Indianapolis, IN
Colts’ QB Matt Ryan Opens Up About Frustrations from Benching
Being demoted isn’t enjoyable.
When somebody is demoted, it often means they aren’t dwelling as much as expectations. The particular person is just not performing as wanted and adjustments should be made to realize the specified outcomes.
It may be a tough capsule to swallow when you have by no means gone via one thing like that. Emotions of disappointment, frustration, and doubt in a single’s means are certain to creep in.
Demotion is what Matt Ryan has needed to take care of over the previous couple of weeks. The Indianapolis Colts quarterback was despatched to the bench after a Week 7 loss to the Tennessee Titans. Whereas the official phrase was that Ryan was coping with a shoulder sprain, former Colts head coach Frank Reich mentioned that Sam Ehlinger could be the Colts’ beginning quarterback for the remainder of the season.
“It was most likely the primary time (being benched),” Ryan recalled.
Ryan has completed nearly every part there may be to do within the NFL. Ryan sits seventh all-time in passing yards and ninth all-time in passing touchdowns. He’s a four-time Professional Bowler, a league MVP, and has performed in a Tremendous Bowl.
However after seven weeks, Ryan was struggling within the Colts’ offense. He had 9 touchdowns to 9 interceptions and had fumbled 11 occasions. He was working for his life behind an offensive line that failed to guard him, being sacked 24 occasions in seven video games.
Ryan was positively not the worst of the Colts’ considerations on the time of his benching. However the Colts’ head decision-makers, notably proprietor Jim Irsay, thought a extra cellular quarterback in Ehlinger would give the Colts a greater probability to win. Irsay pushed the choice on Reich, and Ryan was relegated to the bench.
When Ryan was talking to the Colts this offseason a few potential commerce, Ryan was offered on enjoying behind top-of-the-line offensive strains within the NFL. He would have the backing of top-of-the-line speeding assaults within the league as nicely, taking the stress off of the 37-year-old quarterback. However with the offensive line struggling mightily, and the working sport having a tough time getting going, nothing has gone as deliberate.
As you possibly can most likely think about, frustration started to set in for Ryan. He got here to Indianapolis to chase a Tremendous Bowl, and as a substitute discovered himself benched for a sixth-round decide who had by no means thrown a move in an everyday season sport earlier than.
“Yeah, there’s positively individuals I vented to,” Ryan revealed. “I consider my spouse throughout this complete time. I imply, she’s unbelievable in how she sort of has a learn for what I want and he or she’s extremely supportive. However she hears most likely a number of the belongings you’d like to listen to (laughing). However I maintain them there. Once more, you’ve household round you that you simply sort of help and mates and guys that I’ve developed actually good relationships alongside the best way that may sort of assist you to via these issues.”
“That is one other level that must be made crystal clear,” Reich mentioned on the time of Ryan’s benching. “And I advised this to Matt, ‘Hey Matt, we didn’t maintain as much as our finish of the discount. You got here right here and we promised you a top-NFL speeding sport and we promised you nice safety and we haven’t actually, as an offense, delivered on that.’”
Nevertheless it didn’t matter. The veteran quarterback was damage. He had given his all on the sector and achieved no matter potential to tug a struggling staff to wins. In his first seven begins, Ryan had engineered 4 fourth-quarter comebacks and three game-winning drives. The state of affairs the Colts discovered themselves in was not all on Ryan, however he was the one paying the value.
“I believe we consistently as opponents, all of us consider we’re the perfect, proper?” Ryan defined. “That’s simply the way you suppose. If you’re advised, we really feel like another person can do a greater job for us, that half is tough. That’s pure. Once more, I believe again to the place I’m at in my profession and I believe it fires you up simply as a lot, however I believe I understand how to deal with it higher. I believe I’m positively extra mature than I’d’ve been at 27, 28, 30.”
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Not solely was Ryan annoyed with the benching, however a lot of his teammates had been as nicely. Many of the locker room was shocked to listen to that the change at quarterback had been made. Whereas publicly, gamers echoed help for Ehlinger, many had been upset that their chief had been benched.
At this level, nobody would have blamed Ryan for testing. This isn’t what he signed up for, and for a man that has been one of many higher quarterbacks within the NFL for 15 years, he may have retired into the sundown, and no person would have blamed him. However that’s not how Ryan carries himself.
“I believe it’s most likely pure to (try) in these conditions,” Ryan admitted. “However from the individuals I belief and the recommendation that I received from the individuals outdoors the constructing that I talked to, the one fixed is you possibly can’t assume something on this league. You’ll be able to’t make the belief that you understand how issues are going to shake out.”
The Colts know that higher than anyone lately. Final week, the Colts fired Frank Reich and employed Jeff Saturday as their interim head coach inside a number of hours, sending shockwaves across the league. Because the Colts had been getting used to their new coach, Ryan returned to the observe subject. After nice days of observe Thursday and Friday, the reply at quarterback turned clear for Saturday. Ryan ought to be the starter.
“I noticed Matt throw, and that was the primary time I had seen him throw,” Saturday mentioned. “He is coming off an harm and he put a superb observe collectively on Thursday. So, Friday, I advised him, ‘Return-to-back.’ And once more, now that is my first expertise actually ever seeing him throw and he regarded actually good. I wished to speak to the workers on Friday afternoon, however I knew what I used to be going to do, and I knew all people was with it. I felt like Matt gave us the perfect probability to win.”
Obligatory Credit score: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports activities
Ryan backed up Saturday’s confidence by delivering his most effective day as a Colt. Ryan went 21-of-28 (75%) for 222 yards, a landing, no interceptions or fumbles, and a QB ranking of 109.5 in opposition to the Las Vegas Raiders. Ryan additionally ran for 38 yards and a landing, together with a career-long 39-yard scramble within the win.
The Colts, lastly, got here via on their promise to Ryan. The offensive line held up many of the afternoon, giving Ryan loads of time to throw the soccer. The working sport had a big impact as nicely, with the staff working for 207 yards, 147 of these coming from Jonathan Taylor. The offense didn’t should be carried on the again of Ryan, and it confirmed.
However this week is a a lot more durable check because the Colts tackle the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles suffered their first lack of the season Monday night time and will likely be motivated to get again to their successful methods. However whether or not they’re coming off a loss or not, Ryan is aware of this week will likely be a problem.
“We knew it was going to be a problem going into this no matter what they did final week,” he defined. “It is a soccer staff that’s performed nicely all 12 months. They’ve achieved a superb job scoring factors. Their protection has performed nicely. They’ve dominated the turnover margin and it’s been an enormous purpose for his or her success. No matter what occurred final week, we knew coming into this sport this week, we’re enjoying a very good soccer staff that it was going to take our greatest.”
Who comes out on prime on Sunday between the Colts and the Eagles has but to be decided. However one factor that has been decided is, as Saturday confirmed this week, Ryan would be the starter transferring ahead.
“Yeah, he’s my beginning quarterback.”
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The 2025 WNBA All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis promises more than just elite basketball. With major players in tech, entertainment, and politics joining the celebration, the city is rolling out an immersive, citywide activation that reflects the rising momentum in women’s sports and culture.
Google is returning to WNBA Live for the third year in a row, bringing its largest All-Star activation to date. Its fan experience, located at the Indiana Convention Center and open to the public from July 18–19, showcases the power of Pixel devices and Google Search through an interactive journey that blends technology with fan engagement.
But Google’s is just one of dozens of activations happening in Indianapolis over the weekend, part of a larger civic push to position the city as a leader in women’s sports hospitality. From public art installations and fashion exhibits to drag brunches and comedy showcases, WNBA All-Star Weekend 2025 is shaping up to be a cultural moment as much as an athletic one.
A Citywide Celebration
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – JULY 05: NIKE places a large multi story billboard advertisement of Indiana Fever … More
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Indianapolis, home to the Indiana Fever, is the first WNBA city to host its own official festival during All-Star Weekend, Fever Fest. It will include concerts, comedy performances, and public watch parties. Downtown will be transformed with eight new murals by local female artists, 3D chalk art, DJ booths, live sneaker painting, and basketball-inspired pop-ups as part of the Home Court Experience.
The city’s tallest hotel raised a full-building ad of Caitlin Clark, which has become the largest advertisement installed in the city’s history. Elsewhere, street signs have temporarily been renamed after WNBA teams like the Seattle Storm.
At the airport, travelers arriving for the weekend will be greeted by a life-size basketball court installation in the civic plaza. More than 30 restaurants and bars across the city are offering WNBA-themed specials, and over 2,500 youth athletes are expected to participate in a Saturday morning dribble parade through the streets.
Fans are encouraged to participate in a citywide “Hoops Pass,” checking in at basketball-themed locations for a chance to win prizes, including WNBA merchandise and exclusive access to events.
Politics, Comedy and Drag: There’s Room For Everyone
WEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 06: Lana Ja’Rae attends MTV Presents “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Emmy … More
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On Saturday, the Working Families Party will host its own event at the intersection of politics, comedy, and sports. Politics House at WNBA All-Star Weekend, held at VisionLoft in downtown Indianapolis, brings together drag and stand-up comedy for a brunch event celebrating the league’s progressive legacy.
The program will include a farm-to-table breakfast, a meet-and-greet with Lana Ja’Rae of RuPaul’s Drag Race, and comedy sets by Kristin Key and Tatyana Guchi. Nationally touring comic Erin Foley, host of the Her Lights women’s sports podcast, will emcee the event.
Politics House aims to honor the WNBA’s history of activism, from the 1998 formation of the first pro union for female athletes in the U.S. to player-led efforts on voting rights, LGBTQ+ issues, and police reform. In 2020, WNBA players played a key role in the defeat of then-Atlanta Dream co-owner Sen. Kelly Loeffler in Georgia.
The event gains event more significance as WNBA players are set to meet with the league Thursday evening to continue negotiations of the new CBA.
Google Goes All In
Google is presenting a multi-zone experience at WNBA Live. Fans will start their journey with a Google Search Trends quiz, receive an All-Access Pass, and “get recruited” to a WNBA team.
Other stations are designed to showcase Google’s latest technology. Fans can try on outfits virtually, browse a mini fashion museum featuring Kelsey Plum and A’ja Wilson’s signature tunnel fits, and explore the items using features from Google Pixel.
Visitors can simulate a WNBA media day using camera features, customize their photos with themed backgrounds and have a chance to film short basketball highlight reels on a live court using more features from the device. Clips will appear on the Jumbotron at WNBA Live and be downloadable via the All-Access Pass.
The activation will also feature appearances by Wilson and Plum, who will join digital creator Katie Feeney for a Courtside Chat. Former Harlem Globetrotter Crissa Jackson will host a live hoops showcase. In-arena and digital integrations will include live WNBA Google Trends and trivia.
Google’s activation is free and will be open to fans on Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET.
The Moment Is Bigger Than the Game
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – JULY 13: Large billboard signage of New York Liberty Sabrina Ionescu and Las … More
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With a heavy sponsorship presence, full hotels, and public art installations that will remain long after the All-Star buzzer sounds, the 2025 WNBA All-Star Weekend is being treated as more than a single event. It’s a showcase of the growth, energy, and influence of women’s sports.
Even fans without game tickets are encouraged to visit the city and take part in the weekend’s many public activations. Organizers, sponsors, and local officials alike see the celebration as a long-overdue moment of recognition, and a glimpse into the future of what the WNBA can command, both on and off the court.
INDIANAPOLIS — Downtown Indianapolis will transform into a vibrant stage this weekend, as the WNBA All-Star Weekend arrives with not just basketball, but the celebration of art and dance.
Local dancers of all styles are uniting for a series of dynamic activations, showcasing their talent and creativity.
Among the talented dancers featured is Ashley Lain, a tap dancer from Indianapolis. For Lain, this opportunity is not just about performing; it’s a significant milestone in her career.
“This is like a resume line: I danced at WNBA All-Star Weekend as part of the entertainment for all the fans,” said Lain.
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She expressed her enthusiasm for performing in a city where opportunities for tap dancers can be limited. “As a tap dancer, there’s not a lot of work for us, especially maybe in a city that doesn’t have a big tap hub. So it is like an honor to be able to present myself as a tap dancer to the city.”
Dancer Cuong Tran shares a similar passion and vision for the weekend. He hopes that the WNBA All-Star festivities will inspire dancers across Central Indiana and broaden their horizons.
“I think a lot of people think they need to move out to like LA or somewhere in California or New York to make dance a living. I think being part of this event is going to show folks that you don’t got to move anywhere. You know, we can do it here in Indiana, in Indianapolis,” Tran stated.
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Tran will play an active role this weekend by teaching a pop-up dance class on Monument Circle following Saturday’s All-Star Bounce event. He will also showcase his skills as an emcee for an all-women dance battle, an event he is eagerly anticipating. “It’s going to be crazy… We have so much talent in Indiana,” Tran said.
Both Tran and Lain were selected from over 100 dancers who responded to a call for talent issued by the Indy Dance Council, an organization dedicated to celebrating and uplifting the dance community in Indianapolis.
“For us, dance is part of life. Dance is part of culture. Everybody dances a little bit, shaking it in your kitchen absolutely counts. That is how we celebrate, that’s how we express, that’s how we mourn. It’s dance,” Mariel Greenlee, the artistic director of the Indy Dance Council, explained.
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Sarah Farnsley, managing director of the Indy Dance Council, added that the organization is grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with the WNBA.
“Our organization’s only about three years old, and before us, there wasn’t really so much of a way to gather all the groups together,” she expressed, highlighting the growth of the local dance community.
The partnership with the WNBA was a natural fit, given that approximately 72% of the dance community is female.
“There’s a massive female-led presence in both of those communities. So I think a ton of crossover is natural, but it’s also a way to really showcase a lot of the incredible talent that we have in the city, in the dance space.”
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Greenlee hopes that fans will come out to support the dancers this weekend. Dance performances will be showcased on the south end of Monument Circle, near the Conrad Hotel and at the Indiana Convention Center.
The entire community is invited to join in the festivities for Indy’s hottest dance jam, which kicks off on Friday night on Monument Circle. The event opens with pop-up performances by Dance Kaleidoscope and the Indy Project before dozens of local dancers ignite the dance floor from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
As Indianapolis rolls out the red carpet for All-Star festivities, the city’s dancers are ready to showcase their passion, creativity, and talent, making this All-Star Weekend a celebration of both basketball and the vibrant rhythm of dance.
Indianapolis, IN
What to know about WNBA All-Star Game’s Indianapolis events, tickets and TV schedule
Retired WNBA star unveils WNBA All-Star court in Indianapolis International Airport
Watch Tamika Catchings unveil WNBA All-Star court Thursday, June 26, 2025, inside the Indianapolis International Airport.
WNBA’s 2025 All-Star Weekend will put women’s basketball front and center in downtown Indianapolis with a variety of events. While other events will run alongside the league’s planned festivities, here’s what to know about the main basketball and entertainment events planned July 18-19.
WNBA Live presented by Panini schedule
This two-day interactive fan experience will include appearances by current and former WNBA players, exclusive merchandise, basketball clinics and games, and league and sponsor experiences for fans gathered in downtown Indianapolis. The ticketed event will precede each night’s activities at nearby Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Where: Indiana Convention Center, 100 S. Capitol Ave., Indianapolis
When: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET Friday, July 18 and Saturday, July 19
Tickets: Daily adult admission is $28.40 plus applicable taxes at Ticketmaster.com. Tickets for children age 12 and younger are free and must be reserved while purchasing adult tickets.
WNBA STARRY 3-Point Contest, Kia WNBA Skills Challenge time and TV schedule
Friday’s main event includes the league’s annual 3-point contest and skills challenge that pits top players against each other in a variety of basketball skills-based competitions.
Where: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, 125 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Indianapolis
When: 8 p.m. ET Friday, July 18 (broadcast on ESPN)
Tickets: Verified resale tickets are listed for a wide range of prices at Ticketmaster.com.
FeverFest time and schedule
This outdoor music and comedy event in downtown Indianapolis is headlined by musician The Kid LAROI, with featured performances by Cedric the Entertainer, Leslie Jones, Aida Rodriguez, G-Eazy, BIA and more.
Where: Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park, 801 W. Washington St., Indianapolis
When: 6 p.m. Saturday, July 19
Tickets: Tickets are available at a wide range of prices at Ticketmaster.com.
Re-live Caitlin Clark’s rookie season with our commemorative book
2025 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game time and TV schedule
The WNBA’s annual showcase game pits teams captained by Indiana Fever phenom Caitlin Clark and Minnesota Lynx superstar Napheesa Collier.
Where: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, 125 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Indianapolis
When: 8:30 p.m. ET, Saturday, July 19 (broadcast on ABC)
Tickets: Verified resale tickets are listed for a wide range of prices, starting at about $140 plus taxes, at Ticketmaster.com.
Stream the WNBA All-Star Game on ESPN+
Our team of savvy editors independently handpicks all recommendations. If you purchase through our links, the USA Today Network may earn a commission. Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.
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