The Indianapolis Colts are looking to rebound from a disappointing 2024 season that left the team in turmoil. General manager Chris Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen both kept their jobs, to the surprise of many, and the pressure will be on to show improvement. And they'll be doing it on an international stage.
The Colts have been selected to play the first ever NFL game in Berlin, Germany in 2025, with the game taking place at the historic Olympic Stadium. Previously, the Colts have played in London, against the Jacksonville Jaguars, and in Frankfurt.
See you soon, Berlin.
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) January 15, 2025
Wir sehen uns bald, Berlin. pic.twitter.com/qPIOWQDAyQ
In the NFL's press release announcing the game, owner Jim Irsay said he was excited to bring his team to Berlin in a historic moment for the league. In addition to the game in Berlin, the NFL will host games in London, at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, one game in Madrid, Spain at the Bernabéu Stadium. Altogether, there have been 55 regular season games hosted abroad, in London, Munich, Frankfurt, São Paulo, Mexico City and Toronto.
“The NFL has become a global brand, and we’re looking forward to growing American football in Germany and expanding Colts Nation’s footprint around the world. This game also provides a unique opportunity for our local Indiana partners to engage with German businesses, customers and fans this season and in the future," he said.
“With today's announcement of the Indianapolis Colts as the designated team of the NFL Berlin game, our joint journey with the NFL continues. This announcement is special for many Berliners, as there is a close connection to the team through Björn Werner, our NFL hero and former Colts player,” Senator for the Interior and Sports, State of Berlin Iris Spranger added. "We look forward to welcoming the Colts to our sports metropolis. It will be a football festival like we have never experienced in Berlin before. For the Colts. For the fans. And as they say in Indianapolis: for the shoe!”