Tyler Warren spent part of Tuesday making a different kind of impact for the Colts.
As the Indianapolis rookie walked toward the practice field, he handed an intern a card that carried some life-changing news: “Promotion to full-time employee,” it read, via The 33rd Team's Ari Meirov. “Officially validated by: Tyler Warren.”
The reaction said everything. The now-former intern went from shock to laughter to tears as coworkers looked on and players nearby joined in the celebration.
Former All-Pro defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, offseason addition Arden Key and longtime Colts DT Grover Stewart all offered congratulations from a distance, turning the moment into a full-team burst of joy. Warren, who has quickly become one of the faces of the franchise, was the one who delivered it.
That kind of spotlight fits the way Indianapolis already views him. The Colts made him the No. 14 overall draft pick, and the organization is clearly treating him like a cornerstone piece. Warren now has the bigger task of backing that up on the field after a strong start to his rookie year.
A #Colts intern gets a surprise she had absolutely no idea was coming…
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 2, 2026
Best video you’ll watch today. 🙏
(via @Colts) pic.twitter.com/qwCb63K0ES
The 6-foot-6, 256-pound tight end finished last season with 76 catches for 817 yards and four touchdowns in 17 games. With Indianapolis trading veteran wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. to the Pittsburgh Steelers in March, Warren has a real chance to lead the team in receptions, yards and touchdowns this season. If that happens, the Colts may end up giving him another piece of paper to celebrate.
In Other News...
Colts Make An Early QB Call That Will Shape This Season
The Colts have made an early quarterback decision that gives a clearer picture of how they plan to open the 2026 season, with Anthony Richardson Sr. set to begin as the backup behind the starter. Shane Steichen said the choice was driven by preseason performance, a straightforward football call that carries plenty of weight for a team still sorting out its long-term answer under center.
It also comes against a busy early-week backdrop for Indianapolis, with Keenan Allen expected to be available for Week 1 despite a recent legal matter and Alec Pierce back in full practice after working through an ankle and heel injury. The Colts have also settled on their five captains and are still managing a few other injury situations, so while the quarterback pecking order is now clearer, the bigger roster picture is still settling into place. [Read more 🡒]
Anthony Richardsons Colts Future Just Took A Surprising Turn
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Shane Steichen and Chris Ballard both confirmed Richardson will remain with the team even after his earlier trade request, a notable turn in a situation that had been drawing plenty of attention around the Colts. The decision leaves Indianapolis with a clear order at quarterback, but it also keeps Richardson in the building, where the next phase of his Colts future will unfold behind Jones. [Read more 🡒]
Colts May Open Week 1 With A Rookie Problem They Didn't Expect
The Colts went into the spring and summer expecting rookie help on defense, but Week 1 could arrive before either of those additions is ready to take a starting role. Indianapolis drafted linebacker CJ Allen and safety AJ Haulcy with the idea of filling the void left by departing players, yet the opener against the Ravens may feature a different look if the rookies are not in place by kickoff.
Haulcy is still working back from an ankle injury and has not practiced recently, while Allen has returned from injury but has not locked down a first-team job. General manager Chris Ballard said Haulcy is progressing, though he would not put a timetable on his return, which leaves the Colts sorting through other options such as Hunter Wohler, Akeen Davis-Gaither and Jaylon Carlies as the opener gets closer. [Read more 🡒]