Colts alerted NFL before AFC Championship over deflated footballs

Colts general manager Ryan Grigson confirmed that his team alerted the NFL about concerns over deflated footballs and that it was before the AFC Championship Game against the Patriots

Indianapolis Colts general manager Ryan Grigson confirmed that his team alerted the NFL about concerns over deflated footballs before the AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots.

Grigson spoke Thursday at the NFL combine but did not say what prompted the team to talk to the NFL about the issue.

“Earlier in that week, prior to the AFC Championship Game, we told the league about our concerns," Grigson said. "We went into the game, we had some issues. We're going to do what we can which is participate with the league and the investigation and wait until the Wells Report comes out. There's no other recourse other than to wait until that investigation comes out."

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The Most Talked-About Footballs in NFL History

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With the NFL investigation into Deflategate concluding that it is probable the Patriots deliberately deflated footballs and that Tom Brady was "generally aware," here is a gallery of the most talked-about footballs in NFL history, beginning with Brady looking to pass in the first quarter against the Indianapolis Colts.

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Tom Brady gestures before the snap in the first quarter against the Indianapolis Colts.

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Patriots wide receiver Danny Amendola cannot catch a pass while being defended by Darius Butler during the first half.

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Tom Brady hands the ball off to LeGarrette Blount in the first quarter.

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Tom Brady throws a pass in the first quarter.

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Tom Brady looks to pass during the first half.

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Shane Vereen makes a catch in the first quarter against Jerrell Freeman.

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Shane Vereen makes a catch in the first quarter against Jerrell Freeman.

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Rob Gronkowski cannot make a catch in the end zone over Colts cornerback Greg Toler during the first half.

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Julian Edelman tries to make a catch during the first half.

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Indianapolis Colts inside linebacker D'Qwell Jackson intercepts a pass intended for Rob Gronkowski during the first half.

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D'Qwell Jackson intercepts a pass intended for Rob Gronkowski.

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D'Qwell Jackson is congratulated by teammates after his interception.

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Julian Edelman is tackled by cornerback Darius Butler during the first half.

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James Develin scores a touchdown in the first quarter.

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James Develin celebrates his first-quarter touchdown.

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Julian Edelman runs with the ball against Greg Toler.

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LeGarrette Blount runs with the ball in the first quarter.

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Tom Brady looks to pass in the first half against the Colts.

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Tom Brady runs for a first down in the second quarter.

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An official has a ball handed to him during the AFC title game.

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Tom Brady has a ball tossed to him during warmups before the AFC Championship game.

​Grigson called any thought about the Colts deflating the Patriots footballs on purpose, “ludicrous." 

The ongoing investigation into the allegations against New England is being led by Ted Wells.

"Again, if rules were broken, we'll see," Grigson said. "If not, that's what the investigation is for."

Both Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady denied having anything to do with the deflated footballs. New England went on to beat the Seattle Seahawks 28-24 in Super Bowl XLIX.

- Scooby Axson