Colts Announce Team Captains, Including First-Timer

Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen announced the team's captains for the 2026 season on Thursday: defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, safety Cam Bynum, quarterback Daniel Jones, guard Quenton Nelson, and running back Jonathan Taylor.

"Really excited for those guys," Steichen told reporters. "Obviously, a captain, I think, is one of the biggest honors in the National Football League. So, to be named a captain by your teammates, they trust you to uphold the standard every day. So, excited for those guys."

(Sixth with Colts, eighth in career)

Buckner is on the shortlist of excellent Colts of this era. The Colts traded a first-round pick for him in 2020, and he has rewarded them with a First-Team All-Pro, a Pro Bowl, 43.0 sacks, and the leadership of being a captain every year since his second year in Indianapolis. He's been a trusted bridge between the locker room and coaching staff throughout his tenure, and his work ethic in coming back from neck surgery last season took his teammates' respect for him to another level.

(First with Colts and career)

With the departure of veteran defensive leaders Kenny Moore II and Zaire Franklin this offseason, Bynum was a natural fit to fill a captain's spot. He has a close relationship with defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, communicates well with his teammates (he's the on-field defensive playcaller, AKA 'green dot'), and has a positive impact in the locker room with his consistently bright mood.

(Second with Colts, eighth in career)

Jones was named a captain last year in his debut season with the Colts, but now he's spent an entire year with most of his teammates, and they've watched him come back from a late-season Achilles injury to look like himself again. Jones reflected on the difference between being named a captain this year compared to last.

"Yeah, I think it feels different just from being here and being around these guys," Jones said. "Yeah, I mean, a real honor to be selected captain and very grateful to be chosen. So, I understand the responsibility of that and what it means to be a captain of this football team and what the expectations and standards are, but yeah, it does feel a little bit different just having more relationships, being around the guys more."

(Sixth with Colts and career)

Nelson's leadership presence has grown steadily during his time with the Colts, especially over the last two years since the departure of former center and offensive line leader Ryan Kelly. As valuable as it's been for Nelson to make the Pro Bowl every year of his career, he's led vocally and by example and has been named a captain since his fourth season.

(Third with Colts and career)

When it comes to leading by example, Taylor is about as good as it gets. You'd be hard-pressed to find a player who prepares for the game and takes care of their body more than Taylor does. His relentless work is one reason the Colts rewarded him with a two-year, $44 million extension this summer.