Head coach Shane Steichen made the announcement on Thursday.
The eight players were elected captains by their colleagues. They are:
Defensive tackle DeForest Buckner
Years as captain: 6 (2018-2019 with 49ers, 2021-2024 with Colts)
Linebacker Zaire Franklin
Years as captain: 5 (2020-2024 with Colts)
Franklin is the Colts’ loud leader, and his message resonates not only on defense but also on offense and special teams. His perspective and experience are vital to the Colts’ locker room, and he’s a great example of how far hard work can carry a player. Franklin, a 2018 seventh-round pick, worked his way up to become a special teams captain, earning a second contract and then a role on defense, setting a franchise record for tackles and then breaking his own record the following year, before receiving another contract extension from the Colts this offseason.
Center Ryan Kelly
Years as captain: 2 (2023-2024 with Colts)
The Colts’ longest-tenured player made his debut in 2016 and will play in his fourth Pro Bowl in 2023. Kelly, along with fellow captain Quenton Nelson and right tackle Braden Smith, sets a high standard for the Colts’ offensive line room, which is being reached by younger players such as Bernhard Raimann and Will Fries. And that high standard permeates not only the offensive line, but the whole Colts locker room.
Cornerback Kenny Moore II
Years as captain: 3 (2022-2024 with Colts)
Moore, like Franklin, is a brilliant example of an undervalued player. Moore, who was claimed off waivers by the New England Patriots on roster cut-down day in 2017, set out to make an excellent career and legacy for himself in Indianapolis. Moore, a 2021 Pro Bowler and Walter Payton Man of the Year contender, has appeared in 103 games (89 starts) for the Colts since joining them eight seasons ago; last year, he became the first player in franchise history to record two pick-sixes in a single game.
Guard Quenton Nelson
Years as captain: 4 (2021-2024 with Colts)
Nelson’s no-nonsense physicality and high standards for himself and his team set a key tone in the Colts’ locker room, which has led to the left guard serving as team captain for four years in a row. The 2018 first-round pick has made the Pro Bowl in each of his six seasons in the NFL, missing only three games.
Wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr.
Years as captain: 1 (2024 with Colts)
Pittman enjoys blocking a linebacker on a run play, which is uncommon among No. 1 receivers. His combination of brawling aggression and excellent output (109 receptions, 1,152 yards in 2023) elevates the standard of play for all of his teammates: If Pitt is doing it, I should be too.
Quarterback Anthony Richardson
Years as captain: 2 (2023-2024 with Colts)
Richardson has grown into a leadership role for the Colts during his two seasons in Indianapolis, and the 22-year-old’s mentality is reflected in the fact that he has been named team captain in both of his pro seasons. You won’t find anyone in the Colts’ locker room who isn’t riding with Richardson this season, as the 2023 No. 4 overall pick instills confidence in his teammates with his play on the field and deeds off it.
Running back Jonathan Taylor
Years as captain: 2 (2022, 2024 with Colts)
The Colts expect big things from Taylor in 2024, not just with the ball in his hands, but also for the leadership he gives to the locker room and sideline. The 25-year-old Taylor completed the 2023 season well, with 30 carries, 188 yards, and one touchdown against the Houston Texans.