John Fox calls Jim Irsay comments a ‘cheap shot’ at Peyton Manning

Denver Broncos head coach John Fox responded to Jim Irsay seemingly slighting Peyton Manning by calling the comments of the Indianapolis Colts owner a “cheap shot.”

The Broncos are visiting the Colts on Sunday for what will be Manning’s first game back at Lucas Oil Stadium since the team cut him following multiple neck surgeries and replaced him with No. 1 overall draft pick Andrew Luck.

In an interview with USA Today, Irsay expressed disappointment that the Colts only won one Super Bowl during the Peyton Manning era. He also took a shot at Manning’s tendency to put up huge numbers and fizzle out in the playoffs.

[Related: Jim Irsay on Peyton Manning: We chose Super Bowls over stats]

On Tuesday, Fox responded to Irsay and defended his quarterback during an interview with SiriusXM NFL Radio’s “Movin’ the Chains” hosted by Jim Miller and Pat Kirwan.

“I saw the comments. And to be honest with you, I thought it was a bit of a cheap shot,” Fox told the hosts. “To me, in my opinion, they were disappointing and inappropriate.

“Peyton would never say anything. He’s too classy to do that. They sounded a little ungrateful and unappreciative to me. For a guy who has set a standard, won a Super Bowl, won division titles, won four MVP awards. I’d be thankful for that one Super Bowl ring, because a lot of people don’t have one.”

Many insiders believe that Fox calling Irsay’s comments “inappropriate” and a “cheap shot” is also a representation of how Manning feels. Like Fox said, Manning is above responding publicly to avoid joining the circus leading up to the game, so Fox is saying it for him.

Below you can hear Fox’s comments.