Indianapolis Colts General Manager Chris Ballard was inducted into the Marian University 2021 Clayton Family Circle of Honor last evening at a ceremony hosted by Larra Overton, producer, host and reporter for Colts Productions. Held on campus in the arena, more than 200 people gathered for the event’s first in-person ceremony since 2019.  

Chris Ballard was honored for his unwavering commitment as an ethical leader in professional football and his generous work with various charities, aligning with the values Marian University instills in all student-athletes.  

“The Clayton Family Circle of Honor was created because of our generous supporters, Joe and Jan Clayton, who believe in the character-building qualities associated with athletics in a university community,” President Daniel J. Elsener said. “At Marian, the tradition of faith and values are activated in many ways, including athletics. Student-athletes learn respect, fair play, value of ethics and teamwork.”

Chris Ballard is entering his 21st NFL season and his fifth with the Colts as general manager where he oversees all football operations. Ballard was named the 2018 NFL Executive of the Year by the Pro Football Writers of America. He earned the Pro Football Writers of America Jack Horrigan Award in 2020. Ballard resides in Westfield, Indiana, with his wife and their five children. The family is active in the community and have worked with Books for Youth, Hands of Hope, Habitat for Humanity, Make-a-Wish and Gleaners Food Bank.

The annual dinner celebrates Marian University athletics and honors those inducted into the Clayton Family Circle of Honor. Freshman student-athlete, Naomi Walters, was acknowledged for winning the NAIA Championship in the triple jump. Walters is Marian's second ever national track and field champion and the first on the outdoor stage.