INDIANAPOLIS - A Dutch Connection to the Colts' Heartbeat
In a heartwarming nod to international fandom, Lucas Lejeune from Roermond, The Netherlands, has been crowned the Indianapolis Colts' 2025 "International Fan of the Year." This accolade comes with an all-expenses-paid trip to wave the Colts' flag at the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Lejeune's passion for the Colts was sparked back in 2019 during his time as an exchange student in Indiana. Since then, his dedication has been nothing short of remarkable. He's journeyed across continents, catching games not just in Indianapolis, but also in cities like Nashville, Tennessee, and even as far as Frankfurt and Berlin, Germany.
His enthusiasm didn't stop there. Lejeune founded "Blue Crew Europe," a vibrant community of over 100 Colts fans, connecting enthusiasts across the continent. He also spearheaded the first European Colts Cookout, a gathering he aims to make an annual tradition, bringing fans together to celebrate their shared love for the team.
But perhaps the most charming of his fan endeavors is the transformation of his garden shed into the "Colts Gardenhouse." Here, he and fellow fans gather to watch every game, turning a simple space into a shrine of Colts camaraderie.
Professionally, Lejeune's love for the game extends into his role at ESPN Netherlands. He's been on the ground at the NFL Combine and contributed to a documentary aimed at bringing the Colts closer to European fans.
Reflecting on his recognition, Lejeune shared, "Being International Fan of the Year for the Colts means a lot to me. It’s a way to stay connected with the amazing people I met during my exchange year in the U.S. Winning this award feels like representing that bond and the wonderful American culture I've embraced."
Lejeune's journey is a testament to the universal language of sports, bridging cultures and creating lifelong connections. As he gears up for the NFL Draft, Colts Nation can be proud to have such a passionate ambassador representing them on the international stage.