Peyton Manning
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 20: Peyton Manning speaks onstage during Fanatics Fest NYC 2025 at Javits Center on June 20, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images)
Indianapolis Colts rookie Tyler Warren is just getting started in the NFL, but he’s already caught attention. From the fanbase to Colts royalty, the consensus is there’s something special about the new franchise tight end.
As part of a Fanatics campaign welcoming the 2025 rookie class to the league, legends delivered video messages.
Peyton Manning directed his to Warren — a personal, heartfelt sentiment that served as both “encouragement” and a subtle passing of the torch.
“It’s not always easy competing in the NFL,” Manning said. “But Colts fans stuck with me, and I know they’ll be behind you every step of the way.”
The brief but powerful message hit home for fans and for Warren himself, who’s entering a pivotal role in an offense looking for a new identity. Drafted in the first round out of Penn State, Warren has already turned heads in camp with his strong hands, polished route running, and early chemistry with quarterbacks Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones.
Warren didn’t need extra motivation, but a note from Manning — a five-time MVP and Super Bowl champion — carries weight. Especially coming from someone who helped shape the modern Colts identity.
Warren Turning Heads at Colts Camp
The rookie tight end had a quiet Day 1 of training camp but wasted no time proving why the Colts took him with the 14th overall pick. Since then, he’s consistently made plays in team drills, hauling in tough catches from both Richardson and Jones.
ESPN’s Stephen Holder praised Warren’s strong hands — a trait that Colts scouts prioritized during the draft process. Offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter added that Warren’s ability to adjust mid-route and make contested catches sets him apart from other young tight ends in the league.
“Something we thought was a real strength of his was his hands, his ability to focus, concentrate and make those tough catches,” Cooter said. “He’s a very uniquely-talented, uniquely-skilled young man… That’s what you need in this league.”
The Colts haven’t had a true No. 1 tight end in recent years, but Warren’s size (6-foot-6, 257 pounds), athleticism, and route IQ give him the inside track. He’s already positioning himself as a key part of an offense built around tempo and spacing.
A Legendary Boost From No. 18
Peyton Manning’s message was more than a PR gesture. It was a reminder of the standard — and of the support system in Indianapolis. Colts fans stood by Manning through his early growing pains, and he rewarded them with more than a decade of elite quarterback play, playoff runs, and a Super Bowl title.
Warren now steps into a franchise eager to build a new era around young pieces like him and Richardson. Getting a message from a Hall of Famer who defined the last golden era in Indy serves as both a welcome and a challenge.
The NFL isn’t easy — Manning made that clear. It’s a business before football oftentimes. But Warren doesn’t look fazed. He’s already shown maturity beyond his years, and now he’s got a little extra fuel as he works toward becoming the player the Colts believe he can be.
With camp heating up and the preseason just around the corner, Warren continues to make his case as a breakout rookie to watch. And somewhere, The Sheriff is watching.