What was meant to be a lighthearted celebration of the 2025 NFL schedule has turned into a public relations headache for the Indianapolis Colts.
The team is under fire after a controversial joke involving Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill appeared in its now-deleted schedule release video.
The NFL schedule reveal has evolved in recent years into a major event, with teams producing increasingly elaborate and often humorous videos.
On Wednesday night, the Colts joined the fray with a Minecraft-themed release that initially drew attention – until one particular segment provoked swift online outrage from some.
In the video, which was removed less than two hours after it was posted, each upcoming opponent was depicted with a pixelated gag.
But controversy erupted over the Week 1 Dolphins segment, which showed a blocky Coast Guard boat chasing a dolphin labeled “Hill” wearing a No. 10 jersey.
Though the scene lasted only six seconds, many viewers saw it as a pointed reference to last year’s incident where Hill was cited for speeding, careless driving, and failing to wear a seatbelt near Hard Rock Stadium.
While the Colts’ video did not dive into too much detail, critics said the animated portrayal echoed the incident too closely, turning a serious moment into a punchline.
As of now, the team has not issued a statement regarding the video’s posting or removal.
The full 2-minute, 40-second video also included other satirical moments, including a frog version of Patrick Mahomes and a parody of the viral Starbucks feud between NFL insiders Ian Rapoport and Jordan Schultz.
But those skits didn’t provoke nearly the same reaction.
Now, with the regular season still months away, Indianapolis finds itself in an unexpected spotlight – and not the kind they hoped for.
The Colts are scheduled to host the Dolphins on Sunday, September 7, at Lucas Oil Stadium. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET and will air regionally on CBS.
What are your thoughts on Indy’s controversial schedule release video???
