Indianapolis Colts Anoint 2025 Captains: Who Got Snubbed?

It is that time of year again. The air gets a little crisper, the pads start cracking with a bit more venom, and locker rooms across the NFL decide who gets to wear the coveted ‘C‘ on their jersey. In Indianapolis, Head Coach Shane Steichen just dropped the list of the five guys who will lead the Colts into the 2025 season, and it is a mix of grizzled vets, fiery leaders, and one notable newcomer.

While the official announcement is full of predictable praise, the real story is often in the subtext. Who’s in, who’s out, and what does it all mean for a Colts team desperate to climb back to the top of the AFC South? Let’s break down the new leadership council for the Indianapolis Colts.

The Colts’ Core Four: No Surprises Here

Four of the five names announced are about as surprising as a traffic jam on I-465 during rush hour. These are the foundational pillars of the franchise, the guys who set the tone day in and day out.

DeForest Buckner (DT): This is Buckner’s seventh time being named a captain, and frankly, they should just stitch the ‘C‘ permanently onto his jersey. The man is a walking, talking embodiment of consistency. He has missed a measly seven games in nine years, which is unheard of for a guy who lives in the trenches. He is the team’s quiet enforcer, the kind of player who doesn’t need to scream to command respect. His presence alone is a message to every player on the roster: show up, work hard, and dominate.

Zaire Franklin (LB): If Buckner is the silent leader, Franklin is the boombox. He is the emotional heartbeat of this team, and his journey from special teams grinder to franchise leader in tackles is the stuff of locker room legend. Franklin earned his stripes the hard way, and you better believe he lets everyone know it. He’s the first to celebrate a big play and the first to get in a teammate’s face if they’re slacking. You need that fire, and Franklin brings a bonfire’s worth every single Sunday.

 Quenton Nelson (G): “Big Q” getting a captaincy is a given. The guy is a mauler, a six-time Pro Bowler who sets the standard for nastiness on the offensive line. His no-nonsense attitude is legendary. Nelson isn’t here to make friends with opposing defensive linemen; he’s here to impose his will. He has started every single game he’s played, and that kind of old-school reliability is exactly what you want from a leader up front.

 Kenny Moore II (CB): The ultimate underdog story. Moore went from undrafted free agent to one of the league’s premier nickel corners and a cornerstone of the Colts’ defense. He embodies the grit and selflessness every coach preaches. He’s a two-time Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee, proving his leadership extends far beyond the gridiron. Moore is living proof that hard work and dedication pay off, a message that resonates deeply with the younger guys on the squad.

 The New QB1 Takes the Helm

Daniel Jones (QB): Here’s where things get interesting. The newcomer, Daniel Jones, fresh off winning the starting quarterback job, has also been handed a ‘C’. Look, this isn’t his first rodeo; he was a captain for six straight years with the Giants. But earning that respect in a new locker room so quickly is a testament to his work ethic.

From the moment he walked into the Colts’ building, reports have highlighted his determination to learn the offense and connect with his new teammates. It’s a bold move by the players, essentially saying, “You’re our guy. Now lead us.” This vote of confidence could be exactly what Jones needs to silence the doubters.

 The Elephants Not In the Room

Now, for the juicy part. To make room for five captains, some familiar faces were left out. Colts Running Back Jonathan Taylor and Wide Receiver Michael Pittman Jr., both captains last season, did not get the nod this year. Ouch.

You can spin this a few ways. Maybe the Colts wanted a more concentrated leadership group. Maybe it’s a reflection of Jones taking the unquestioned reins of the offense. Or maybe it’s a subtle message to two players who have had their share of contract drama in the past. Whatever the reason, it is a notable shift. Taylor and Pittman are still elite players, but for 2025, their teammates have decided the ‘C‘ belongs elsewhere. It adds a fascinating layer of intrigue as the season kicks off.