National Football League

Fox agitated by Irsay's comments

Published Oct. 16, 2013 1:00 a.m. ET

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Denver Broncos coach John Fox is agitated with Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay for taking what he called a cheap shot at quarterback Peyton Manning.

Fox used his weekly SiriusXM NFL Radio appearance Tuesday to criticize the Colts' owner for sounding ungrateful for all Manning did for his team and city, including winning a Super Bowl in 2007.

Irsay told USA Today in an interview Tuesday that the Colts turned to Andrew Luck two years ago and fired Manning rather than pay him a $28 million roster bonus because they were looking for more playoff success.

Fox normally isn't one to criticize anyone in public, but Irsay's comments clearly struck a nerve.

The Broncos, who have won 19 of 23 games under Manning - but lost to Baltimore in the playoffs - visit the Colts on Sunday night in Manning's first return to Indianapolis as a visiting player.