The Indianapolis Colts are one step closer to the start of the NFL regular season.
Head coach Shane Steichen announced on Thursday that defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, linebacker Zaire Franklin, cornerback Kenny Moore II, guard Quenton Nelson and quarterback Daniel Jones were voted in by their teammates.
Buckner remains the anchor up front, now serving as a captain for the seventh time in his career. He’s coming off a 6.5-sack campaign, missing only seven games in nine seasons.
Franklin continues his rise as one of the most respected players on the roster. Once a special teams captain, Franklin worked his way into a full-time starting role and now holds the Colts’ single-season record for tackles.
This will be his sixth-straight year as captain. Franklin is the vocal heartbeat of the team, the guy who congratulates teammates on the little things because he knows how much effort every snap takes.
Veterans Lead the Way
Kenny Moore II is back as a Colts captain for a fourth consecutive season. The veteran corner’s story has always been about resilience. From undrafted free agent to team leader, Moore has carved out a reputation for hard work and consistency.
He’s played 118 games with 105 starts, and remains the only Colt with two pick-sixes in one game. Off the field, his impact is just as strong, having been twice nominated for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award.
Quenton Nelson holds down the offensive line and the captain title for a fifth straight season. The seven-time Pro Bowler and three-time First-Team All-Pro is the definition of reliability. He’s started 112 games across his career, missing just four. Nelson doesn’t sugarcoat things — his no-nonsense approach sets the tone for the line and for the offense overall.
Jones Joins Group In Debut Colts Season
In his first season with the Colts, Jones has already been voted captain by his new teammates. That’s not easy to do in Year 1. But Jones brings plenty of experience from his time as captain with the New York Giants and has already earned respect in Indianapolis.
His approach, preparation, and ability to quickly integrate into Shane Steichen’s system clearly made an impression. For a quarterback, the captaincy is about more than play on Sundays — it’s about commanding trust in the huddle, in practice, and in the locker room. Jones has managed to do that fast, being named the QB1.
The Colts’ five captains reflect what the franchise values most: toughness, consistency, and accountability. Buckner and Franklin lead the defense. Moore brings reliability and community impact. Nelson sets the standard in the trenches. And Jones steps in as the new voice on offense, showing he’s already embraced by the locker room.
Captains do more than wear a patch. They set the tone when things are tough, hold others accountable, and embody the standard for the rest of the roster. For the Colts, this group gives them leadership across every unit and signals confidence heading into a huge Week 1 showdown with the Miami Dolphins on September 7.
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