Despite a disappointing season, these five Colts were acknowledged for their efforts.
Three Indianapolis Colts were named to the 2025 Pro Bowl Games — inside linebacker Zaire Franklin, guard Quenton Nelson, and running back Jonathan Taylor.
Zaire Franklin — started all 16 games for the Colts defense and logged the 3rd-most snaps among defenders league-wide. Franklin totaled a league-leading 165 tackles (90 solo tackles — 4th in NFL), 10 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, two interceptions, five passes broken up, and four forced fumbles. This is the first time in his career that Franklin has been named a Pro Bowler.
Quenton Nelson — started all 16 games for the Colts offense and became the first Colt to be named to seven consecutive Pro Bowls since Peyton Manning (2004-2010) and the first Colts’ offensive lineman to receive such honors since Jim Parker (1959-1965).
Nelson also became the first player in franchise history to be named to seven consecutive Pro Bowl honors to begin their NFL career and in the process became the third offensive lineman in NFL history (Joe Thomas, Richmond Webb) to receive Pro Bowl honors in each of their first seven seasons.
Jonathan Taylor — played in 13 games (started 12) for the Colts offense, this is Taylor’s 2nd Pro Bowl nod in 5 seasons thus far. Taylor totaled 1,254 rushing yards on 269 carries (4.7 yards per carry), 10 rushing touchdowns, as well as 17 receptions for 133 receiving yards (7.8 yards per reception) and one touchdown. Taylor enters the last week of the 2024 season seventh in rushing across the NFL.
While Franklin, Nelson, and Taylor will all be making the trip to Orlando, Florida one month from today, two separate Colts have been named alternates to the official Pro Bowl roster(s). As is tradition, anyone slotted to go to the games will back out if their respective teams make it to the Super Bowl, or if the unfortunate case of injury restricts them from making the trip.
Colts’ defensive tackle DeForest Buckner and center Ryan Kelly are the two alternates who will be awaiting a call to be elevated. Otherwise, these nods will serve as an honorable mention of sorts.
DeForest Buckner — if elevated, this would mark Buckner’s 4th Pro Bowl nod (previously 2018, 2021, 2023). Buckner’s trip to the Injured Reserve earlier this season saw him miss five games, though he still produced enough to be considered for an alternate. Through 11 games, Buckner has logged 6.5 sacks, 8 tackles for loss, 13 quarterback hits, and 35 quarterback pressures.
Ryan Kelly — this would mark Kelly’s 5th Pro Bowl nod (2019-2021, 2023) if elevated. Kelly has only started nine games for Indy’s offensive line but according to Pro Football Focus, he has provided the 4th-best performance among all Centers with at least 500 snaps this season.