In a celebration of legacy, excellence, and enduring influence, the Indianapolis Colts have announced a momentous tribute to one of the most iconic figures in NFL and franchise history. On July 6, 2025, a bronze sculpture of Hall of Fame quarterback and celebrated broadcaster Peyton Manning will be unveiled outside Lucas Oil Stadium in a public ceremony expected to draw thousands of fans, former teammates, and NFL dignitaries.
The sculpture will not depict Manning in his famous No. 18 jersey slinging touchdowns, but instead behind a microphone, capturing the second chapter of his football life that has been just as impactful. For 14 years, Manning has not only been a voice of authority and insight on NFL broadcasts but also a cultural ambassador for the sport itself. His blend of analytical brilliance, charisma, and humor has helped reshape what it means to be a post-career NFL icon.
Colts owner Jim Irsay called the tribute “long overdue,” stating in a release, “Peyton changed everything for this franchise, this city, and this league. He gave us a championship, endless memories, and continues to be a guiding light in the football world. This sculpture is not just about the player, but the man, the voice, and the legacy.”
Crafted by renowned sports sculptor Blair Buswell, the piece will show Manning mid-broadcast, headphones on, play sheet in hand, smiling with the signature intensity that made him both feared on the field and beloved in the booth. The decision to honor his broadcasting career speaks volumes about the multifaceted legacy he’s built since retiring in 2016.
Peyton Manning led the Colts to two Super Bowl appearances and one championship, became a four-time NFL MVP with Indianapolis, and holds nearly every major passing record in team history. But his post-career resume is equally impressive, with Emmy nominations, high-profile Super Bowl coverage, and the popular “Peyton’s Places” series that brought new generations closer to the game.
The July 6 unveiling is expected to be a media spectacle, with NFL Network and ESPN planning live coverage and former Colts stars like Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne, Jeff Saturday, and Edgerrin James rumored to be in attendance. The ceremony will coincide with the start of Colts training camp, serving as both a moment of reflection and a motivational spark for the team’s future.
Fans from across the nation have already begun organizing trips to Indianapolis to witness history. Hotels near Lucas Oil Stadium are reportedly filling up fast, and ticket registration for the event—although free—is nearing capacity. Manning himself is expected to give a speech, which will no doubt mix emotion with his trademark wit.
As one of the most beloved and respected figures in all of football, Peyton Manning’s recognition in the form of a bronze sculpture not only cements his place in Colts lore but underscores the evolution of an NFL legend into a modern-day statesman of the game.
July 6 will be more than just a ceremony. It will be a chapter etched in bronze—a moment where the city of Indianapolis, the Colts franchise, and football fans everywhere will say thank you to the man who helped make Sundays unforgettable.