The release of team schedules is always a lighthearted and fun moment during the NFL offseason. Teams go all out creatively to produce content that connects with their fan bases — some do a better job breaking through the bubble, while others miss the mark.
This year, the biggest controversy came from the Indianapolis Colts, who had to delete their schedule release video shortly after it was posted, after two major issues were spotted.
Colts Delete Schedule Release Video
The Colts’ schedule release video generated plenty of conversation on social media, but not for the usual reasons. The video used a Minecraft theme to unveil the team’s opponents, incorporating various forms of playful jabs.
Right from the first matchup, the Colts mocked Tyreek Hill’s detainment before the Week 1 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2024. At the time, Hill was briefly held for allegedly disobeying a police order during a traffic stop. However, the joke didn’t sit well with many, given that the player was reportedly treated aggressively during the incident.
On top of that, another team also used a Minecraft theme, and did so more carefully. The Los Angeles Chargers, known for producing standout schedule videos each year, opened their video with a disclaimer stating they had received permission from Microsoft, the game’s owner, to use it — something the Colts had not done.
As a result, Indianapolis’ video was taken down shortly after being posted, leaving fans wondering what ultimately led to its removal. On Thursday morning, the team released a statement.
#Colts statement on taking down their schedule release video:
“We removed our schedule release video because it exceeded our rights with Microsoft and included an insensitive clip involving Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill. We sincerely apologize to Microsoft and Tyreek.”
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid)
“We removed our schedule release video because it exceeded our rights with Microsoft and included an insensitive clip involving Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill. We sincerely apologize to Microsoft and Tyreek.”
This is an unusually awkward situation. It’s generally assumed that teams take all the necessary legal steps before launching a video of this scale, but in a case involving copyrights, the Colts showed a lack of awareness of the landscape.
While some teams displayed their full creativity to deliver content that entertained fans, the Colts fell short this year. In the Chargers’ video, for example, the AFC South team was even mocked over its quarterback situation, widely considered one of the weakest in the NFL. Provocations are part of this kind of content, but striking the right tone is key.
The Colts’ 2025 schedule release may go down as a massive flop and will likely be used as material for jokes by opposing teams in next year’s videos. It’s a message the franchise would do well to take as a learning experience.