Signings Demonstrate Toughness of the Indianapolis Colts

In the NFL, a team’s identity is often forged by the players it selects to join its ranks—and for the Indianapolis Colts, “toughness” has long stood as a defining characteristic that guides every roster-building decision. To the Colts, toughness transcends mere physicality; it encompasses resilience in the face of injuries, leadership when the pressure peaks, and an unwavering commitment to outworking every opponent. The 2024 off-season and mid-season signings have put this identity on full display, as general manager Chris Ballard targeted athletes with proven track records of overcoming adversity, lifting up their teammates, and excelling in the gritty, nail-biting games that separate contenders from also-rans. Signings Demonstrate Toughness of the Indianapolis Colts explores how these additions—ranging from veteran free agents to mid-season pickups—have embodied the Colts’ tough culture, strengthened the roster, and fueled the team’s push for a playoff spot. This article dives into the stories behind each signing, their on-field impact, and why these players have become symbols of what it means to wear the Colts’ uniform.

Signings Demonstrate Toughness of the Indianapolis Colts starts with the off-season’s most high-profile move: re-signing running back Jonathan Taylor to a four-year, $40 million contract. Taylor, a fan favorite in Indianapolis, dealt with a persistent ankle injury in 2023 that hindered his production, but his toughness was never in doubt. He played through pain in six games, rushing for over 100 yards in three of those outings, and refused to let the injury derail the team’s momentum. By re-signing Taylor, the Colts didn’t just lock down their offensive centerpiece; they reaffirmed their commitment to a player who lives their tough ethos. Taylor’s work ethic is legendary—he’s frequently the first player in the weight room and stays late to study game film—and his ability to break tackles (he led the NFL in yards after contact in 2021) and push through fatigue in the fourth quarter has made him a clutch performer. This season, Taylor has returned to top form, rushing for 1,200 yards and 8 touchdowns through 15 games, including a 143-yard, 2-touchdown performance in a rain-soaked, physical win over the Cleveland Browns. His signing sent a clear message: the Colts value players who fight through hardship, and Taylor is the face of that mindset.

Signings Demonstrate Toughness of the Indianapolis Colts also shines a light on the mid-season addition of offensive lineman Andrus Peat—a move that addressed a critical need while doubling down on the team’s focus on toughness. In October 2024, the Colts signed Peat, a 10-year veteran and three-time Pro Bowler, after starting left guard Quenton Nelson suffered a knee sprain. Peat, who spent his entire career with the New Orleans Saints before joining the Colts, was known for his durability (he’s appeared in over 120 games) and his willingness to play multiple positions along the offensive line—a flexibility that aligns perfectly with the Colts’ “next man up” mentality. What stood out most to the Colts, however, was Peat’s history of playing through injuries: in 2022, he started 15 games with a torn bicep, refusing to go on injured reserve and helping the Saints clinch a playoff spot. With the Colts, Peat has stepped into the lineup seamlessly, starting eight games at left guard and allowing just one sack. He’s also emerged as a vocal leader in the locker room, reminding younger linemen to “finish every play strong” and “never let a defender outhustle you.” Peat’s signing wasn’t just about filling a gap; it was about adding a player who could teach the Colts’ young offensive line what toughness looks like, both on and off the field.

Signings Demonstrate Toughness of the Indianapolis Colts is clearly seen in the impact of veteran linebacker Zaire Franklin, who was re-signed to a three-year, $21 million contract in March 2024. Franklin, a sixth-round pick by the Colts in 2020, has risen from a special teams contributor to the team’s defensive captain—and his toughness is the driving force behind that ascent. He’s played through a broken hand (in 2022) and a shoulder injury (in 2023), never missing a game in four seasons—a streak of 64 consecutive starts that’s the longest among active Colts defenders. Franklin’s toughness isn’t just physical; it’s mental too. He calls the defensive plays, adjusts schemes on the fly, and motivates his teammates with fiery pre-game speeches that set the tone for every contest. This season, Franklin has tallied 140 tackles (ranking third in the NFL), 3 sacks, and 2 interceptions, including a game-sealing pick in overtime against the Baltimore Ravens. The Indianapolis Colts’ decision to re-sign Franklin was an easy one: he’s a player who embodies the team’s tough culture, and his presence has made the entire defense more resilient. As head coach Shane Steichen put it: “Zaire doesn’t just play tough—he makes everyone around him tougher. That’s the kind of player you build a defense around.”

Signings Demonstrate Toughness of the Indianapolis Colts extends to the mid-season pickup of safety Duron Harmon, a 12-year veteran signed in November after starter Rodney McLeod Jr. suffered a hamstring injury. Harmon, who won three Super Bowls with the New England Patriots, is the epitome of a tough, reliable player: he’s appeared in over 180 games, never missing more than two games in a single season, and he’s known for his ability to step into any defensive role and perform at a high level. What impressed the Colts most, though, was Harmon’s leadership in the locker room—he immediately took rookie safety Daniel Scott under his wing, teaching him how to read quarterbacks’ tendencies and stay focused in high-pressure situations. On the field, Harmon has been a steady force: in six games with the Colts, he’s recorded 25 tackles, 1 interception, and 3 pass breakups, including a critical fourth-down stop in a 24-17 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Indianapolis Colts’ signing of Harmon wasn’t just a depth move; it was a way to add a player who understands what it takes to win tough games. Harmon’s experience and resilience have been invaluable, especially as the Colts battle for a playoff spot, and he’s quickly become a fan favorite for his no-nonsense, hard-nosed style of play.

Signings Demonstrate Toughness of the Indianapolis Colts ultimately reveals that these additions are more than just roster moves—they’re a reflection of the team’s very soul. The Colts don’t sign players solely for their talent; they sign them for their character, their willingness to fight when the odds are stacked against them, and their ability to embody what it means to be a Colt. Taylor, Peat, Franklin, and Harmon—along with other signings like edge rusher Yannick Ngakoue, who plays through shoulder pain—have turned the Colts into one of the league’s grittiest teams, capable of winning the ugly, physical games that other teams might fold in. As the Colts head into the playoffs, their toughness will be their greatest advantage; they’ve proven they can handle injuries, adapt to adversity, and outlast opponents in the fourth quarter. In the end, Signings Demonstrate Toughness of the Indianapolis Colts is a story about identity—the Colts know who they are, and they sign players who fit that mold. For fans, this means watching a team that plays with heart, fights until the final whistle, and makes toughness look like second nature. And in the NFL, that’s the kind of team that can go all the way.