Annual Highlights Thankful Side of the Indianapolis Colts
- Indianapolis Colts
- 11/29/2025 07:15:27 PM
The Indianapolis Colts’ 2024 season balanced on-field play with heartfelt gratitude, defining the team’s commitment to community, fans, and those who support them. From longstanding charity traditions to player-led acts of appreciation, the Colts turned “thankfulness” into action—moments that aren’t just PR, but part of the franchise’s DNA. Annual Highlights Thankful Side of the Indianapolis Colts breaks down these impactful gestures and why they matter as much as any win.
Annual Highlights Thankful Side of the Indianapolis Colts first spotlights the annual Thanksgiving Giveback, a decade-old tradition grown to serve Indianapolis. In 2024, the Colts partnered with food banks to hand out 15,000 meal kits (up from 2023’s 12,000), with players like Anthony Richardson volunteering at food banks and Jonathan Taylor hosting 50 shelter kids for dinner. A toy drive added 2,000 gifts for Indianapolis Children’s Hospital. “Handing a meal to a kid beats any touchdown,” Richardson said, underscoring the event’s heart.
Annual Highlights Thankful Side of the Indianapolis Colts next covers the November “Salute to Service” game vs. the Titans. The Colts wore camouflage uniforms, hosted 500 free tickets for veterans (honored at halftime), and Kwity Paye—son of an Army vet—led a pre-game flag ceremony. Coach Jim Caldwell hosted a service member breakfast, and the team sent 1,000 USO care packages with player notes. “These men and women sacrifice so much—we owe them our thanks,” Paye said, as fans filled the stadium with military tributes.
Annual Highlights Thankful Side of the Indianapolis Colts also shines on Fan Appreciation Day, the final home game’s tribute to supporters. Perks included free parking for 1,000 cars, alumni autographs (including Peyton Manning), and post-game fireworks. Players like Josh Downs shared video thanks (“None of this happens without you”), and 10,000 custom blankets were handed out. For the Indianapolis Colts, it’s a nod to partnership. “Fans stick with us through highs and lows,” team president Pete Ward said. The sellout crowd stayed late to thank players back.
Another layer of Annual Highlights Thankful Side of the Indianapolis Colts is players’ gratitude for unsung support staff. In December, Zaire Franklin and Ryan Kelly organized a “Staff Appreciation Lunch,” where players served 75 staff (trainers, equipment managers) and gave personalized gifts—custom watches, engraved coolers, handwritten notes. 18-year equipment manager Sean Sullivan teared up: “This job’s about love, but their thanks means everything.” For the Indianapolis Colts, it’s a culture of respect. “We can’t win without them keeping us healthy and ready,” Franklin said.
Annual Highlights Thankful Side of the Indianapolis Colts closes with how these moments bond the team to Indianapolis. The Colts aren’t just a team—they’re part of the community, from feeding families to investing in youth (via the Colts Youth Football Academy, which hosted 500 kids at Lucas Oil Stadium and donated $50k to leagues). For the Indianapolis Colts, thankfulness is business as usual. “We’re grateful for Indianapolis,” GM Chris Ballard said. “Lifting up our community lifts us up—this is our greatest win.” As 2024 ends, the Colts’ heart reminds us football’s about more than trophies.