Every NFL great was a rookie once. Tom Brady came in as a little-regarded sixth-round pick, while Peyton Manning entered as the top overall selection. No matter how they started, they were both rookies who had to prove they belonged.
Now, Indianapolis Colts rookie tight end Tyler Warren is just getting started. He is among a select few rookies featured on Fanatics’ video “The Locker Room,” where NFL legends like Marcus Allen, Brady, and Jerry Rice deliver personalized messages to first-year players. Warren’s motivator was none other than Manning.
What Did Peyton Manning Say to Tyler Warren?
Everyone remembers the Manning who made it to the Hall of Fame, but plenty of fans forget how tough Manning’s rookie year was. He led the league in pass attempts with 575, threw for 3,739 yards and 26 touchdowns, but also racked up 29 interceptions as the Colts finished 3-13.
Of course, everyone knows how things eventually worked out for Manning. He told Warren, “It’s not always easy competing in the NFL, but Colts fans stuck with me and I know they’ll be behind you every step of the way.”
Meanwhile, expectations are high for Warren in Indianapolis. Over four years at Penn State, he caught 153 passes for 1,839 yards and 19 touchdowns and added another six on the ground, making him the Nittany Lions’ all-time leader in total touchdowns among tight ends. The number that really stands out, though, is the 1,233 yards he gained in 2024 as a senior.
With the Colts taking Warren 14th overall as the first tight end off the board, they now have a versatile, physical weapon who knows how to run with power and instincts. He can shake off tackles, drag defenders, and rack up yards after the catch.
Warren gets off the line fast, and once he finds a seam, he hits top speed in a hurry and can break down a zone defense. His reliable hands and size create mismatch nightmares for safeties who try to step up into the box. When it’s time to win a contested catch over the middle or on the sideline, Warren knows how to get in position.
Indianapolis has long needed this kind of offensive weapon at tight end. The team had the fewest receptions from that position in 2024.
Plus, Warren offers a bonus: he can move around the formation, lining up at tight end, in the slot, or even out wide. As a senior, he ran for 218 yards, showing he can be a sneaky running threat. Still, his biggest impact will likely be making things difficult for opposing outside linebackers and safeties.
The Colts kick off the preseason on the road against the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday, August 7.
