Colts rookie tight end Tyler Warren was drafted with lofty expectations.
Indianapolis needed a complete reset at the tight end position, and they got that in Warren, a do-it-all player who adds an extra layer of depth and complexity to Shane Steichen’s offense.
He’s meant to be the guy, just like Peyton Manning was when Indy selected him first overall in the 1998 NFL Draft.
A Ring of Honor induction, a custom Hall of Fame bust and two Super Bowl rings later, Manning shared a powerful message with Warren as he prepares to embark on his NFL journey.
“It’s not always easy competing in the NFL,” Manning said in a video message to Warren as a part of a video created by Fanatics. “But Colts fans stuck with me, and I know they’ll be behind you every step of the way.”
Quarterback Riley Leonard, who the Colts also drafted in 2025, appeared in the segment as well.
“That kind of hit more than getting the call on draft night,” Leonard said in reaction to his video note.
While Warren won’t carry the same volume of work in the NFL as he did at Penn State, his high draft pick combined with elite talent level creates pressure for the young tight end.
Having the backing of one of the greatest players to ever grace the gridiron will undoubtedly settle any last nerves.
