Award Nominations Spotlight Stars of the Indianapolis Colts

As the NFL regular season enters its final stretch, award nominations have begun to roll in—highlighting the league’s top performers and their impact on their teams’ success. For the Indianapolis Colts, this year’s nominations are more than just individual accolades; they’re a testament to the team’s surprising resurgence, from a playoff longshot to a legitimate contender in the AFC. Multiple Colts stars have earned recognition across major awards, spanning offense, defense, and special teams, each nomination telling a story of hard work, resilience, and game-changing talent. Award Nominations Spotlight Stars of the Indianapolis Colts isn’t just a list of names—it’s a celebration of how these players have lifted the franchise, turned heads around the league, and made the 2024 season one to remember for Colts fans.

Award Nominations Spotlight Stars of the Indianapolis Colts begins with running back Jonathan Taylor, whose dominant return from injury has earned him a nomination for the NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award. After missing the first seven games of the season with a knee injury, Taylor has exploded back onto the scene, averaging 96 rushing yards per game and scoring eight touchdowns in just five starts. His standout performance came in Week 12 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he rushed for 178 yards and two touchdowns, leading the Colts to a 34–27 win that kept their playoff hopes alive. What makes Taylor’s comeback so remarkable is his ability to regain his 2021 All-Pro form—using his signature blend of power, speed, and elusiveness to break tackles and carry the Colts’ offense. “Jonathan’s work ethic during his recovery was unmatched,” Colts head coach Shane Steichen said. “He didn’t just rehab—he studied film, worked on his strength, and stayed engaged with the team. To come back and play at this level? It’s inspiring, and he’s absolutely deserving of this nomination.” Taylor’s nomination also highlights the Colts’ ability to adapt without him early in the season, making his return even more impactful as they push for a wildcard spot.

A second standout nomination in Award Nominations Spotlight Stars of the Indianapolis Colts is rookie cornerback Julius Brents, who has been named a finalist for the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award. Selected in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft out of Kansas State, Brents has exceeded all expectations, emerging as a shutdown corner for the Colts’ secondary. He leads all rookies with five interceptions (including one returned for a touchdown) and 14 pass breakups, and he’s held opposing No. 1 receivers to an average of just 42 yards per game. His defining moment came in Week 13 against the Houston Texans, where he intercepted CJ Stroud twice—becoming the first player to pick off the Texans’ rookie quarterback multiple times in a single game. “Julius has a rare combination of size, speed, and football IQ,” Colts defensive coordinator Gus Bradley said. “He doesn’t play like a rookie—he plays like a veteran who’s been in the league for years. He’s calm under pressure, he studies his opponents, and he makes plays when we need them most. This nomination is a testament to his talent and his work ethic.” Brents’ success also reflects the Colts’ strong draft strategy, as they continue to build a young, talented defense around players like him and defensive end Kwity Paye.

Award Nominations Spotlight Stars of the Indianapolis Colts also includes quarterback Gardner Minshew, whose clutch performances have earned him a nomination for the NFL FedEx Air Player of the Month for November. Minshew, who stepped into the starting role when Anthony Richardson went down with a shoulder injury in Week 5, has been a revelation for the Colts, leading them to a 4–1 record in November. He threw for 1,203 yards, nine touchdowns, and just two interceptions during the month, including a 352-yard, four-touchdown performance in a Week 11 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. What makes Minshew’s nomination so impressive is his ability to keep the Colts’ offense on track despite the loss of their franchise quarterback, using his accuracy (68.3% completion rate in November) and leadership to rally the team. For the Indianapolis Colts, Minshew’s nomination is a reminder of the importance of depth at the quarterback position—and how a player once considered a backup can become a franchise savior. “Gardner didn’t just fill in—he elevated our offense,” Steichen said. “He’s a competitor, he connects with his teammates, and he makes smart decisions in high-pressure situations. This nomination is well-deserved, and he’s been a huge reason for our success this month.”

Another notable nomination in Award Nominations Spotlight Stars of the Indianapolis Colts is special teams ace Matt Haack, who has been nominated for the NFL Special Teams Player of the Year Award. Haack, the Colts’ punter, has been a consistent force all season, leading the league with a 48.7-yard average per punt and placing 72% of his punts inside the opponent’s 20-yard line. He’s also been a key part of the Colts’ field position battle, forcing opponents to start drives on average at their own 18-yard line—one of the best marks in the NFL. Haack’s most memorable play came in Week 9 against the Carolina Panthers, where he pinned the Panthers at their own 5-yard line with just 30 seconds left, helping the Colts secure a 20–17 win. For the Indianapolis Colts, Haack’s nomination underscores the importance of special teams in winning close games—a factor that has been critical in their playoff push. “Special teams often doesn’t get the credit it deserves, but Matt has made it a strength for us,” Steichen said. “He’s consistent, he’s reliable, and he gives our defense a chance to succeed by putting opponents in bad field position. This nomination is a great recognition for him and for our entire special teams unit.”

Finally, Award Nominations Spotlight Stars of the Indianapolis Colts wraps up with the collective impact of these nominations—and what they mean for the Colts’ future. Taylor’s comeback, Brents’ rookie success, Minshew’s clutch play, and Haack’s consistency—all of these nominations reflect a team that’s building something special, one player at a time. They also send a message to the league: the Colts are no longer a rebuilding team; they’re a contender with talent across all three phases of the game. For the Indianapolis Colts, these nominations are more than just honors—they’re motivation to finish the season strong and make a deep playoff run. “Each of these players has worked incredibly hard to get here, and their nominations are a reflection of our team’s culture,” Steichen said. “We’re not done yet—we want to turn these nominations into wins, and we want to bring a playoff berth back to Indianapolis. This is just the beginning.” Award Nominations Spotlight Stars of the Indianapolis Colts ultimately reveals that while individual talent is important, it’s the way these players come together as a team that has made the Colts’ 2024 season so special. As they head into the final weeks of the regular season, all eyes will be on these nominated stars to see if they can lead the Colts to even greater success—and perhaps bring home some hardware along the way.