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Changing short description from "NFL American football Executive." to "NFL American football executive"
 
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{{short description|American football executive|bot=PearBOT 5}}
{{Short description|NFL American football executive}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2019}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2019}}
{{Infobox NFL biography
{{Infobox NFL biography
| name = Chris Ballard
| name = Chris Ballard
| image =
| image = Chris Ballard.png
| image_size =
| image_size =
| alt =
| alt =
| caption = Ballard at the 2017 NFL Scouting Combine.
| caption = Ballard in 2020
| current_team = Indianapolis Colts
| current_team = Indianapolis Colts
| position = [[General manager]]
| position = [[General manager (American football)|General manager]]
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1969|6|24}}<ref name="FamSearch">{{cite web|url=https://www.familysearch.org/search/search/record/results?count=20&query=%2Bgivenname%3AChristopher~%20%2Bsurname%3ABallard~%20%2Bbirth_place%3A%22Galveston%2C%20Texas%22~%20%2Bbirth_year%3A1969-1969~|title=Birth reference results for Christopher (Rob) Ballard|work=FamilySearch.org|access-date=January 20, 2018}}</ref><ref name="Birth">Birth reference data from intelus.com|access-date=January 20, 2018}}</ref>
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1969|6|24}}<ref name="FamSearch">{{cite web|url=https://www.familysearch.org/search/search/record/results?count=20&query=%2Bgivenname%3AChristopher~%20%2Bsurname%3ABallard~%20%2Bbirth_place%3A%22Galveston%2C%20Texas%22~%20%2Bbirth_year%3A1969-1969~|title=Birth reference results for Christopher (Rob) Ballard|work=FamilySearch.org|access-date=January 20, 2018}}</ref><ref name="Birth">Birth reference data from intelus.com|access-date=January 20, 2018}}</ref>
| birth_place = [[Galveston, Texas|Galveston]], [[Texas]], [[United States|U.S.]]
| birth_place = [[Galveston, Texas]], U.S.
| death_date =
| death_date =
| death_place =
| death_place =
Line 16: Line 16:
| college = [[University of Wisconsin–Madison]]
| college = [[University of Wisconsin–Madison]]
| pastcoaching =
| pastcoaching =
* [[Texas A&M-Kingsville]] (1994)<br />Wide receivers coach
* [[Texas A&M–Kingsville Javelinas football|Texas A&M-Kingsville]] (1994)<br />Wide receivers coach
* Texas A&M-Kingsville (1995–1998)<br />Secondary coach
* Texas A&M-Kingsville (1995–1998)<br />Secondary coach
* Texas A&M–Kingsville (1999)<br />Defensive coordinator & secondary coach
* Texas A&M–Kingsville (1999)<br />Defensive coordinator & secondary coach
⚫
| pastadmin =
* [[Chicago Bears]] ({{nfly|2001}}–{{nfly|2011}})<br />Southwest Area scout
⚫
* Chicago Bears ({{nfly|2012}})<br />Director of pro scouting
| pastexecutive =
| pastexecutive =
* [[Kansas City Chiefs]] ({{nfly|2013}}–{{nfly|2014}})<br />Director of player personnel
* [[Chicago Bears]] ({{nfly|2001|2011}})<br />Scout
* Kansas City Chiefs ({{nfly|2015}}–{{nfly|2016}})<br />Director of football operations
* Chicago Bears ({{nfly|2012}})<br />Director of pro scouting
⚫
* [[Kansas City Chiefs]] ({{nfly|2013|2014}})<br />Director of player personnel
* Kansas City Chiefs ({{nfly|2015|2016}})<br />Director of football operations
* [[Indianapolis Colts]] ({{nfly|2017}}–present)<br />General manager
* [[Indianapolis Colts]] ({{nfly|2017}}–present)<br />General manager
| highlights =
| highlights =
* [[Pro Football Writers Association]] Executive of the Year (2018)
* [[PFWA]] Executive of the Year (2018)
⚫
| pfrexec = BallCh0
}}
}}
'''Christopher R. Ballard''' (born June 24, 1969) is an [[American football]] executive, currently serving as the [[general manager]] for the [[Indianapolis Colts]] of the [[National Football League]] (NFL).<ref name="Holder, Stephen">{{cite web|title=Colts hire Chris Ballard as general manager|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/colts/2017/01/29/chris-ballard-hired-indianapolis-general-manager/97222044/|work=USA Today|author=Holder, Stephen|date=January 29, 2017|accessdate=January 30, 2017}}</ref><ref name="Orr, Conor">{{cite web|title=Indianapolis Colts name Chris Ballard general manager|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000780428/article/indianapolis-colts-name-chris-ballard-general-manager|publisher=NFL|author=Orr, Conor|date=January 29, 2017|accessdate=January 30, 2017}}</ref> Before joining the Colts, Ballard was an executive for the [[Kansas City Chiefs]], where he most recently served as the Director of Football Operations,<ref name="KC Chiefs Promotions">{{cite web|title=Chiefs Announce Player Personnel Staff Promotions|url=http://www.chiefs.com/news/article-2/Chiefs-Announce-Player-Personnel-Staff-Promotions/7e4e49a3-43a1-4383-83b4-e00422a758a6|publisher=Kansas City Chiefs|date=May 29, 2015|accessdate=January 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202044800/http://www.chiefs.com/news/article-2/Chiefs-Announce-Player-Personnel-Staff-Promotions/7e4e49a3-43a1-4383-83b4-e00422a758a6|archive-date=February 2, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Paylor, Terez">{{cite web|title=Chiefs' Chris Ballard leaving to become Colts' GM|url=http://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article129519039.html|work=Kansas City Star|author=Paylor, Terez A.|date=January 29, 2017|accessdate=January 30, 2017}}</ref> was a scout for the [[Chicago Bears]], and served in various coaching roles at [[Texas A&M University–Kingsville]].<ref name="Newell, Nat">{{cite web|title=5 things to know about new Colts GM Chris Ballard|url=http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nfl/colts/2017/01/29/5-things-know-new-colts-gm-chris-ballard/97222770/|publisher=Indy Star|author=Newell, Nat|date=January 29, 2017|accessdate=January 30, 2017}}</ref><ref name="Ferrin, Reid">{{cite web|title=Chris Ballard Hired as Director of Player Personnel|url=http://www.chiefs.com/news/article-2/Chris-Ballard-Hired-as-Director-of-Player-Personnel/705f581b-5f35-4497-960e-f2c0b3cc0716|publisher=Kansas City Chiefs|author=Ferrin, Reid|date=May 7, 2013|accessdate=January 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170129091603/http://www.chiefs.com/news/article-2/Chris-Ballard-Hired-as-Director-of-Player-Personnel/705f581b-5f35-4497-960e-f2c0b3cc0716|archive-date=January 29, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
'''Christopher R. Ballard''' (born June 24, 1969) is an American professional [[American football|football]] executive who is the [[General manager (American football)|general manager]] for the [[Indianapolis Colts]] of the [[National Football League]] (NFL). Before joining the Colts, Ballard was an executive for the [[Kansas City Chiefs]], where he most recently served as the director of football operations,<ref name="KC Chiefs Promotions">{{cite web|title=Chiefs Announce Player Personnel Staff Promotions|url=http://www.chiefs.com/news/article-2/Chiefs-Announce-Player-Personnel-Staff-Promotions/7e4e49a3-43a1-4383-83b4-e00422a758a6|publisher=Kansas City Chiefs|date=May 29, 2015|accessdate=January 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202044800/http://www.chiefs.com/news/article-2/Chiefs-Announce-Player-Personnel-Staff-Promotions/7e4e49a3-43a1-4383-83b4-e00422a758a6|archive-date=February 2, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Paylor, Terez">{{cite web|title=Chiefs' Chris Ballard leaving to become Colts' GM|url=http://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article129519039.html|work=Kansas City Star|author=Paylor, Terez A.|date=January 29, 2017|accessdate=January 30, 2017}}</ref> was a scout for the [[Chicago Bears]], and served in various coaching roles at [[Texas A&M University–Kingsville]].<ref name="Newell, Nat">{{cite web|title=5 things to know about new Colts GM Chris Ballard|url=http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nfl/colts/2017/01/29/5-things-know-new-colts-gm-chris-ballard/97222770/|publisher=Indy Star|author=Newell, Nat|date=January 29, 2017|accessdate=January 30, 2017}}</ref><ref name="Ferrin, Reid">{{cite web|title=Chris Ballard Hired as Director of Player Personnel|url=http://www.chiefs.com/news/article-2/Chris-Ballard-Hired-as-Director-of-Player-Personnel/705f581b-5f35-4497-960e-f2c0b3cc0716|publisher=Kansas City Chiefs|author=Ferrin, Reid|date=May 7, 2013|accessdate=January 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170129091603/http://www.chiefs.com/news/article-2/Chris-Ballard-Hired-as-Director-of-Player-Personnel/705f581b-5f35-4497-960e-f2c0b3cc0716|archive-date=January 29, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>


== Early life ==
== Early life ==
Ballard was born in [[Galveston, Texas]]. Growing up a severe asthmatic in [[Texas]], as well as [[Wisconsin]], Ballard's parents reluctantly let him play football at a young age. He was a star quarterback in high school.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news|url=https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nfl/colts/2017/07/23/making-indianapolis-colts-gm-chris-ballard/490014001/ |title=The making of Chris Ballard|work=Indianapolis Star|access-date=November 11, 2017|language=en}}</ref> Ballard's favorite NFL team was once the [[Pittsburgh Steelers]]; his favorite player was [[Terry Bradshaw]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/chi-bears-chris-ballard-gm-trivia-20150107-story.html |title=8 things you should know about Chris Ballard|last=Goldstein|first=Steven|work=Chicago Tribune|access-date=November 11, 2017|language=en-US}}</ref>
Ballard was born in [[Galveston, Texas]]. Growing up a severe asthmatic in [[Texas]], as well as [[Wisconsin]], Ballard's parents reluctantly let him play football at a young age. He was a star quarterback in high school at Texas City High School.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news|url=https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nfl/colts/2017/07/23/making-indianapolis-colts-gm-chris-ballard/490014001/ |title=The making of Chris Ballard|work=Indianapolis Star|access-date=November 11, 2017|language=en}}</ref> Ballard's favorite NFL team was once the [[Pittsburgh Steelers]]; his favorite player was [[Terry Bradshaw]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/chi-bears-chris-ballard-gm-trivia-20150107-story.html |title=8 things you should know about Chris Ballard|last=Goldstein|first=Steven|work=Chicago Tribune|access-date=November 11, 2017|language=en-US}}</ref>


Ballard attended the University of Wisconsin, and switched his position to wide receiver during his freshman year.<ref name=":2" />
Ballard attended the [[University of Wisconsin–Madison]] and switched his position to wide receiver as a freshman.<ref name=":2" /> He suffered knee injuries and was forced to retire from playing during his senior year at Wisconsin, working as a student assistant in the aftermath.<ref name=MG24>Hayden Clark, ''et al.,'' (eds.), ''2024 Media Guide.'' Indianapolis, IN: Indianapolis Colts, Inc., 2024; unpaginated [p. 17].</ref> He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1993.<ref name=MG24 />


== Career ==
== Career ==


=== Early career ===
=== Early career ===
After college, Ballard became a history teacher for [[Hitchcock Junior High]] while also contributing to their football program. After a referral from Hitchcock's head coach, Ballard was interviewed by [[Ron Harms]] of Texas A&M-Kingsville for the position of receivers coach.<ref name=":2" />
After college, Ballard became a history teacher for Hitchcock Junior High while also contributing to their football program. After a referral from Hitchcock's head coach, Ballard joined the [[Texas A&M–Kingsville Javelinas football]] team coaching wide receivers in 1994.<ref name=":2" /> He would remain for seven seasons on the staff of Javelinas head coach [[Ron Harms]], taking over as secondary coach in 1995 and mentoring future NFL players [[Floyd Young]] and [[Al Harris (cornerback)|Al Harris]].<ref name=MG24 />

=== Texas A&M–Kingsville ===
Ballard got the job to coach at [[Texas A&M University–Kingsville|Texas A&M–Kingsville]]. In one practice session, Ballard broke his collarbone while training the receivers in a blocking drill. Ballard later coached the secondary and defense.<ref name=":2" />


=== Chicago Bears ===
=== Chicago Bears ===
⚫
In 2001, Ballard joined the [[Chicago Bears]]' scouting department. It was during this time that he declined a job offer to run first-year coach [[Art Briles]]' secondary at the [[University of Houston]].<ref name=":2" /> Ballard contributed to Chicago's success in the twelve years he was there. In 2012, he received a promotion to director of pro scouting. Ballard would only remain in this position for one season before moving to the Kansas City Chiefs.<ref name=":2" /> During his time with the Bears, he was said to be involved with many acquisitions such as [[Matt Forte]], [[Johnny Knox]], [[Brandon Marshall]], and [[Martellus Bennett]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=http://www.theindychannel.com/sports/colts/colts-hire-chris-ballard-as-new-general-manager|title=Colts hire Chris Ballard as new General Manager|last=O'Keefe|first=PJ|date=January 30, 2017|work=RTV6|access-date=November 11, 2017|language=en-US}}</ref>
Ballard jumped for the opportunity to join [[Jerry Angelo]]'s scouting staff for the [[Chicago Bears]] in the [[2001 NFL season|2001 season]]. It was during this time that he declined a job offer to run first-year coach [[Art Briles]]' secondary at the [[University of Houston]].<ref name=":2" />

Ballard contributed to Chicago's success in the twelve years he was there. In 2012, he received a promotion to become Chicago's Director of Professional Scouting. Ballard would only remain in this position for one season before moving to the Kansas City Chiefs.<ref name=":2" />

⚫
During his time with the Chicago Bears, Ballard was said to be involved with many acquisitions such as [[Matt Forte]], [[Johnny Knox]], [[Brandon Marshall]], and [[Martellus Bennett]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=http://www.theindychannel.com/sports/colts/colts-hire-chris-ballard-as-new-general-manager|title=Colts hire Chris Ballard as new General Manager|last=O'Keefe|first=PJ|date=January 30, 2017|work=RTV6|access-date=November 11, 2017|language=en-US}}</ref>


=== Kansas City Chiefs ===
=== Kansas City Chiefs ===
Prior to the [[2013 NFL season|2013 season]], Ballard joined the [[Kansas City Chiefs]] as Director of Player Personnel, the position he remained in until the conclusion of the [[2014 NFL season|2014 season]] in which he received a promotion to become the Director of Football Operations.<ref name=":2" />
Prior to the [[2013 NFL season|2013 season]], Ballard joined the [[Kansas City Chiefs]] as director of player personnel, the position he remained in until the conclusion of the [[2014 NFL season|2014 season]] in which he received a promotion to become the director of football operations.<ref name=":2" /> He remained with the Chiefs until the conclusion of the [[2016 NFL season|2016 regular season]]. While with the [[Kansas City Chiefs]], Ballard was involved in drafting [[Pro Bowl|Pro-Bowlers]] [[Travis Kelce]], [[Tyreek Hill]], and [[Marcus Peters]].<ref name=":1" />

He remained with the Chiefs until the conclusion of the [[2016 NFL season|2016 regular season]]. While with the [[Kansas City Chiefs]], Ballard was involved in drafting [[Pro Bowl|Pro-Bowlers]] [[Travis Kelce]], [[Tyreek Hill]], and [[Marcus Peters]].<ref name=":1" />


=== Indianapolis Colts ===
=== Indianapolis Colts ===
⚫
In the midst of the [[2016–17 NFL playoffs|2016 NFL Playoffs]], Ballard was introduced as the new general manager of the [[Indianapolis Colts]].<ref name=":1" /> The Colts would have a [[2017 Indianapolis Colts season|losing record]] in Ballard's first season as their GM.<ref name=":2" /> Prior to his second season, the Colts fired head coach [[Chuck Pagano]]. Despite the Colts announcing that they had signed [[New England Patriots]] offensive coordinator [[Josh McDaniels]], McDaniels unexpectedly withdrew from the agreement in principle.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/02/07/josh-mcdaniels-colts-patriots-coach-legal-fallout|title=Will There Be Any Legal Fallout for Josh McDaniels, Colts?|first=Michael|last=McCann|magazine=Sports Illustrated}}</ref> On February 11, 2018, the Colts announced [[Frank Reich]] as their new head coach.<ref>{{cite tweet|number=962809090106888192|user=Colts|title=It's official Colts fans! Frank Reich is your new head coach:<!-- full text of tweet that Twitter returned to the bot (excluding links) added by TweetCiteBot. This may be better truncated or may need expanding (TW limits responses to 140 characters) or case changes. --> |date=February 11, 2018}}</ref>
In the midst of the [[2016–17 NFL playoffs|2016 NFL Playoffs]], Ballard was introduced as the new General Manager of the [[Indianapolis Colts]]. Ballard was reportedly attracted to the Indianapolis General Manager job following the dismissal of [[Ryan Grigson]] because of the local ownership and team history.<ref name=":1" />


⚫
The Colts finished the season with a 10-6 record, and two of Ballard's [[2018 NFL Draft|2018 draft]] choices, [[Quenton Nelson]] and [[Shaquille Leonard]] were named to the [[2018 All-Pro Team|AP All-Pro First Team]], becoming the first set of rookie teammates to be named First Team All-Pro since 1965 and only the second in NFL history.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2019/01/04/colts-rookie-duo-makes-historic-appearance-on-all-pro-team/38842467/|title=Colts' rookie duo makes historic appearance on All-Pro team|website=USA TODAY}}</ref> Additionally, Leonard was named the [[NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/colts-darius-leonard-wins-defensive-rookie-of-year-0ap3000001015459|title=Colts' Darius Leonard wins Defensive Rookie of Year|website=NFL.com}}</ref> Ballard was named the NFL Executive of the Year by the [[Pro Football Writers of America]] in 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.colts.com/news/chris-ballard-voted-as-pfwa-s-2018-nfl-executive-of-the-year|title=Chris Ballard Voted As PFWA's 2018 NFL Executive Of The Year|website=www.colts.com}}</ref> In August 2021, Ballard signed a five-year contract extension with the Colts.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/32002341/source-indianapolis-colts-coach-frank-reich-gm-chris-ballard-get-contract-extensions-2026|title = Colts extend Reich, Ballard deals through 2026|date = August 11, 2021}}</ref>
He immediately began a roster makeover, mostly on the defensive side of the ball. He cut four starters from the prior season. The Colts would have a [[2017 Indianapolis Colts season|losing record]] in Ballard's first season as their GM.<ref name=":2" />

⚫
Prior to his second season, the Colts fired Head Coach [[Chuck Pagano]]. Despite the Colts announcing that they had signed [[New England Patriots]] offensive coordinator [[Josh McDaniels]], McDaniels unexpectedly withdrew from the agreement in principle.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/02/07/josh-mcdaniels-colts-patriots-coach-legal-fallout|title=Will There Be Any Legal Fallout for Josh McDaniels, Colts?|first=Michael|last=McCann|website=Sports Illustrated}}</ref> On February 11, 2018, the Colts announced [[Frank Reich]] as their new head coach.<ref>{{cite tweet|number=962809090106888192|user=Colts|title=It's official Colts fans! Frank Reich is your new head coach:<!-- full text of tweet that Twitter returned to the bot (excluding links) added by TweetCiteBot. This may be better truncated or may need expanding (TW limits responses to 140 characters) or case changes. --> |date=February 11, 2018}}</ref>

⚫
The Colts finished the season with a 10-6 record, and two of Ballard's [[2018 NFL Draft|2018 draft]] choices, [[Quenton Nelson]] and [[Shaquille Leonard]] were named to the [[2018 All-Pro Team|AP All-Pro First Team]], becoming the first set of rookie teammates to be named First Team All-Pro since 1965 and only the second in NFL history.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2019/01/04/colts-rookie-duo-makes-historic-appearance-on-all-pro-team/38842467/|title=Colts' rookie duo makes historic appearance on All-Pro team|website=USA TODAY}}</ref> Additionally, Leonard was named [[National Football League Rookie of the Year Award|NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/colts-darius-leonard-wins-defensive-rookie-of-year-0ap3000001015459|title=Colts' Darius Leonard wins Defensive Rookie of Year|website=NFL.com}}</ref>

Ballard was named as the [[Pro Football Writers Association]] 2018 NFL Executive of the Year.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.colts.com/news/chris-ballard-voted-as-pfwa-s-2018-nfl-executive-of-the-year|title=Chris Ballard Voted As PFWA's 2018 NFL Executive Of The Year|website=www.colts.com}}</ref>

On August 11, 2021, Ballard signed a contract extension with the Colts that runs through the 2026 season.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/32002341/source-indianapolis-colts-coach-frank-reich-gm-chris-ballard-get-contract-extensions-2026|title = Colts extend Reich, Ballard deals through 2026|date = August 11, 2021}}</ref>


== Personal life ==
== Personal life ==
Ballard and his wife, Kristin, adopted two kids from Texas in 2012, expanding their family to five children, which include three biological children.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.wthr.com/article/kravitz-on-fathers-day-chris-ballard-talks-about-adopting-two-children-better-than-winning|title=KRAVITZ: On Father's Day, Chris Ballard talks about adopting two children: 'Better than winning any Super Bowl...'|date=June 18, 2017|publisher=13 WTHR Indianapolis|access-date=November 11, 2017}}</ref>
Ballard and his wife, Kristin, have three children and adopted two more in 2012.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.wthr.com/article/kravitz-on-fathers-day-chris-ballard-talks-about-adopting-two-children-better-than-winning|title=KRAVITZ: On Father's Day, Chris Ballard talks about adopting two children: 'Better than winning any Super Bowl...'|date=June 18, 2017|publisher=13 WTHR Indianapolis|access-date=November 11, 2017|archive-date=November 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171111095032/https://www.wthr.com/article/kravitz-on-fathers-day-chris-ballard-talks-about-adopting-two-children-better-than-winning|url-status=dead}}</ref>


== References ==
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
<references />


⚫
{{NFL general managers navbox}}
{{Indianapolis Colts general manager navbox}}
{{Indianapolis Colts general manager navbox}}
⚫
{{NFL general managers navbox}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Ballard, Chris}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Ballard, Chris}}
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Wisconsin]]
[[Category:Coaches of American football from Wisconsin]]
[[Category:1969 births]]
[[Category:1969 births]]
[[Category:People from Galveston, Texas]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Galveston, Texas]]
[[Category:National Football League general managers]]
[[Category:National Football League general managers]]
[[Category:Indianapolis Colts executives]]
[[Category:Indianapolis Colts executives]]
[[Category:Wisconsin Badgers football players]]
[[Category:Wisconsin Badgers football players]]
[[Category:Chicago Bears scouts]]
[[Category:Kansas City Chiefs executives]]
[[Category:Chicago Bears executives]]
[[Category:Texas A&M–Kingsville Javelinas football coaches]]
[[Category:Players of American football from Wisconsin]]

Latest revision as of 01:15, 8 October 2024

Chris Ballard
refer to caption
Ballard in 2020
Indianapolis Colts
Position:General manager
Personal information
Born: (1969-06-24) June 24, 1969 (age 55)[1][2]
Galveston, Texas, U.S.
Career information
College:University of Wisconsin–Madison
Career history
As a coach:
  • Texas A&M-Kingsville (1994)
    Wide receivers coach
  • Texas A&M-Kingsville (1995–1998)
    Secondary coach
  • Texas A&M–Kingsville (1999)
    Defensive coordinator & secondary coach
As an executive:
Executive profile at Pro Football Reference
Career highlights and awards
  • PFWA Executive of the Year (2018)

Christopher R. Ballard (born June 24, 1969) is an American professional football executive who is the general manager for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL). Before joining the Colts, Ballard was an executive for the Kansas City Chiefs, where he most recently served as the director of football operations,[3][4] was a scout for the Chicago Bears, and served in various coaching roles at Texas A&M University–Kingsville.[5][6]

Early life

[edit]

Ballard was born in Galveston, Texas. Growing up a severe asthmatic in Texas, as well as Wisconsin, Ballard's parents reluctantly let him play football at a young age. He was a star quarterback in high school at Texas City High School.[7] Ballard's favorite NFL team was once the Pittsburgh Steelers; his favorite player was Terry Bradshaw.[8]

Ballard attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison and switched his position to wide receiver as a freshman.[7] He suffered knee injuries and was forced to retire from playing during his senior year at Wisconsin, working as a student assistant in the aftermath.[9] He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1993.[9]

Career

[edit]

Early career

[edit]

After college, Ballard became a history teacher for Hitchcock Junior High while also contributing to their football program. After a referral from Hitchcock's head coach, Ballard joined the Texas A&M–Kingsville Javelinas football team coaching wide receivers in 1994.[7] He would remain for seven seasons on the staff of Javelinas head coach Ron Harms, taking over as secondary coach in 1995 and mentoring future NFL players Floyd Young and Al Harris.[9]

Chicago Bears

[edit]

In 2001, Ballard joined the Chicago Bears' scouting department. It was during this time that he declined a job offer to run first-year coach Art Briles' secondary at the University of Houston.[7] Ballard contributed to Chicago's success in the twelve years he was there. In 2012, he received a promotion to director of pro scouting. Ballard would only remain in this position for one season before moving to the Kansas City Chiefs.[7] During his time with the Bears, he was said to be involved with many acquisitions such as Matt Forte, Johnny Knox, Brandon Marshall, and Martellus Bennett.[10]

Kansas City Chiefs

[edit]

Prior to the 2013 season, Ballard joined the Kansas City Chiefs as director of player personnel, the position he remained in until the conclusion of the 2014 season in which he received a promotion to become the director of football operations.[7] He remained with the Chiefs until the conclusion of the 2016 regular season. While with the Kansas City Chiefs, Ballard was involved in drafting Pro-Bowlers Travis Kelce, Tyreek Hill, and Marcus Peters.[10]

Indianapolis Colts

[edit]

In the midst of the 2016 NFL Playoffs, Ballard was introduced as the new general manager of the Indianapolis Colts.[10] The Colts would have a losing record in Ballard's first season as their GM.[7] Prior to his second season, the Colts fired head coach Chuck Pagano. Despite the Colts announcing that they had signed New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, McDaniels unexpectedly withdrew from the agreement in principle.[11] On February 11, 2018, the Colts announced Frank Reich as their new head coach.[12]

The Colts finished the season with a 10-6 record, and two of Ballard's 2018 draft choices, Quenton Nelson and Shaquille Leonard were named to the AP All-Pro First Team, becoming the first set of rookie teammates to be named First Team All-Pro since 1965 and only the second in NFL history.[13] Additionally, Leonard was named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.[14] Ballard was named the NFL Executive of the Year by the Pro Football Writers of America in 2018.[15] In August 2021, Ballard signed a five-year contract extension with the Colts.[16]

Personal life

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Ballard and his wife, Kristin, have three children and adopted two more in 2012.[17]

References

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  1. ^ "Birth reference results for Christopher (Rob) Ballard". FamilySearch.org. Retrieved January 20, 2018.
  2. ^ Birth reference data from intelus.com|access-date=January 20, 2018}}
  3. ^ "Chiefs Announce Player Personnel Staff Promotions". Kansas City Chiefs. May 29, 2015. Archived from the original on February 2, 2017. Retrieved January 30, 2017.
  4. ^ Paylor, Terez A. (January 29, 2017). "Chiefs' Chris Ballard leaving to become Colts' GM". Kansas City Star. Retrieved January 30, 2017.
  5. ^ Newell, Nat (January 29, 2017). "5 things to know about new Colts GM Chris Ballard". Indy Star. Retrieved January 30, 2017.
  6. ^ Ferrin, Reid (May 7, 2013). "Chris Ballard Hired as Director of Player Personnel". Kansas City Chiefs. Archived from the original on January 29, 2017. Retrieved January 30, 2017.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g "The making of Chris Ballard". Indianapolis Star. Retrieved November 11, 2017.
  8. ^ Goldstein, Steven. "8 things you should know about Chris Ballard". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved November 11, 2017.
  9. ^ a b c Hayden Clark, et al., (eds.), 2024 Media Guide. Indianapolis, IN: Indianapolis Colts, Inc., 2024; unpaginated [p. 17].
  10. ^ a b c O'Keefe, PJ (January 30, 2017). "Colts hire Chris Ballard as new General Manager". RTV6. Retrieved November 11, 2017.
  11. ^ McCann, Michael. "Will There Be Any Legal Fallout for Josh McDaniels, Colts?". Sports Illustrated.
  12. ^ @Colts (February 11, 2018). "It's official Colts fans! Frank Reich is your new head coach:" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  13. ^ "Colts' rookie duo makes historic appearance on All-Pro team". USA TODAY.
  14. ^ "Colts' Darius Leonard wins Defensive Rookie of Year". NFL.com.
  15. ^ "Chris Ballard Voted As PFWA's 2018 NFL Executive Of The Year". www.colts.com.
  16. ^ "Colts extend Reich, Ballard deals through 2026". August 11, 2021.
  17. ^ "KRAVITZ: On Father's Day, Chris Ballard talks about adopting two children: 'Better than winning any Super Bowl...'". 13 WTHR Indianapolis. June 18, 2017. Archived from the original on November 11, 2017. Retrieved November 11, 2017.
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