“He’s a Pilot Now”: Colts GM Chris Ballard Jokes About WR Michael Pittman Jr.’s Future in Indy

Michael Pittman Jr.’s future in Indianapolis isn’t as secure as it was a year ago. And it has nothing to do with his efforts on the field. After all, on paper, the wide receiver was very productive in 2025.

Pittman Jr. led the Indianapolis Colts in receptions (80), targets (111), and a career-high season haul of seven touchdowns. However, his 784 receiving yards were the lowest since his rookie season in 2020. Meanwhile, fellow wideout Alec Pierce crossed 1,000 yards and became the team’s primary deep threat.

Still, Pittman Jr. has proven over the years that he remains a quality player and should not be under scrutiny after just one relatively subpar year. However, what’s causing the uncertainty around his future in Indy is money.

The wideout carries a $29 million cap hit in 2026, which is the final year of his three-year, $70 million extension. This means Pittman Jr. is due $22 million in base salary plus a $2 million roster bonus early next season. These numbers have fueled trade and “cap casualty” talk around the WR.

When Colts GM Chris Ballard met reporters at the Combine Media Day, the inevitable question about Pittman Jr.’s future surfaced. Ballard, to his credit, didn’t hesitate to defend his player. “Michael Pittman’s a really good football player,” he said, before doubling down.

“We love Michael. He’s been here his whole career. He’s a really good player. He’s a pro. He’s got a great work ethic. He’s got a great attitude. He’s one of those guys you love having in your building. Michael’s under contract. We’re excited about what he can do for us moving forward. He’s a big part of what we’re doing here,” added Ballard, who then mentioned something that caught everyone off guard.

“I don’t know if y’all knew this,” Ballard said with a grin. “He’s a pilot now. I knew he was dabbling with it, but I didn’t know he was going up in the air and flying solo and doing all that.”

Well, it was a joke, but it was also true.

Colts GM Chris Ballard was asked about Michael Pittman’s future with the team.

“I don’t know if ya’ll knew this, you know he’s a pilot now, I knew he was dabbling with it, but I didn’t know he was going up in the air and flying soloand doing all that.”

pic.twitter.com/TqGhSAZGvN

— Polymarket Football (@PolymarketBlitz) February 25, 2026

Alongside his brother, Mycah, Michael Pittman Jr. co-founded Blitz Aviation, a flight training school built around accessibility and structured instruction. As described in their company’s story: “Blitz Aviation was founded by [the brothers] with a simple mission: to make flight training accessible to everyone.”

While his brother Mycah completed his private pilot, instrument, commercial, CFI, and CFII ratings in under a year, Michael is now a licensed private pilot and is working toward adding more ratings. And make no mistake, this isn’t a casual hobby for the NFL star. He has been flying airplanes for more than two years.

Of course, none of these answers whether Pittman Jr. will still be in Indianapolis long term. GM Ballard never fully shut the door on a restructure or potential move. The way he mentioned the pilot part felt more like ducking the question. However, those comments also gave a feeling that it is unlikely that Pittman Jr. would be released outright.

For now, Pittman Jr. remains under contract, and there are no signs from his side of wanting out. Period. From the Colts’ perspective, letting Michael stay would ensure continuity and experience for their exciting project. And, if things ever get turbulent in Indy, at least one thing is certain: Michael Pittman Jr. knows how to land the plane.