Sometimes, the most meaningful moments in football don’t come with fanfare—they happen quietly. The Indianapolis Colts understand the value in those understated gestures. That’s especially true for Tyler Warren as he embarks on his NFL journey.
Warren, preparing for what could be a standout rookie season, isn’t focused solely on highlight-reel catches or flashy plays during minicamp.
The Colts’ No. 14 overall pick arrived with a wave of excitement surrounding his athleticism, versatility, and toughness. But it was a subtle act of respect that helped define his early transition into the league.
At Penn State, Warren proudly wore No. 44—a number that carried personal meaning. It was a tribute to his father’s favorite player, NFL Hall of Famer John Riggins. As a child, Warren watched Riggins’ highlights with his dad, learning not just how to play football, but how to approach it with passion and grit. Wearing No. 44 became a family tradition rooted in admiration and legacy.
“My dad grew up a Washington fan and would say, ‘This is how I want you to run the ball, how I want you to play,’” Warren told ESPN. “So I wore 44 in little league, then got to wear it again in college. It really reflects how he raised me and the kind of football man he was.”
However, when Warren arrived in Indianapolis, he found out No. 44 was already spoken for.
Who wears No. 44 for the Colts in 2025?
Veteran linebacker Zaire Franklin—team captain, Pro Bowler, and emotional leader of the defense—has worn the number for seven seasons. And despite Warren’s high draft status and potential, he didn’t even consider asking for it.
“I knew that was his number, and as a captain, I didn’t feel like I had any right to ask for it,” Warren said after his first practice.
That kind of awareness carries weight in Indianapolis.
Warren Starts Fresh With No. 84 as Colts’ Top Tight End
Under head coach Shane Steichen, the Colts have built a culture grounded in humility, teamwork, and mutual respect. Veterans like Franklin set the tone, and Warren is already showing he fits right in—not just as a player, but as a teammate.
This quiet decision reflects more than just modesty—it reveals Warren’s character. At Penn State, he showcased his versatility: over 100 receptions, impressive rushing plays, and even a touchdown pass. Colts offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter praised his ability to play multiple roles, calling him “super versatile” and a valuable asset to a creative offense.
Still, the most striking part of Warren’s early days in the NFL isn’t his on-field ability—it’s how he carries himself off of it.
He may have left No. 44 behind, but in doing so, he’s earned something greater: the respect and trust of his new teammates. His simple yet meaningful gesture showed that he values the foundation they’ve built. In return, he’s quickly earned credibility in the locker room.
For fans wondering what kind of person the Colts have brought in, the answer is becoming clear: Tyler Warren is more than just a promising talent. He’s a selfless, team-first player.
And in a franchise committed to building a lasting, winning culture—that makes all the difference.
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