, new stadium,
new fields.
Speaker 4 (16:58):
But to me, it wasn't any of that.
Speaker 5 (17:00):
I had one consistency last year, and that was competing
against myself, and so the mentality of going and competing
against yourself every single day and trying to strive for
your best is always the most difficult part.
Speaker 4 (17:11):
To me.
Speaker 5 (17:12):
It wasn't the field. It wasn't this, you know, the grass.
That wasn't the new operation or the new staff. It
was can I have confidence in myself? Can I have
self belief every single day, no matter what the circumstance
is to perform, and so you're your own greatest enemy
in a sense. And so to me, that was the
greatest challenge last year was keeping that confidence every single day.
Speaker 2 (17:33):
Where does that initial self belief come from? Is that
from your mom and dad, your family? Where does that?
Where do you get that from?
Speaker 5 (17:39):
I think first it's from faith, and then it's supported
by family for sure. I think you have to believe
in yourself because you're You're the person that's going to
hold yourself down the most at the end of the day.
And so if you believe in yourself and you just
go after your dreams, no one else can really hold
you back. They can say things, but at the end
of the day, it only becomes a restriction if you
(18:02):
believe that you know. And so for me, like you
just have to believe in yourself, even in the moments
that you feel like you don't.
Speaker 4 (18:08):
That's the only way that you're going to succeed.
Speaker 3 (18:10):
It's like we're hearing a sermon here, Spencer Schrader. Impressive
right there. I want to go back to Brian Mason
and the you know, the kind of up and down
relationship you guys have had because you know, he recruited
you to go to Notre Dame. You're with him for
a brief stint, then he comes to the Colts. How
wild is it that here you are about to play,
you know, potentially playing for him again at that level
(18:32):
when you initially got to know him trying to go
to play at Notre Dame.
Speaker 5 (18:36):
Man, I think everything happens for a reason. I'm just
so grateful to have the opportunity to get recruited by
him to Notre Dame. And one of the things I
remember was just how honest he was and how I
felt like he had my best interest in mine because
I think he took the Colts job about a month
after I'd committed to Notre Dame, and he called me
and he said, listen, man, you have to stay here.
He's like, this is the place for you. Stay committed
to Notre Dame. You're a Notre Dame guy. You're going
(18:58):
to have an amazing experience. And he didn't try to
convince me to do anything else. That was unlike me.
You know, I felt like he truly did have my
best interest in mind, and so I went through that year.
I had, you know, ups and downs performance wise, but
just an unbelievable experience overall at a really magical institution.
And then you know he sees that and we keep
in touch, and then he brings me in as an
(19:18):
underrafted free agent and the same thing, Like every single
day last year, I just felt like he was honest
with me and he had my best.
Speaker 4 (19:24):
Interest in mind.
Speaker 5 (19:25):
And that's sometimes a rarity in the in the NFL space.
You know, it is a business, and you know it's tough,
and everyone's trying to make a living for themselves and
keep their position. So to have a guy that's very
honest with you like that is a real blessing, and
so I'm just grateful that I get the chance to
be around him a little longer now.
Speaker 3 (19:39):
With specialists, Ultimately, you know, it's not the linebacker spot.
There's not six or seven of them. Typically you've got
thirty two jobs heading into the NFL. So that mindset
you talk about a competing against yourself as an undrafted
free agent last year, how important do you think that
is one of the things that kind of thrived you
to get here, because ultimately there are thirty two spots
(19:59):
occu when these guys come into the league, so you
were already on that back burner. How difficult was that
and being able to kind of keep that mind frame
of I've got to do everything I can every single
day just to get that out there, to try to
get my opportunity.
Speaker 4 (20:11):
It's really difficult.
Speaker 5 (20:12):
But I was so blessed to be around Luke and
Rigo and I was speaking about it earlier, but one
of the things I really respect about those guys who
are nine and ten year veterans who have been on
almost the same team their entire tenures. They come in
every single day with a humility and they go about
their work like it's day one. There's no ego involved.
There's self confidence for sure, but there's no ego. There's
(20:34):
no I deserve to be here. It's I'm going to
work every single day so that I can earn the
right to be here. So to be around that as
an undrafted free agent, I wasn't thinking about going and
taking a job. I wasn't thinking about going and taking
one of the thirty two spots. I was just like,
I'm going to go in, I'm going to do my
best every single day, and regardless if I have an
opportunity to play.
Speaker 4 (20:55):
Good things are going to happen.
Speaker 5 (20:56):
I'm going to meet some really cool people, and I'm
going to develop and I'm going to grow as a
and then hopefully I get the chance to kick on
the field at the end of the day.
Speaker 4 (21:03):
But it's not even about that really.
Speaker 5 (21:04):
Yeah, if I do all those things, it'll lead to
success overall.
Speaker 2 (21:07):
Spencer Schrader is with US Colts kicker going into year
number two. He's with the team last year. But it's
been a wild ride even since you've returned. You know,
Matt Gay released in April. You were signed in March,
and then Matt Gay released in April, and then here
comes Maddix Triheo, undrafted free agent kicker for the Colts
after the draft. What do you know about him? And
(21:29):
you said, you know, you've been working and trying to
implement some of the things you're picking up from some
of the guys that you've worked with, like Matt Gay
and Harrison Butker, And I'm sure he's picking up things
from you. So what's been your limited interactions so far
with young Maddix Tririo, undrafted guy at a temple.
Speaker 5 (21:46):
He's a great kid and he's super talented, and he's
been pushing me every day to set a stand ard,
set a high stand and continue to perform. And I
think competition is a beautiful thing because, like I was
saying before, you have to view it as you're competing
with yourself at the end of the day. And so
to be able to balance competition and have great relationships
with those people, to be able to give back, just
like I was giving back from Matt, from Harrison, from
(22:08):
these other guys, it's something I'm really grateful for.
Speaker 4 (22:11):
And he's just been awesome for the room.
Speaker 5 (22:12):
He works really hard every single day and he's been
kicking phenomenally and so I think it's a great thing
that he's here and I wish him all the best.
Speaker 4 (22:19):
I think he'll be very successful.
Speaker 2 (22:21):
Talk to Brian Mason in the offseason. He's talking about,
you know, the importance of knocking down those clutch long
field goals, right, that's what makes the great ones great.
You're certainly on that trajectory. This is kind of a
nerdy question, maybe a little bit of a sports science question,
but how do you attack the ball differently when you're
trying to attempt a long fuel goal compared to like
a mid range thirty five forty yard field goal.
Speaker 5 (22:43):
So ideally you you don't right, Ideally you want to
kick every ball the exact same, but there is a
factor that plays into your brain when you're back there.
No one is immune to those emotions. And we all
know where I'm kicking from, and so if.
Speaker 2 (22:56):
It's likely Casey gets the driver out, yeah exactly, Oh
here we go, right, I.
Speaker 5 (23:01):
Think to me, it's like, okay, you just have to
dial in a focus even more because everything matters from
that distance, Like if you mis hit the ball just
a tiny amount, it's going wide, right, wide, left, and
so I just think about attacking the ball aggressively seeing
it and then swinging through to my target and then
it either goes in or doesn't.
Speaker 2 (23:24):
I don't know why I'm not a kicker, probably because
I don't have this guy leg right here. Have you
always had a big leg or is that something you've developed.
Speaker 4 (23:31):
I've always had a big leg.
Speaker 5 (23:32):
I grew up playing soccer and I just love to
just blast goals, like it's just something I just love
to do.
Speaker 4 (23:38):
My dad would take.
Speaker 5 (23:38):
Us out across the street to a goal, my sister
and I and he would just throw us balls and
be like, all right, thirty, blast twenty with your left,
tend with your right because we always had to work
more with our left right and we would just rip shots.
And so, you know, I never knew that I was
going to be an NFL kicker. I only started playing
my senior year of high school. But yeah, I think
just playing a.
Speaker 2 (23:56):
Bunch football that is right.
Speaker 5 (23:57):
Yeah, yeah, just playing a bunch of sports grown up
and having a dad that would go out to the
fields with me and help me out was a huge
blessing and it's turned into what it hasen.
Speaker 2 (24:06):
Did your Spencer Schrader with us? By the way, did
your parents play soccer?
Speaker 5 (24:10):
No, my dad was a basketball player in Northern Indiana,
so true Hoosier. Yeah, my mom didn't play any sports,
but she's pretty athletic.
Speaker 4 (24:17):
You know.
Speaker 5 (24:17):
She's five ten, one hundred and thirty pounds and like
she can play pick a ball and do everything. So
I think I got some of my height from her.
So yeah, I learned from both sides.
Speaker 4 (24:24):
You know.
Speaker 3 (24:25):
Now you talk about you picked up football late. Did
you have any offers to play soccer at the next level?
Speaker 5 (24:30):
Yes, I had quite a few offers in Florida. I
had wanted to go pro. So actually after my senior
high school I took a gap year one overseas and
played soccer in Brazil in Canada, Okay, And then I
got back to the US and was debating do I
play college soccer?
Speaker 4 (24:44):
Do I play college football?
Speaker 5 (24:45):
And Tim Tebow has always been a big role model
of mine. I thought it was cool how he used
his platform in the football space to promote his faith
and just some of the really cool charitable, philanthropic things
that he's done off the field, and so I decided
to switch over to football. And so, you know, usually
the follow up question to that is, well, was it
really hard to change from soccer to football because it's
(25:06):
soccer something you pursued your entire life and you're really
passionate about. And I would say, yes, it is, But
my mission stayed the exact same. My mission is a
person as a human beings stayed the exact same from
soccer to football, and so that made the switch a
lot easier.
Speaker 3 (25:19):
So this is going to be one one final thing here.
Just looking at your you don't look like a typical kicker.
What's with I mean? If you look at your upper
body here. What else can you? Did you play anything else.
Speaker 4 (25:31):
In foot US? No, didn't play anything?
Speaker 5 (25:33):
Okay, football, No, But I play a lot of pickup sports, Okay,
a lot of basketball, soccer. Obviously, played tennis. I'm at
a pretty high level. Played pickleball now, so I've gone
from that.
Speaker 4 (25:44):
Yeah, just always just.
Speaker 2 (25:45):
Playing out of the kitchen, bro. Yeah, last night, that's
the last time you need, all right, be smart, just
let those and let the other guy get a point.
Speaker 4 (25:57):
You're good, right exactly.
Speaker 2 (25:59):
Speaking of offers, last thing with Spencer Schrader with us,
like you said, you mentioned you had a couple of
different offers after being released by the Chiefs to land
somewhere else in the NFL. The Colts were among those
that were blowing up your phone, if you will. Why
did you want to come back to the Colts.
Speaker 5 (26:15):
Because of everything I experienced last year, just the obviously
Luke and Rego and what amazing professionals they were to
be around, all the growth that I experienced being here
around Brian Mason and Joe Hastings and Izzy and just
the staff and the fan base and the culture that
has been cultivated here at the Colts is something I
wanted to be a part of and also have just
a great community here. You know, I'm from Westfield, Indiana originally,
(26:37):
and so it's just such a blessing to be back.
Speaker 4 (26:39):
And there's still parts of me that I do it.
Speaker 5 (26:43):
Yes, it's a business, and yes, you're supposed to go
where the money is better and blah blah blah, but
there's pride too, you know. And you do still represent
a logo at the end of the day, and you
still are playing for a fan base, and so I
wanted to come back and be a part of that again.
Speaker 2 (26:57):
So well said right there. All right, So let me
give you this last scenario here. There's four seconds, the
Colts have one time out, they get a first down
of the fifty yard line. They're down by two. Are
you confident you're rolling in and you're knocking down a
sixty six yard field goal? Yeah, I mean, you've got
the leg for it. I just don't know. I mean,
you said you're good from seventy, bro.
Speaker 4 (27:17):
I'm good. I'm confident. What else are we gonna do?
Anthony Richards throw the ball along?
Speaker 2 (27:23):
I understand, I'm.
Speaker 4 (27:24):
Saying the field in that situation.
Speaker 2 (27:26):
I love that confidence, brother, That's what we need in
twenty twenty five. That's Spencer Strader, right there's really appreciate
your time and all the best the rest of the
spring and can't wait to get you going in training camp.
Speaker 4 (27:36):
You guys so much. I appreciate it.
Speaker 2 (27:38):
Yeah, that's Spencer Strader alongside Casey Value I Matt Taylor back,
youre live on the last word. I think Casey, I
think the Colts are right to have this much confidence
in him based on I know it's a short sample size,
but just his character, his makeup, and most importantly that
right leg of his I mean he was making them
(28:00):
from fifty five in practice earlier this week. That would
have cleared from sixty six sixty seven. It wouldn't seem Yeah.
Speaker 3 (28:06):
I mean he spoke with the media and they asked,
you know, where are you comfortable, and he's like, inside seventy.
I'm like, okay, so you're good. There's not a mark
on the field. You're like, no, I'm not comfortable there.
Speaker 4 (28:18):
You talked about it.
Speaker 3 (28:19):
I mean he's a very impressive guy. And also the
relationship with Brian Mason, where Brian Mason at Notre Dame
kind of recruited him to Notre Dame. So I'm right
there with you. I'm pretty impressed by this guy.
Speaker 2 (28:28):
Yeah, good to hear from Spencer Schrader. Appreciate his time.
If you missed any of that, check it out on
the podcast page when you have a moment.
Speaker 1 (28:36):
Hey.
Speaker 2 (28:36):
The Colts have teamed up with Anthon, Blue Cross and
Blue Shield to recognize school teachers, administrators, nurses and staff
members who all go above and beyond. You know, a
classroom quarterback. Everybody does, all right, take the time to
nominate yours at Colts dot com slash Classroom Quarterbacks. We're
kind of up against it in terms of time. When
we come back, though, we'll give you the form Credit
(28:56):
Union Question of the Week, which will center Casey around
the memory of Jim irsay as his love for music.
We'll have some fun talking about the Big Man's playlist
when we come back. Stay with us. This is the
last Word ninety three five one oh seven five the Fan.
We now return to the offseason home of the Colts.
(29:17):
The last word from the Indiana Union Construction Industry Radio Studio.
We are back. Last word brought to you by Meyer,
the Official super Center of the Colts, proud sponsor of
hundreds of local sports teams across the Midwest. Casey Valley Long,
I'm Matt Taylor. Thanks for being here tonight inside the
Indiana Union Construction Industry Radio studio. The Greatness of the
(29:40):
who brings us back in for the final time one
of the favorite bands of Jim Mersay. We've talked a
lot of football tonight with Anthony Richardson and the offense
we heard from Spencer Schrader, but we're still honoring the
legacy and the memory of Jim Irsay. Great memorial earlier
this week on Monday, So Forum at a Union Question
(30:01):
of the Week time, Casey, we know about the love
of Jim Mersay in his music collection on the appreciator
that he was for rock and roll. So simple question, Casey,
which of Jim Irsay's favorite songs is also one of
your favorite songs?
Speaker 4 (30:18):
Okay?
Speaker 3 (30:18):
So my dad, I love my dad's music is It's
one of the things that I appreciate the most that
he is kind of handed down to me, is his
kind of music appreciation. We have this little between my
dad and my uncle inside our family. They're huge Warren
Zevon fansh Okay, and one of the things I loved
about Jim Mersay when he would play when this band
(30:38):
was out is he would always come out and play
Send Lawyers, Guns and Money open with that is one
of It's so funny because my my uncle was an
international accountant and he would go in some places overseas
that were not great places towards the US citizens. They
didn't they didn't care too much for Americans. So there
was always this inside joke between my uncle and my
dad that if he would send him a letter in
(31:01):
the mail that said Warren Zevon, it was send Lawyers
Guns of money, that was like, I need help get
me out of here. So that song has always been
a lot in my family as kind of like a
funny little inside Joe. I love it, but so that
one is probably mine. But then hearing you know, all
the renditions of his shelter from the store over the
last handful of Dylans from Bob Dylan. Tip of the
Cap too, because the bosch Man sounded pretty dark good
(31:23):
and he.
Speaker 2 (31:23):
Could play, he could play, he could play.
Speaker 3 (31:25):
Yeah, those two are probably two of my favorites when
I think.
Speaker 2 (31:28):
Of Jimmy my man could play the guitar right, he
could hold his own I just I love you know,
one of the speakers at the memorial called Jim Irsay
a beatlesologist.
Speaker 4 (31:38):
You know.
Speaker 2 (31:38):
I bet Jim Mersay knew how many weeks all the
songs were number one on the starts and all that stuff.
So yeah, I mean, the the boss Man loved Al
Green and certainly loved Tom Petty. I love Tom Petty,
led Zeppelin, John Mellencamp, and you mentioned Warren Zevonne, the
Jay Giles band. Oh yeah, I think part of my
affinity for Jim Mersay among many things, you know, the generosity,
(32:00):
the great owner of the great man that he was.
But I was probably most in tune with Jim Mersey
through his love for music because he was sixty five
and I was thirty eight going on sixty five. Right,
I love being there.
Speaker 3 (32:12):
Anybody that knows Matt Taylor, You're You're an old soul
for sure.
Speaker 2 (32:15):
Absolutely, So my brother, keep rocking up there, Levin, all right,
keep the amp on max volume. Visit the forum credit
Union fanforum section of Colts dot com and get in
various discussions on the Colts Forum credit Union helping members
live their financial dreams. That's gonna do it for us
tonight we got a run. We're up against it. Thanks
for talking Colts, thanks for getting in the last word
(32:37):
with us. We'll do it again next Friday for Casey Valley.
I'm Matt Taylor. ESPN Radio is coming up next here
in the Home of the Colts ninety three five one
oh seventy five the fan have a great weekend.
Speaker 6 (32:53):
You see, baby, I've been I don't want to get
next to you.
Speaker 4 (33:07):
M
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