Peyton Manning and other Colts legends returned to Indianapolis for the team’s season opener for something bigger than football 

Colts legends back in Indianapolis for Week 1 to honor late owner Jim Irsay

Destin Adams — NFL News Writer
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Former Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning is introduced Monday, Feb. 24, 2025, during the “Night of Champions” at the Murat Theatre at the Old National Centre. The event featured a panel discussion of players and coaches from the Indianapolis Colts team that won Super Bowl XLI. Christine Tannous/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Peyton Manning will forever be connected to the Indianapolis Colts franchise. He is and will likely always be the best player to ever represent the horseshoe. Manning, along with many other Colts legends, made their return to Lucas Oil Stadium, a place many have coined as the stadium Peyton built, for a reason truly bigger than football.

The Colts saw their long-time owner, Jim Irsay, pass away this offseason. The franchise is honoring his life and legacy during their Week 1 matchup vs. the Miami Dolphins. He will be added to the Colts Ring of Honor during halftime of today’s game, something Manning and many other Colts players couldn’t miss.

Multiple Colts legends in attendance for the team’s season opener to honor late owner Jim Irsay

Mural outside of Lucas Oil Stadium honoring late Colts owner Jim Irsay
A photo mosaic of former Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay is on display Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, before a game between the Indianapolis Colts and Miami Dolphins at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.Christine Tannous/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Irsay will join a long list of Colts legends, including players, coaches, front office members, and his fellow former owner and father, Robert Irsay. Jim will become the 20th member of the team’s Ring of Honor during halftime. Many of the members are reportedly in attendance with Dallas Clark, Dwight Freeney, Edgerrin James, Marvin Harrison, Robert Mathis, Jeff Saturday, and current Colts WR coach Reggie Wayne joining Manning.

Irsay’s impact on the Colts and the city of Indianapolis will live on forever through the franchise and the many good deeds that he did to positively impact the people around him. Being added to the Ring of Honor will make sure that even though he is gone, he will live on in Lucas Oil Stadium.

As I said earlier, Lucas Oil may be the place that Peyton built, and while I believe that to be true, I think Irsay deserves to be remembered as the architect who put that vision together.

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