Colts Owner Irsay Calls For Commanders Owner Snyder's Exit

The NFL could be nearing a seismic shift at the top of the league's power structure. Following years of scandal and damning reports levied against the Washington Commanders, Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay publically called for the ousting of Commanders Owner Daniel Snyder Tuesday afternoon.

Colts owner Jim Irsay on voting Dan Snyder out as owner of the Commanders: “I believe that’s the road we have to go down. … I believe it’s in the best interest of the National Football League.”
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) October 18, 2022

The statement follows a report last week detailing a toxic culture in the Commanders front office. Irsay is the first owner to come out and directly address the allegations and emphatically call for a change at the very top of the organization.

In order to force Snyder out of the league, the NFL would need to collect votes from 24 of 32 owners. Irsay noted he believes the votes can be gathered, but a recent ESPN report alluded to the possibility that Snyder might have dirt on the other owners and was willing to burn down the league should he be pushed out of power. Unsurprisingly, this does not appear to have endeared him in league circles.

From me, @DVNJR and @tishaESPN, via 30+ sources
*Snyder has said his dirt on Goodell/owners from PIs could “blow up” NFL. “They can’t f— with me.”
*He’s “lost Jerry” Jones
*Goodell “wants Snyder gone,” per exec
*A novel removal method owners have discussedhttps://t.co/pzImP9bCr5
— Seth Wickersham (@SethWickersham) October 13, 2022

Snyder came into possession of the Commanders in 1999 after the death of long-time owner Jack Kent Cooke. The once proud franchise quickly fell into disarray under Snyder's stewardship, missing the playoffs in 17 of his 23 seasons as principal owner.

Should the league successfully force Snyder to sell, the team could likely fetch a haul similar to the $4.65 billion the Walton-Penner group recently paid for the Denver Broncos. The NFL would likely be delighted to find a new ownership situation that could return the franchise to relevance and perhaps even finally begin development on a new stadium.