Mailbagg™ is a living, breathing organism, and I never know where it’s going.
A few weeks ago my flooded basement became the anchor for a 1,500-word discussion with readers. Last week shifted toward our polarized society, and my ability to bring the world together by wondering – ahem – if the Indianapolis Colts would draft Shedeur Sanders with the 14th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
And then comes this week, where I’m about to do the strangest thing yet:
Discuss the speed of Colts top draft pick Tyler Warren, and my visit to Ball State’s David Letterman Communication and Media Building, and do it in the same brief note to my IndyStar subscriber group. And then I’m going to use that text message as the anchor for the 1,500-word discussion with readers about to follow.
I mean, maybe I’ll do that. It’s not like I wait until the end of writing this weekly Mailbagg to hammer out this intro.
Far as you know.
Colts draft Penn State tight end Tyler Warren
From: Me to the group, last Friday morning
Hey guys. Late night last night (Colts in the draft) and late night tonight (Pacers in NBA playoffs). And early morning today! I’m speaking at Ball State’s journalism expo, with thousands of middle and high school students expected. Yikes! I’m not ready!
I was too busy last night writing about the Colts’ perfect draft pick, Penn State TE Tyler Warren, though he comes with a disclaimer: How fast IS he? And why didn’t he run at the combine – or Penn State’s Pro Day?
From: Mark L.
Question: can you be perfect AND come with a caveat?
Sigh. No.
From: Mark L.
Sorry. The old editor in me couldn’t resist. I liked the column, though!
Love my bosses, as I say all the time. BUT YOU’RE NOT ONE OF MY BOSSES, MARK.
Still like you, though. Gimme a hug, you big lug!
P.S. In your first text, the ‘c’ in “can” should be capitalized. Complete sentence follows the colon? Capitalize the first word. This is me, petty.
From: Zachary B.
I know you need a hook, but this – the focus on Tyler Warren’s unknown speed – is a weird one, man.
The Colts just drafted a skill player whose time in the 40-yard dash is a secret – because he refuses to run for NFL teams. And as a Colts fan, you don’t think THAT’S weird?
Don’t confuse “only you wrote about that” with “you’re weird.”
From: Doug K.
Long-time reader, first-time Mailbagger™.
Speed doesn’t always kill: Dorin Dickerson ran the fastest 40 time for a tight end in NFL Scouting Combine history. Eleven career catches, 151 yards in three seasons.
Tyler Warren is going to be a monster (if any of our QB’s can get him the ball).
Dougg
Respect that you signed your name with two g’s. Also appreciate learning about Dorin Dickerson in 2010. Not sure why you care about Tyler Warren’s speed, though.
From: Bill J.
Warren looks slow, but not molasses slow.
Another note about Tyler Warren’s speed? I know you guys all need a hook, but this is a weird one, man.
Doyel on Colts’ first-rounder: Tyler Warren could save everyone’s job – if he’s fast enough
Doyel on Colts’ draft: Chris Ballard usually drafts athletes. This year he picked football players
It’s a small, small world
From: Dr. Sara:
Loved your Tyler Warren column, but for the love of all things Colts, can we please not even mention that he can play QB??? And I don’t see Zaire giving him No. 44.
If you can believe it, when I said Tyler Warren would remind folks of another No. 44 who played tight end for the Colts – Dallas Clark – I’d forgotten that Zaire Franklin already wears No. 44! And I bet you can believe it, Doc.
To everyone else: I met Doc at a hospital a few years ago. I was visiting a friend, and she walks in wearing a nametag on her doctor’s coat. She’d emailed me a few times, so I recognized her name. Or maybe she recognized me first? I forget! But either way, it was one of those mind-blowing, “what a small world” moments.
Fast forward several years, and here she is in the Mailbagg – correcting my column, reminding me that Tyler Warren won’t be wearing the No. 44 I was trying to give him.
Hmph.
Join us in the link below any of my online columns. Readers see only the texts from me, maybe 4-5 short notes a week – mainly the first looks at my columns, with an occasional peek behind the curtains.
Doyel on Game 4: Ball don’t lie. Pacers deserve to win series – and Bucks deserve to lose
About my visit to Ball State
The official name for Ball State’s journalism expo is “JDAY+/CCIM+” – short for Journalism Day and College of Communication, Information and Media – and it goes back 70 years! It’s a finely run event, and I was one of six “featured” speakers … which means Ball State milked a trio of 45-minute sessions out of me. I chose the topics.
Title of one session, which I presented twice: “Your story is won or lost before you start writing.”
Title of my other session: “Real talk about writing.”
I started each session by telling the class some form of the following:
“Let me say two things, and it might not sound like it, but I promise both are true. First, I love people. And I love questions. So please have questions ready for the end.
“And, two, I have a form of ADD that means I notice everything. It’s great for my job – I notice EVERYTHING – but it can be an issue when I speak to large groups. Because I notice everything, and get distracted. So I’m asking you now, please don’t talk to the person next to you, not even to giggle with your friend because you think I’m funny. Please don’t. I’ll notice, and if I notice, you’ll have to leave.
“Nod if you agree.”
The entire class nodded, all three times. These were about 100 kids, ranging in age from 12-17.
And I didn’t have to kick anyone out. One of the most impressive groups of kids I’ve ever spoken to. Possibly related: This was the first time I’ve issued that warning. Think I’ll keep doing it!
Anyway, when I told the text group about my pending visit to Ball State, folks had thoughts.
From: Ric M.
Will someone put your talk on YouTube? I’d really like to hear it.
Oh I hope not. My talks are always fun, and kids are always laughing, but as one title said: I keep it real. Another rule of my class visits, everywhere I go: “No tweeting out my comments. No video on social media either. I’ll be transparent in this room, but it has to stay in this room!”
Each session had several teachers, too, and all of them came up to me afterward to tell me I should teach! Aww!!! Maybe someday.
From: Cheryl F.
Thank you for going to J-Day! I attended in high school and am a Ball State Journalism alum. You will inspire some kids today!
Hope so, Cheryl. That’s the goal. David Letterman’s contributions, combined with Ball State’s legacy of journalism, makes for an awesome place.
From: Rick S.
You’ll do great! For me, sports have always been about the human stories, and you have a great way of starting in that place. I’m sure those young journos will get plenty from you
Kids always want to hear about my favorite stories, and depending on the story I mention, I’ll be giggling or crying – sometimes a little of both.
From: Dianne D.
If you speak half as good as you write – and I know you do, from watching your videos – those kids are in for something special.
I truly wasn’t prepared, and just winged it, and discovered a neat little interactive trick along the way. I was telling the kids some things NOT to do in their stories – and next thing I know, I’m writing examples on the grease board in blue, then circling it in red and drawing a line through it.
By the end of the last two sessions, when I’d write a no-no on the board, kids were walking to the front of the class to circle it and draw the line through it! I let them, of course. And then kicked them out.
I’m kidding. Maybe. No video, so who’s to say?
Join us:Become a text buddy with IndyStar sports columnist Gregg Doyel
Not printing these
From: Sid B.
My interest in the Mailbagg tends to focus on your witty replies.
Thank you Sid. I had another form of Mailbagg when I was at CBSSports.com. We called it Hate Mail – OK, that was my idea – and I printed the meanest emails I received every week … and then proceeded to rip those readers right back. That was another era. And another me.
From: Mike C.
Ha. I think of that Jason Bean article often. Seriously – what about THAT guy? Time will tell.
I laid it on pretty thick here last week, taking credit for Jason Bean’s popularity around town, didn’t I?
Doyel lays it on thick:You love Colts scout-team QB Jason Bean? I did that!
From: Randy R.
Hey Gregg. I wonder if you could answer a question that has been bugging me for quite some time. The Colts have a quarterback, I think on the practice squad, and I believe he came from Kansas. I can’t remember his name, but in the preseason he really impressed us. Why don’t we hear anything about him? Wonder if you could give me your thoughts on the subject.
You trolling me, Randy? I devoted an entire section of last week’s Mailbagg to former Kansas QB Jason Bean, and to the story I wrote last year – in the preseason when he really impressed us. Then I took credit that so many people know his name around here. I laid it on pretty thick!
And you ask me … that?
From: Randy R.
Top columnist in the nation? Had no idea, but I agree and am happy to hear it! That’s like MVP in any sport! If the Hoosiers can’t be national champs, you can.
Oh. Same guy wrote these last two notes, and this one seems awfully nice…
Wait. You had no idea I won?
You trolling me, Randy?
Not printing this: Doyel wins APSE column-writing contest for fifth time in 11 years
Find IndyStar columnist Gregg Doyel on Threads, or on BlueSky and Twitter at @GreggDoyelStar, or at www.facebook.com/greggdoyelstar. Subscribe to the free weekly Doyel on Demand newsletter.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Colts TE Tyler Warren is fast. Ball State’s Letterman Building is fun.
Mailbagg™ is a living, breathing organism, and I never know where it’s going.
A few weeks ago my flooded basement became the anchor for a 1,500-word discussion with readers. Last week shifted toward our polarized society, and my ability to bring the world together by wondering – ahem – if the Indianapolis Colts would draft Shedeur Sanders with the 14th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
And then comes this week, where I’m about to do the strangest thing yet:
Discuss the speed of Colts top draft pick Tyler Warren, and my visit to Ball State’s David Letterman Communication and Media Building, and do it in the same brief note to my IndyStar subscriber group. And then I’m going to use that text message as the anchor for the 1,500-word discussion with readers about to follow.
I mean, maybe I’ll do that. It’s not like I wait until the end of writing this weekly Mailbagg to hammer out this intro.
Far as you know.
Colts draft Penn State tight end Tyler Warren
From: Me to the group, last Friday morning
Hey guys. Late night last night (Colts in the draft) and late night tonight (Pacers in NBA playoffs). And early morning today! I’m speaking at Ball State’s journalism expo, with thousands of middle and high school students expected. Yikes! I’m not ready!
I was too busy last night writing about the Colts’ perfect draft pick, Penn State TE Tyler Warren, though he comes with a disclaimer: How fast IS he? And why didn’t he run at the combine – or Penn State’s Pro Day?
From: Mark L.
Question: can you be perfect AND come with a caveat?
Sigh. No.
From: Mark L.
Sorry. The old editor in me couldn’t resist. I liked the column, though!
Love my bosses, as I say all the time. BUT YOU’RE NOT ONE OF MY BOSSES, MARK.
Still like you, though. Gimme a hug, you big lug!
P.S. In your first text, the ‘c’ in “can” should be capitalized. Complete sentence follows the colon? Capitalize the first word. This is me, petty.
From: Zachary B.
I know you need a hook, but this – the focus on Tyler Warren’s unknown speed – is a weird one, man.
The Colts just drafted a skill player whose time in the 40-yard dash is a secret – because he refuses to run for NFL teams. And as a Colts fan, you don’t think THAT’S weird?
Don’t confuse “only you wrote about that” with “you’re weird.”
From: Doug K.
Long-time reader, first-time Mailbagger™.
Speed doesn’t always kill: Dorin Dickerson ran the fastest 40 time for a tight end in NFL Scouting Combine history. Eleven career catches, 151 yards in three seasons.
Tyler Warren is going to be a monster (if any of our QB’s can get him the ball).
Dougg
Respect that you signed your name with two g’s. Also appreciate learning about Dorin Dickerson in 2010. Not sure why you care about Tyler Warren’s speed, though.
From: Bill J.
Warren looks slow, but not molasses slow.
Another note about Tyler Warren’s speed? I know you guys all need a hook, but this is a weird one, man.
Doyel on Colts’ first-rounder: Tyler Warren could save everyone’s job – if he’s fast enough
Doyel on Colts’ draft: Chris Ballard usually drafts athletes. This year he picked football players
It’s a small, small world
From: Dr. Sara:
Loved your Tyler Warren column, but for the love of all things Colts, can we please not even mention that he can play QB??? And I don’t see Zaire giving him No. 44.
If you can believe it, when I said Tyler Warren would remind folks of another No. 44 who played tight end for the Colts – Dallas Clark – I’d forgotten that Zaire Franklin already wears No. 44! And I bet you can believe it, Doc.
To everyone else: I met Doc at a hospital a few years ago. I was visiting a friend, and she walks in wearing a nametag on her doctor’s coat. She’d emailed me a few times, so I recognized her name. Or maybe she recognized me first? I forget! But either way, it was one of those mind-blowing, “what a small world” moments.
Fast forward several years, and here she is in the Mailbagg – correcting my column, reminding me that Tyler Warren won’t be wearing the No. 44 I was trying to give him.
Hmph.
Join us in the link below any of my online columns. Readers see only the texts from me, maybe 4-5 short notes a week – mainly the first looks at my columns, with an occasional peek behind the curtains.
Doyel on Game 4: Ball don’t lie. Pacers deserve to win series – and Bucks deserve to lose
About my visit to Ball State
The official name for Ball State’s journalism expo is “JDAY+/CCIM+” – short for Journalism Day and College of Communication, Information and Media – and it goes back 70 years! It’s a finely run event, and I was one of six “featured” speakers … which means Ball State milked a trio of 45-minute sessions out of me. I chose the topics.
Title of one session, which I presented twice: “Your story is won or lost before you start writing.”
Title of my other session: “Real talk about writing.”
I started each session by telling the class some form of the following:
“Let me say two things, and it might not sound like it, but I promise both are true. First, I love people. And I love questions. So please have questions ready for the end.
“And, two, I have a form of ADD that means I notice everything. It’s great for my job – I notice EVERYTHING – but it can be an issue when I speak to large groups. Because I notice everything, and get distracted. So I’m asking you now, please don’t talk to the person next to you, not even to giggle with your friend because you think I’m funny. Please don’t. I’ll notice, and if I notice, you’ll have to leave.
“Nod if you agree.”
The entire class nodded, all three times. These were about 100 kids, ranging in age from 12-17.
And I didn’t have to kick anyone out. One of the most impressive groups of kids I’ve ever spoken to. Possibly related: This was the first time I’ve issued that warning. Think I’ll keep doing it!
Anyway, when I told the text group about my pending visit to Ball State, folks had thoughts.
From: Ric M.
Will someone put your talk on YouTube? I’d really like to hear it.
Oh I hope not. My talks are always fun, and kids are always laughing, but as one title said: I keep it real. Another rule of my class visits, everywhere I go: “No tweeting out my comments. No video on social media either. I’ll be transparent in this room, but it has to stay in this room!”
Each session had several teachers, too, and all of them came up to me afterward to tell me I should teach! Aww!!! Maybe someday.
From: Cheryl F.
Thank you for going to J-Day! I attended in high school and am a Ball State Journalism alum. You will inspire some kids today!
Hope so, Cheryl. That’s the goal. David Letterman’s contributions, combined with Ball State’s legacy of journalism, makes for an awesome place.
From: Rick S.
You’ll do great! For me, sports have always been about the human stories, and you have a great way of starting in that place. I’m sure those young journos will get plenty from you
Kids always want to hear about my favorite stories, and depending on the story I mention, I’ll be giggling or crying – sometimes a little of both.
From: Dianne D.
If you speak half as good as you write – and I know you do, from watching your videos – those kids are in for something special.
I truly wasn’t prepared, and just winged it, and discovered a neat little interactive trick along the way. I was telling the kids some things NOT to do in their stories – and next thing I know, I’m writing examples on the grease board in blue, then circling it in red and drawing a line through it.
By the end of the last two sessions, when I’d write a no-no on the board, kids were walking to the front of the class to circle it and draw the line through it! I let them, of course. And then kicked them out.
I’m kidding. Maybe. No video, so who’s to say?
Join us:Become a text buddy with IndyStar sports columnist Gregg Doyel
Not printing these
From: Sid B.
My interest in the Mailbagg tends to focus on your witty replies.
Thank you Sid. I had another form of Mailbagg when I was at CBSSports.com. We called it Hate Mail – OK, that was my idea – and I printed the meanest emails I received every week … and then proceeded to rip those readers right back. That was another era. And another me.
From: Mike C.
Ha. I think of that Jason Bean article often. Seriously – what about THAT guy? Time will tell.
I laid it on pretty thick here last week, taking credit for Jason Bean’s popularity around town, didn’t I?
Doyel lays it on thick:You love Colts scout-team QB Jason Bean? I did that!
From: Randy R.
Hey Gregg. I wonder if you could answer a question that has been bugging me for quite some time. The Colts have a quarterback, I think on the practice squad, and I believe he came from Kansas. I can’t remember his name, but in the preseason he really impressed us. Why don’t we hear anything about him? Wonder if you could give me your thoughts on the subject.
You trolling me, Randy? I devoted an entire section of last week’s Mailbagg to former Kansas QB Jason Bean, and to the story I wrote last year – in the preseason when he really impressed us. Then I took credit that so many people know his name around here. I laid it on pretty thick!
And you ask me … that?
From: Randy R.
Top columnist in the nation? Had no idea, but I agree and am happy to hear it! That’s like MVP in any sport! If the Hoosiers can’t be national champs, you can.
Oh. Same guy wrote these last two notes, and this one seems awfully nice…
Wait. You had no idea I won?
You trolling me, Randy?
Not printing this: Doyel wins APSE column-writing contest for fifth time in 11 years
Find IndyStar columnist Gregg Doyel on Threads, or on BlueSky and Twitter at @GreggDoyelStar, or at www.facebook.com/greggdoyelstar. Subscribe to the free weekly Doyel on Demand newsletter.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Colts TE Tyler Warren is fast. Ball State’s Letterman Building is fun.
