What was meant to be a lighthearted NFL schedule release turned into a rare public apology from the Indianapolis Colts this week — with Dolphins star Tyreek Hill caught in the middle of the fallout.
On Thursday, the Colts issued a statement to ESPN explaining why they abruptly removed their Minecraft-themed schedule reveal video just hours after posting it online Wednesday evening. The video, which aimed to creatively unveil the team’s Week 1 opponent, the Miami Dolphins, included a clip that portrayed Hill — represented by a dolphin wearing his No. 10 jersey — being stopped by a Coast Guard boat with sirens blaring.
"We removed our schedule release video because it exceeded our rights with Microsoft and included an insensitive clip involving Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill," the team said in a statement to ESPN. "We sincerely apologize to Microsoft and Tyreek."
The apology referenced two separate issues: a potential copyright violation for using Minecraft visuals without proper approval, and the portrayal of Hill in a way that evoked a real-life incident. Last September, Hill was forcibly detained by Miami-Dade deputies in a high-profile traffic stop before a Dolphins home game. Charges were later dropped, but the incident was heavily scrutinized, with Hill’s agent Drew Rosenhaus calling for the officers involved to be fired.
Despite the Colts’ concern, Hill reportedly didn’t take offense.
“He laughed about it and didn't think they needed to take it down on his account,” Rosenhaus told ESPN.
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Still, the Colts chose to pull the video, likely recognizing the optics of turning a player’s past legal situation into a punchline — especially one who’s already been in the headlines all offseason. Hill has dealt with wrist surgery, swirling trade rumors, and public tension with his own quarterback, making him an easy, if controversial, target for viral content.
While the Colts may have intended the segment as satire, schedule release videos walk a fine line in today’s climate — especially when real-world controversies are layered in. What started as a creative rollout quickly became a reminder that not every joke lands, and sometimes, even NFL teams have to log off and own the misfire.