Colts head coach Shane Steichen on Thursday announced five team captains for the 2025 season.
The five players, who were voted captains by their teammates, are:
Defensive tackle DeForest Buckner
Years as captain: 7 (2018-2019 with 49ers, 2021-2025 with Colts)
Buckner is the embodiment of what an NFL captain should be, both on and off the field. He has only missed a total of seven games in nine years in the NFL and sets the tone for the entire team on Sundays. The three-time Pro Bowler is known for his toughness, consistency and dedication to his craft, setting the example for his teammates in showing what a good man and a good football player looks like.
Linebacker Zaire Franklin
Years as captain: 6 (2020-2025 with Colts)
Franklin is the outspoken leader of the team, respected not only by the defense but by offense and special teams as well. He'll be the one of the first to congratulate a teammate on a good play, because he knows how much work goes into every snap. From working his way up from being special teams captain to earning multiple contract extensions and owning the franchise record for most tackles in a season, Franklin has earned everything he's gotten.
Cornerback Kenny Moore II
Years as captain: 4 (2022-2025 with Colts)
Moore is the epitome of hard work and selflessness; the former undrafted free agent has tirelessly worked at both his craft on the field and his impact in his community. A two-time Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee, Moore has been a strong and reliable presence in Indianapolis since he joined the Colts in 2017. He has played in 118 games (105 starts) and is the only player in Colts history to have two pick-sixes in one game.
Guard Quenton Nelson
Years as captain: 5 (2021-2025 with Colts)
Nelson sets the standard with his no-nonsense attitude and high expectations for himself and his teammates. The 2018 first-round pick is the first player in franchise history to earn Pro Bowl honors in his first seven seasons and is also the first player in franchise history to earn First Team All-Pro honors in his first three seasons. Nelson has started all 112 games he's appeared in, only missing four games across his seven seasons in the NFL.
Quarterback Daniel Jones
Years as captain: 7 (2019-2024 with Giants, 2025 with Colts)
From the moment he joined the Colts, Jones has impressed his teammates and coaches alike with his work ethic and determination to assimilate with his teammates as quickly as possible. The 28-year-old has plenty of captaincy experience, and his approach to the game and willingness to learn inspires a great deal of confidence in those around him.
