Indianapolis, IN

‘Scariest time of my life’: Why Bengals-Colts game just means more to the Kelly family

Published

1 year ago

December 8, 2023

‘Scariest time of my life’: Why Bengals-Colts game just means more to the Kelly family

Editor’s note: Emma Kelly, the wife of Indianapolis Colts center Ryan, joined the Bengals Beat Podcast this week ahead of Sunday’s game to discuss the emotions of returning to Cincinnati, her and her husband’s journey through still birth, IVF (In vitro fertilization) and the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) process. For more of the conversation, this podcast episode is available wherever you get your podcasts.

This is a big weekend in the Kelly household.

Indianapolis Colts center Ryan Kelly and his wife, Emma, are returning to Cincinnati with grateful hearts and with a newfound perspective on life.

Emma and Ryan attended high school at Lakota West and grew up five minutes from one another. They spend a lot of time in Cincinnati in during the NFL offseason as both of their families still live in West Chester Township.

But this weekend is different because of who is joining them in Cincinnati.

For the first time since they were born, Ford and Duke Kelly, will be visiting the hometown of their parents as Ryan and the Indianapolis Colts are set to take on the Bengals on Sunday at Paycor Stadium. Both of their families will be in attendance as will their two miracle sons, with their unborn daughter, Mary Kate watching from above.

Whenever the Colts play the Bengals it’s always special for Ryan – who grew up a Bengals fan – but this one is different.

“He’s playing for a lot this week,” Emma said.

The story of Mary Kate Kelly

Emma and Ryan first found out they were pregnant with their first child in the summer of 2021. At the time, HBO was filming its wildly popular “Hard Knocks” show that follows an NFL team around during training camp. When HBO found out the Kellys were pregnant, they wanted to share their story with the world.

With the cameras rolling, the Kellys and Mark and Alexis Glowinski, another couple on the offensive line for the Colts held a gender reveal inside Lucas Oil Stadium. Emma and Ryan stood on the field looking up at the video board awaiting the news. Emma, with her eyes closed, opened them to find out they were having a girl, what they always dreamed of.

“Baby Kelly is a Girl!”

Emma and Ryan were over the moon.

A few months later after getting through the most challenging part of a pregnancy for most women, Emma was feeling good. Until one day, Emma noticed a little bleeding. She wasn’t overly worried about the small amount of blood. What she became worried about was that she couldn’t feel Mary Kate moving.

Emma went to the hospital where she found out – at just shy of 20 weeks – that Mary Kate’s heart wasn’t beating. She would have to undergo a still birth where she was in labor for 36 hours.

“It’s so isolating… it was the scariest time in my entire life,” Emma told The Enquirer.

This was all going on during the NFL season. Indianapolis was about to host the New England Patriots in a few days and the Colts announced Ryan would be out for the game due to personal reasons.

Emma received a lot of discomforting messages about Ryan’s absence so to ensure the couple had the space they needed and time to grieve, Emma shared an update on what happened.

The Colts went on to win the game and in the locker room as the team celebrated, the owner of the team, Jim Irsay, did something that Emma and Ryan will never forget.

A tradition in the NFL following wins is to give out game balls to celebrate a player, coach or staff member for their role in the win. Irsay dedicated a game ball to Ryan and Emma Kelly.

The video was captured by the Colts and put on social media and went viral. Because of what “Hard Knocks” showed and Emma’s decision to go public with the information of what happened, the Kellys story was well known in the NFL circles.

Emma and Ryan received an outpouring of support and have chosen to be advocates for talking about still births and miscarriages.

“By sharing our story, we learned very quickly that we weren’t alone at all. I also realized that people needed this community. While there was still a community, there was still a lot of missing dots. People want to talk about this, but they just didn’t know how. The world still isn’t talking about it the way they should. It’s horrible. While it’s very painful and uncomfortable, we need to talk about it. We need to support those going through it.

Meet Ford and Duke Kelly

Emma and Ryan Kelly were finally ready to try again. The couple was unable to conceive naturally for close to a year. Emma didn’t understand why she couldn’t get pregnant again.

Her doctor told her she should try IVF. Emma was reluctant at first and felt like a failure in a way for not being able to conceive naturally. She finally got over that hurdle and the couple “went for two” as she likes to say because that’s one of her favorite football terms.

On Jan. 19, Emma snuck into the bathroom to take a pregnancy test, the day before she was supposed to see her doctor for her results from the first round of IVF. She wasn’t supposed to do this but couldn’t wait any longer.

And the test showed what she calls the faintest second line. She was pregnant with twins. She ran out of the bathroom crying to show Ryan the test and the couple held on to one another for a long time.“That was the beginning of the best and hardest journey for us,” Emma said.

She went on to have a rough first trimester where she was on bed rest. She had something called a subchorionic hematoma which involved a lot of “scary bleeding.”

Emma and Ryan were able to get through the first trimester, but little did they know, that wasn’t going to be the most challenging part of their journey.

The couple went to Nashville, Tenn. for a wedding in June. This was going to be the final trip the couple made before the babies came.

On June 23, just a few hours before the wedding, Emma started having contractions and was having several symptoms of pre-term labor. How could this be?

She was able to get to 27 weeks – the start of her third trimester – when she was able to deliver her twins, Ford and Duke, on June 27. All the while the head of fetal medicine told her, if your boys make it, be prepared to be here for six months with them in the NICU.

“I’m back to that hospital bed in Indianapolis all over again,” Emma said. “What do you mean, six months? That’s not possible, my husband’s season starts in one. We have to be home.”

Ford and Duke spent 85 days in the NICU with Emma spending 12 hours a day at the hospital. After 90 days, the Kellys were finally able to go home to Indianapolis.

On Sept. 25, the Kellys returned to their home. Irsay and the Colts offered to fly the family home from Nashville as soon as they learned what happened.

Emma is happy to share that Ford and Duke are fully healthy and the family is doing great.

‘I’m so proud of Ryan and I for getting through that,” Emma reflected. “I can’t believe I’m sitting here telling you that I have twin baby boys that are here right now getting ready to watch their dad on Sunday at our hometown stadium after everything we just went through.”

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Indianapolis, IN

How much snow is Indianapolis going to get Friday? What to know

Published

1 hour ago

December 20, 2024

Press Room

How much snow is Indianapolis going to get Friday? What to know

Snow is expected to fall around Indianapolis for a couple of hours after what started as a light rain early Friday morning turned into light snow showers about 10 a.m.

Central Indianapolis can expect up to an inch of accumulation, which could make for slick roads.

Meteorologists with NWS Indianapolis expect the snow to taper off around 1 to 2 p.m., with temperatures remaining in the lower 30s and dropping into the upper 20s this evening.

The NWS Indianapolis is also warning drivers to be careful this afternoon once the snowfall begins to end.

“It could result in some slippery surfaces through the afternoon,” meteorologist Jason Puma said — especially on untreated roads.

Will it snow for tonight’s IU vs. Notre Dame game?

For anyone wondering if tonight’s Battle for Indiana will be blessed with snow?

Meteorologists believe that tonight’s game will most likely not be snowy, but there is a chance light snow showers could periodically fall over Notre Dame Stadium.

“By that time the precipitation should move out of the area, so I wouldn’t expect a lot of snow going on during the course of the game in South Bend,” Puma said.

“It certainly will be cloudy and colder. There could be some light showers and flurries in the area, but we’re not expecting a big snow.”

Either way, the College Football Playoff’s first round will be worth a watch as it will be the first time in over 30 years Indiana football and Notre Dame have faced off.

Indianapolis and Indiana road conditions

Drivers can stay up to date on information about local road conditions by visiting the Indiana Department of Transportation online portal at 511in.org. The website features real-time traffic conditions, alerts and hazards. Viewers also can check traffic cameras and see where road crews are active.

Weather Map

Weather info you need

🚨 Indiana Weather Alerts: Warnings, Watches and Advisories.

⚡ Indiana power outage map: How to check your status.

💻 Internet outages: How to track them.

🚫 What you should and shouldn’t do when the power is out.

🐶 Your neighbor left their pet outside. Who you should call.

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Indianapolis, IN

NFL Week 16 predictions, expert picks: Tennessee Titans vs Indianapolis Colts

Published

9 hours ago

December 20, 2024

Press Room

NFL Week 16 predictions, expert picks: Tennessee Titans vs Indianapolis Colts

The Indianapolis Colts host the Tennessee Titans in NFL Week 16 action as the Colts cling to slim AFC playoff hopes.

Both teams are coming off dispiriting losses. The Colts (6-8) made two huge blunders (here, here) in a disastrous second half against the Denver Broncos. The Titans (3-11) switched quarterbacks as they lost to the Cincinnati Bengals.

The Colts beat the Titans 20-17 in Week 6, but each team’s quarterback will be different this time around.

Want more Colts coverage? Nate Atkins, Joel A. Erickson and Gregg Doyel track the team all season, and sign up for IndyStar’s Colts newsletter.

NFL Week 16 expert picks, predictions: Indianapolis Colts vs Tennessee Titans

Nate Atkins, IndyStar: Titans 20-17

“The Colts are coming off a heartbreaking loss to the Broncos that erased a clear lane to make the playoffs. That emotional toll will show up on Sunday in a subdued home atmosphere as the Titans come out swinging to prove they’re not the soft team they’ve been accused of lately.”

Joel A. Erickson, IndyStar: Colts 20-16

“Tennessee’s not as much of a wild card with Will Levis on the bench, but the Titans still have one of the NFL’s worst offenses with Mason Rudolph at the helm. The Colts have generally taken care of bad teams this season outside of cursed locations like Jacksonville.”

Gregg Doyel, IndyStar: Colts, no problem

“Colts aren’t very good, but the Titans are a whole other level of bad. Colts win. Won’t be close.”

Pete Prisco, CBS Sports: Colts 24-17

“The Colts are alive in the playoff race − barely. The Titans are done and might be making a quarterback change. The Colts did some good things in losing to the Broncos last week in a game they should have won. They bounce back here. Colts take it.”

Brent Sobleski, Bleacher Report: Titans 22-21

“The well-coached and feisty team that head coach Shane Steichen fielded last season has devolved to the point where a series of blunders now defines its current status. None of this even includes the continuing development of quarterback Anthony Richardson, whose ups and downs are so drastic that a bouncing bumble can be overwhelmed.”

Bill Bender, Sporting News: Colts 21-18

“These teams combined for 11 turnovers last week. Will Levis committed four turnovers in Week 15, and Mason Rudolph was not much better. The Colts committed five turnovers in their loss to Denver. Anthony Richardson had two interceptions. This one literally comes down to who protects the football, and it feels like a one-score game either way.”

Vic Tafur, The Athletic: Titans cover the spread

“The Colts were cruising to a victory last week when Jonathan Taylor dropped the ball before scoring a touchdown, and it was the first of a series of unforced errors. Their playoff chances took a big hit with the loss, though it would have been hard to make it the way Anthony Richardson is throwing the ball. Story time: The stats dudes started charting inaccurate throws in 2000. There have been 777 quarterbacks who have thrown at least 250 passes in a season. At 17.7 percent, Richardson comes in at No. 776. But he will be playing Sunday. The Titans’ Levis will not, being benched Wednesday for Mason Rudolph. Does it matter? Nah. The Titans will be able to run the ball better than the Colts, when you look at the defenses, and would have lost by a field goal and covered with Levis, too.”

Gerry Dulac, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Colts 26-16

“The Colts need more help than a cat in a roomful of rocking chairs to make the postseason, but they will continue to cling to those hopes as long as St. Elmo continues to make the best shrimp cocktail. By the way, do you need reminded the Colts beat the Steelers earlier this season?”

Mike Florio, Pro Football Talk: Titans 24-21

“The air went out of Indy’s balloons when Jonathan Taylor dropped the ball short of the goal line. Throw in Tennessee coach Brian Callahan’s epic rant in response to a question about the team being soft, and it’s just enough for the Titans to get another win.”

Dan Parr, NFL.com: Colts 24-21

“Here we have two teams that bungled their way to a combined 11 turnovers in their double-digit defeats last week. Sunday’s meeting will probably be at least a little less messy because the Titans made a change at quarterback − benching the giveaway-plagued Will Levis for Mason Rudolph − and I don’t think Jonathan Taylor will ever let go of the ball like he did last week. The unfortunate thing for Tennessee fans is they have already seen this movie and the ending still left a lot to be desired. When Rudolph started three contests earlier this season, he threw at least one INT in each outing and the Titans averaged 14.7 points per game, which is 4.4 points fewer than they average in Levis’ starts. Who will play the cleaner game? I don’t have much confidence that Anthony Richardson is up to the challenge, with four picks in his last two games, but Indianapolis has taken care of business against sub-.500 teams (5-1) and the defense allowed a season-low 3.2 yards per play to go along with three INTs last week. I’m grasping at straws and taking the home team.”

Colts-Titans betting odds

via BetMGM

Favorite: Colts by 3.5 points

Colts are 8-6 against the spread, failing to cover in five of their past six games; the Titans are 2-12 ATS.

Over/under: 42.5 total points

Six Colts games have gone over, seven under, and last weekend’s game was a push; eight Titans games have gone over, six under (three of the last four have gone over).

Moneyline: Colts -190, Titans +155

When do the Colts play the Titans in NFL Week 16?

1 p.m. ET Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis

How to watch Colts vs Titans in NFL Week 16

CBS, with Tom McCarthy (play-by-play), and Ross Tucker and Jay Feely (analysis).

How to stream, watch Titans-Colts game for NFL Week 16

The Colts-Broncos matchup will stream on Paramount+ at 1 p.m. ET Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024. The app is available in the Apple App Store or on Google Play. Fans can also download NFL+ in the Apple App Store or on Google Play.

How to listen to NFL Week 16 Titans-Colts game on radio, streaming

Radio: 93.5, 97.1, 107.5 FM in Indianapolis, with Matt Taylor (play-by-play), Rick Venturi (analysis) and Larra Overton (sideline reporting)

Streaming: SiriusXM Channels 231 and 813

What a deal!: Watch Colts-Titans on Fubo

Colts-Titans common opponents

The Colts (4-7) beat the Chicago Bears, Miami Dolphins, New York Jets and New England Patriots, and have lost to the Houston Texans twice, as well as the Jacksonville Jaguars, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Detroit Lions and Buffalo Bills.

The Titans (3-7) beat the Dolphins, Patriots and Texans, and have lost to the Bears, Jets, Packers, Bills, Lions, Vikings and Jaguars.

Colts-Titans at Lucas Oil Stadium

At Lucas Oil Stadium: Tickets start at $23 on StubHub

Colts 2024 schedule

all times ET

Sept. 8: Texans 29, Colts 27

Sept. 15: Packers 16, Colts 10

Sept. 22: Colts 21, Bears 16

Sept. 29: Colts 27, Steelers 24

Oct. 6: Jaguars 37, Colts 34

Oct. 13: Colts 20, Titans 17

Oct. 20: Colts 16, Dolphins 10

Oct. 27: Texans 23, Colts 20

Nov. 3: Vikings 21, Colts 13

Nov. 10: Bills 30, Colts 20

Nov. 17: Colts 28, Jets 27

Nov. 24: Lions 24, Colts 6

Dec. 1: Colts 25, Patriots 24

Dec. 15: Broncos 31, Colts 13

Dec. 22: vs. Tennessee, 1 p.m., CBS

Dec. 29: at N.Y. Giants, 1 p.m., Fox

Jan. 5: vs. Jacksonville, TBD

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Indianapolis, IN

Colts’ Superstar Sounds Off on Anthony Richardson

Published

16 hours ago

December 19, 2024

Press Room

Colts’ Superstar Sounds Off on Anthony Richardson

It’s been a whirlwind of a season for second-year Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson, as he’s been tasked with navigating through the trials and tribulations that a young, developmental signal caller faces at the NFL level.

However, through the steep turbulence the Colts and Richardson suffered early on in the season, it’s been clear that the players in the locker room have had his back during the process– especially the Colts’ veteran leader, DeForest Buckner.

Ahead of the Colts’ dire battle against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Buckner sounded off on how he’s tried to help Richardson throughout his roller-coaster second season pro, per Kevin Bowen of 107.5 The Fan:

“Him being a young player and the stage that he’s on and the pressure that he has, I can’t relate to that. I’m not a quarterback,” Buckner said. “I can relate to it as a former first-round pick, being a team’s first pick, having all these high expectations for the guy and coming in, and that type of pressure. But also, he is essentially the franchise quarterback, the guy that they brought in to be the guy to lead this team, the city, to wins.”

The first half of the season was far from Richardson’s best. During his six games as QB1 before being benched for poor performance, he had a 44.6% completion rate, a 4-7 touchdown-interception ratio, and paired it with an ugly six fumbles lost. It placed Joe Flacco in line to start for a short two-game stint before ultimately seeing Richardson back in line under center.

Yet, throughout such a shaky time in Richardson’s early career, Buckner made sure to have his signal caller’s back, trying to throw a bit of advice his way as one of the most prominent leaders of this Colts roster.

“I just felt I needed to speak up and tell him how I felt,” Buckner continued. “Even though he was benched, I still believe, and [the team] also believed he needs to know that, especially as a young player. But also know that the standard wasn’t being met and that he needs to pick it up. I feel like he responded well to that.”

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In his four games back from his benching, things haven’t been perfect, but Richardson has shown some positive strides in the right direction.

He’s led two game-winning drives during the Colts’ two wins across that stretch, emerged as one of the top rushing threats at quarterback in the NFL, and continues to showcase a couple of explosive moments on a week-to-week basis. Despite coming out of the gates for this season a bit rattled, Richardson has taken the criticism and gotten back on track.

“He’s shown the team on a consistent basis that he’s all in for the team,” Buckner stated. “He’ll do whatever it takes for the team to get these wins and to be the best player he can be. I’ve been very proud of him for everything that he’s done so far, and just the way he responded, really, that’s the biggest thing.”

“A lot of guys say they want to be great, and when when you get criticism from your peers or coaches, some young guys tend to get defensive with little things,” Buckner said. “But he just took it, he ran with it, learned from it and grew. So I’m just proud that he’s grown so far.”

Richardson will have another opportunity to show some forward progress in the Colts’ upcoming home bout on Sunday vs. the Titans, where Indianapolis hopes to sweep their division rival for the second-straight season.

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