Indianapolis Colts guard Quenton Nelson has been named to the NFL's Top 100 Players of 2026 list.
INDIANAPOLIS — Indianapolis Colts left guard Quenton Nelson has been named to the NFL Top 100 Players of 2026 list.
Nelson came in at No. 99 on this year's list as he enters his ninth year, marking the fourth time in his career he has made the list. He also made it in 2020 (No. 29), 2021 (No. 33), and 2022 (28).
Nelson has been an example of consistency and excellence for the Colts since being taken with the sixth overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. He has started all 129 of his career games and hasn't missed a contest since 2021.
The six-time All-Pro (three First-Team) has made the Pro Bowl in each of his eight seasons and is tied for fourth in Colts franchise history for Pro Bowl nods.
Nelson is coming off a season in which he was named a Pro Bowler and Second-Team All-Pro, allowing just one sack — the fifth time in his career he's allowed one or fewer — and tying career bests in pressures allowed (15) and pass-block efficiency (98.7), according to Pro Football Focus. He also had his fewest penalties in a season (2).
The Colts' offense set a historic pace in the first half of last season. Ultimately, they finished second in the league in rushing touchdowns (27) and tied for 10th in yards per carry (4.5).
Nelson, 30, was recently asked what keeps him going and motivated at this stage of his career.
“Man, I'm extremely blessed to be in the NFL and be playing for the Colts," Nelson reflected. "I don't take it for granted, and I just want to win. That's what it comes down to. You have these goals since you were a rookie, since you got into the league of like winning a Super Bowl, of winning the AFC South, and that's it. The goal hasn't changed.
"The approach over the years has changed as you grow up and you learn things, but that's what motivates me. Winning, and doing my best for my teammates and for all the people in the building who believe in me.”
Nelson is entering the final year of his current contract, in which he was made the highest-paid guard in the NFL in 2022 with a four-year, $80 million deal. If the Colts would like to retain him on another multi-year deal, it could be even more lucrative for Nelson.
