Tyler Warren Etches His Name into Colts History

Indianapolis Colts tight end Tyler Warren has cemented himself in franchise history.

Dec 22, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts tight end Tyler Warren (84) looks on during warmups before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images | Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Rookie tight end for the Indianapolis Colts, Tyler Warren, now passes Josh Downs for the all-time franchise record for receptions by a rookie in a season.

Warren caught his 69th pass in the first quarter against the AFC South rival Jacksonville Jaguars.

With three more receptions today, Tyler Warren would set a new franchise record for rookie receptions, topping Josh Downs (68). pic.twitter.com/bh4LVCpBpP

— SleeperColts (@SleeperColts) December 28, 2025

Downs set the record in 2023 when he hauled in 68 receptions from Anthony Richardson Sr. and then Colts QB, Gardner Minshew.

After starting the season as hot as any rookie tight end can, Warren slowed down with the rest of the offense. However, this is understandable given the season-ending Achilles injury to Daniel Jones.

Dec 7, 2025; Jacksonville, Florida, USA;Indianapolis Colts tight end Tyler Warren (84) stands on the field during pregame warmups against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Travis Register-Imagn Images | Travis Register-Imagn Images

Warren was drafted 14th overall in this year's draft after Indianapolis had a dumpster fire from the tight end position in 2024.

Immediately, the 2024 Mackey Award winner and dominant Penn State weapon was an improvement. In many ways, he was a meteoric upgrade.

Warren can do everything at tight end. Run crisp routes. Obtain valuable yards after catch. Out-muscle defenders blanketing in coverage. Block in the run game. He can even operate as a fullback out of the backfield.

This was made apparent earlier in the season when the Colts traveled to SoFi Stadium to battle the Super Bowl-contending Los Angeles Rams. In that clash, Warren punched in a big-time goal line TD.

Tyler Warren with his first professional touchdown on , you guessed it, a 2 yard 4th down hand off.

We Are 🦁 pic.twitter.com/Bqo3X7TMnW

— White Out Football (@NittanyNatRec) September 28, 2025

This provided proof that Shane Steichen would use Warren in every way possible to make defenses adjust to his skills and open up opportunities for the rest of the offense.

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Warren has played like anything but a rookie this year, giving off serious NFL veteran vibes while providing Indianapolis the best tight end play they've had since Jack Doyle.

If Indianapolis can find the right long-term solution at quarterback so that Warren can build up rapport, it can only benefit him as he grows in the pros.

Indianapolis Colts tight end Tyler Warren (84) makes a catch for a touchdown Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, during a game against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. | Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Warren has an incredibly bright future in the NFL if his rookie year is any indication of what's to come with the Colts.

Indianapolis wasn't able to sneak into the playoffs for Warren's debut season, but that's not due to the on-field performance of the dynamic weapon.

Keep an eye on the rest of the game for Warren, as the Colts offense will need all the help it can get to defeat the surging playoff-contending Jaguars.

So far, the Colts have stayed competitive behind the quarterbacking of Philip Rivers and the running of Jonathan Taylor. We'll see if Indy can keep it that way and stay on the path to a massive upset for their final home game of the regular season.