SAD NEWS: Colts Fans Shed Tears and Send Prayers for Jonathan Taylor’s Father After Heartbreaking Announcement
In a heartbreaking announcement, Indianapolis Colts fans and the wider NFL community have rallied around star running back Jonathan Taylor after his family shared devastating news regarding his father’s health.
Today, Taylor’s family made a public statement revealing that his father is battling a severe illness. While the specifics of the condition have not been disclosed, the news has left fans, teammates, and the entire Colts organization shaken, with many offering their heartfelt prayers and support during this difficult time.
Jonathan Taylor, known for his explosive running style and his leadership on the field, has established himself as one of the top running backs in the NFL. Yet, it is off the field where his true character has shone, as Taylor has always been known for his humility and dedication to his family. Now, in his greatest time of need, his focus is entirely on supporting his father through this unimaginable challenge.
The news has prompted an outpouring of support from across the football world. Fans, coaches, and teammates have flooded social media with messages of encouragement for Taylor and his family, showing just how much he is respected both as a player and as a person. While the focus has been on Taylor’s impressive on-field performances, it is clear that his love for his family transcends everything else.
As he faces this personal crisis, Taylor has expressed gratitude for the love and prayers he has received, stating, “My family is everything to me. I’m focused on being there for my father and my family. I appreciate all the support, love, and prayers from my teammates, the Colts organization, and all the fans who have stood by me during this time. It means the world to us.”
Though Taylor will understandably be absent from the field as he prioritizes his father’s health, his absence will not be without the support of the entire Colts community. Fans understand that in times like these, the well-being of family must come first.
Our thoughts, prayers, and deepest condolences go out to Jonathan Taylor and his family. We stand with them in this challenging time, and we know that the strength of the NFL community will help them through this difficult journey. The football world is sending all its love.
Should Yankees Have Short Leash With Austin Wells?
When Austin Wells took over for the All-Star and platinum glove defender, Jose Trevino, in 2024, it looked like the Yankees were getting a solid everyday catcher. Wells' bat had thump, which is rare for the position, and on top of that, Wells ended up being a better defensive catcher than expected.
Wells had a 12 Fielding Run Value, according to Baseball Savant in 2024. He had 11 in 2025.
Great Defense but a Disappointing Bat
The big surprise with Wells was that, while his defense is up to par, his bat hasn't lived up to expectations. Wells had 21 home runs but hit .219/.275/.436. His limp at-bat in game four of the American League Division Series perfectly encapsulated Wells' season.
With closer Jeff Hoffman on the ropes and the bases loaded, Wells flew out on the first pitch. It was a splitter on the outer corner of the plate. The ball came off Wells' bat at 95.7 MPH and found the glove of Myles Straw in left field. It was the last ounce of fight the Yankees had left before they would be eliminated an inning later.
The one positive of Wells' season was that he had a 3 WAR according to Fangraphs. Wells was one of three catchers in the American League with at least a 3 WAR. The others were Cal Raleigh, Alejandro Kirk, Dillon Dingler, and Shea Langeliers. That value was based primarily on his defense, though, because his 94 wRC+ is that of a below league-average bat.
The Future of the Catcher Position for the Yankees
While Wells was never the prospect Anthony Volpe was, the two are both first-round picks and came with their own hype. Despite the organization's plans for its young infielders, both were benched at various points this season. Ben Rice replaced Wells, and Volpe watched as Jose Caballero took reps at shortstop in September.
Their benchings marked a change of pace for the Yankees, especially in the case of Volpe. What they showed is that if a player struggles without any signs of coming out of it, their job is not guaranteed. Rice may not have the defensive prowess of Wells, but he moved the chains enough for the Yankees to get through the 2025 season. Eventually, Wells did get his job back and finished the season strong, but the fact remains that if he doesn't produce, he will lose his spot.
The big question will be what the Yankees will do if Wells struggles again. The free agent options aren't great.
The best free agent is JT Realmuto. Realmuto is 34 years old and was a negative defender by Fielding Run Value. He had a -6 on the season, and his bat isn't an upgrade either. He, too, had a 94 wRC+. His 2.1 WAR, according to Fangraphs, was also a downgrade from Wells.
The best course of action may be to give him the starting job in 2026 and, if he struggles, hand it back to Rice. Wells is still a year away from being arbitration eligible and won't be a free agent until 2030. They won't get their answer in free agency, and unless they can swing a trade, the answer doesn't seem so apparent right now.
