The Indianapolis Colts announced their five team captains for the 2025 season on Thursday. Among them was new starting quarterback Daniel Jones, who’s in his first season with the team.
It’s a fairly impressive feat for Jones, as it’s never easy to assimilate with new teammates as quickly as he has. Given it’s a player’s vote, they’re clearly impressed— a testament to his professional approach and the consistency he brings day in and day out.
“He relates well to everyone,” offensive lineman Danny Pinter said via the Indianapolis Star. “And then I think he just earned it by showing up every day and earning everybody’s trust.”
The selection really shouldn’t come as much of a surprise considering it’s Jones’ seventh year as a captain, six of those coming during his stint with the New York Giants.
One person who’s not surprised in the slightest? General manager Chris Ballard.
When addressing the media following the announcement of the Colts’ 53-man roster, Ballard gushed over the way Jones has handled his new environment.
“(He’s) the ultimate professional,” Ballard said about Jones, comparing him to former NFL quarterback Alex Smith, who Ballard overlapped with in Kansas City. “Day in and day out, the team knew exactly what they were getting.”
That reliability is what got him the starting quarterback position in the first place.
“I think the way (Jones) works, the guys see it every day,” head coach Shane Steichen said. “He’s in here working, grinding, doing the right things all the time, and I think it draws the respect from a lot of his teammates.”
Jones is joined by offensive guard Quenton Nelson, defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, linebacker Zaire Franklin and cornerback Kenny Moore II as the team’s five captains for the season.