The Indianapolis Colts, a franchise that is normally used to running with a degree of confidence and stability, have now regressed to the point that even releasing a fun, creative video for the NFL's 2025 schedule release without ending the night swamped in controversy has become too much of a chore.
Indianapolis' video was one of many Minecraft-themed schedule releases, although it may have offended those of a certain sensitivity. The video was so problematic that the Colts had to delete it just a few hours after it was posted and immediately posted a statement regretting their decision to publish.
The since-deleted video included Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis getting run over by a bachelorette party van and Patrick Mahomes Sr. fighting much-maligned former Atlanta Braves pitcher John Rocker in reference to a clearly staged duel between them.
The biggest mistake Indianapolis made in this video came in depicting their Week 1 matchup against the Miami Dolphins, in which a dolphin with Tyreek Hill's No. 10 jersey was depicted being harassed by the Coast Guard. This is clearly a reference to his detention by police prior to their season opener.
The Colts released a statement after the fact, claiming that the Hill depiction and a violation of their rights with Microsoft is what ultimately led to them scrubbing the video from social media. What should have been an easy event has turned into a night of controversy.
Colts forced to delete schedule release video due to Tyreek Hill controversy
Between the Colts having to delete their reveal video from existence and the division rival Jacksonville Jaguars choosing to use AI-generated images in what has essentially become the Super Bowl for social media teams around the league, the AFC South didn't exactly have a banner day here.
The fact that such a video, which was apparently both offensive and a violation of the rights Indy had with such a major company, managed to get through so many levels of approval within the Colts' social media department without getting shot down could be very concerning. This should have been an easy home run, yet they bungled it.
With the Colts leaning on a 1-2 punch of Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones at quarterback in a year that could lead to Shane Steichen and Chris Ballard both getting their pink slips if they struggle, Indianapolis has been struggling to pick up a ton of positive momentum.