Colts GM Chris Ballard Blasts Ex-NFL Players Seeking 5th College Year
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Sep 2
Colts GM Chris Ballard Blasts Ex-NFL Players Seeking 5th College Year
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Sep 2
Summary
Chris Ballard called the idea of former NFL players returning to college “the stupidest s--- I’ve ever heard,” rejecting any support for Colts players seeking another NCAA season.
The dispute centers on athletes fighting in court for a fifth year of eligibility, even after spending time on professional rosters.
SEC and Big Ten rules currently bar players who have appeared on pro rosters from returning to college football, putting the challenge directly against conference policy.
A Thursday hearing in Baton Rouge will examine the SEC’s ban, with LSU tied to the broader controversy after bringing in players who had previously signed with NFL teams.
With the NFL threatening a 2026 ban on returning players, will the gamble for college glory permanently end their pro careers?
Could the SEC’s extreme financial penalties for fielding former pro players trigger the ultimate collapse of NCAA eligibility rules?
As former pros flood college rosters through court orders, is the traditional boundary between amateur athletics and professional football gone forever?