Pete Ward, a Zionsville resident and Indianapolis Colts executive, is ‘truly one of the good guys’
By Dawn Pearson
You know Andrew and Reggie and Donald and Vic, Darrius and T.Y. and Coby and Jeff, but can you recall, the most “un-famous” Indianapolis Colt of all?
Meet Pete Ward, who has spent his entire career with the Indianapolis Colts. The past 33 seasons, Ward has taken the ride through the clandestine move from Baltimore, the victories and defeats, playing host to a Super Bowl and winning one. Yard by yard, Ward has moved his career chains and landed in the end zone, scoring big as the franchise’s chief operating officer in 2010.
Although he’s not seen on the gridiron Sunday making plays, it’s his offensive and defensive business savvy and dedication that has helped make the Colts a world-class organization.
Ward, a Zionsville resident, joined the organization in 1981 as a summer and seasonal intern in the team’s public relations office, and he was hired him as the club’s administrative assistant upon his graduation from the University of Virginia in 1982. Quickly promoted to director of operations when the team arrived in Indianapolis in March 1984, he is one of only three Colts to have worked in both cities.
And not to beat a dead horse, because everyone knows the Colts left Baltimore in the dark of night to play in Indianapolis, here’s what he remembers about that cold day leaving Baltimore.
“It was an emotional day, certainly one of mixed emotions and somewhat unsettling, but certainly as a young single guy not from Baltimore, my loyalty was to the team. It was exciting coming to a city so welcoming and it turned out to be a real blessing. … This is where I met my wonderful wife and where my kids were born.”
A humble man brimming with as much sincerity as Indianapolis had hosting the “Best Super Bowl ever,” he explained that neither he nor his wife are native Hoosiers, but they absolutely love it here and Zionsville is certainly home for them now.
Sue Kelly has worked for the Colts 30 years and describes Ward with warmth and admiration for his dedication and hard work for the Colts.
“Pete was such a hard worker that many nights he slept in his office and would wake up and put on a wrinkled shirt and go back to work. We used to make fun of him in a good way, and then he started sending out his shirts to the cleaners,” she said. “He’s a very kind, nice man and dedicated beyond belief to this organization and to his family and community. He’s truly one of the good guys,” Kelly said.
FOR THE COMMUNITY
The best aspect of being a Colt for him is to see how the Colts have become an active contributing element in the community.
“We do so much, and I’m so proud of our players, coaches and staff because they make this state a better, richer place to live, he said. “I have seen Indiana become an avid football community, not all because of what happens on the fields, but what we do in the neighborhoods, schools and other charitable causes.”
And Ward’s volunteer and charitable contributions lead the charge. He is chairman of the Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center Development Board; Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, The Indiana Convention and Visitors Association and the Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors member, and locally he supports the Zionsville Youth Football League and has been involved in the Boys and Girls Club for 15 years. He also volunteers for the Zionsville Meadows, senior citizen retirement home and helps them with mystery trips to the Colts Complex and Lucas Oil Stadium and has decorated a sports center-themed room.
As a young Colt, Ward quickly galloped into the vice president of administration job in 1997 and served as the point person for the team on the design and construction of Lucas Oil Stadium. He explained his longevity:
“I love my work and it doesn’t seem like work. To be successful in this business first and foremost you must be a huge football fan. It’s not all glamorous. There is certainly a glam element, but it’s a lot of hard work, long hours and ultimately is comes down to 1 pm on Sundays. Kickoffs are the best part of my job.”
Like the modest personality he his, Ward is thankful for his success and knows it has been a team effort.
“You certainly have to have good people, working with you at all levels and everyone has to love their jobs because it’s a 24 hour job,” he said. “Back in the ’80s we used to have an offseason; honestly, we don’t have one anymore. The offseason is busier then the regular season. We’ve got to have good people and get along with everyone and treat them with respect because so many people contribute to making a successful football franchise.”
And lastly the support of good ownership is vital according to Ward. “A NFL franchise is a mom-and-pop business, mostly family owned and success starts at the top,” he said. “You’ve got to have ownership that cares about employees and players and is willing to provide the resources to be successful.”
The Colts record this year is 7-3 after another come-from-behind victory, 30-27 at Tennessee on Nov. 14, and the team is first place in the AFC South Division. Still, Ward won’t make any Super Bowl predictions. “I don’t like to talk about it because I’m superstitious; only one team makes it every year and the other 31 teams end their season.”
Meet Pete Ward:
Wife: Lena
Children: Madyson, 19; Sam, 17
Born in New Orleans, raised in Carmel, Calif., but considers Zionsville his hometown.
Education: BS 1982 University of Virginia
Hobbies: Traveling anywhere, but first and foremost spending time with his family
Favorite aspect of his job: No question, “Kickoff on Sunday!”
Quote: “When I first moved here everyone told me I should live in Carmel … which is a great place, but I stumbled across Zionsville and never looked back.”
