INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Bill Polian relied on simple, solid principles to build winners.
He went from successful general manager to Hall of Fame executive by developing one more trait: becoming an astute salesman.
After persuading Buffalo coach Marv Levy to throw in an extra second-round pick to get linebacker Cornelius Bennett in a 1987 trade, Polian sold Colts owner Jim Irsay on taking Peyton Manning over Ryan Leaf in the 1998 draft. Those two moves turned long-languishing franchises into perennial title contenders, giving Polian a reputation that will culminate in his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday.