Indianapolis Colts defeat Miami Dolphins in season opener

A sea of blue shirts flooded into Lucas Oil Stadium today for the Indianapolis Colts' 2025-26 season-opening game.

Turning the page on several disappointing seasons for the team, fans were ready for a new chapter to be written.

Ahead of the game, Erika Poindexter said she’s hopeful.

“I’m so excited,” Poindexter said. “It’s all about the shoe. It’s our house. We’re gonna win tonight.”

After 11 consecutive years of losing the season opener game, the Colts ended the streak, defeating the Miami Dolphins 33-8.

“I’m excited for the city, this organization, you know, to get this first one at home,” said head coach Shane Steichen.

One face missing from the game was former team owner Jim Irsay. 

Irsay passed away this past May at the age of 65. For 28 years, he owned and oversaw the team, but his roots go back further than that. His father, Robert Irsay acquired the team in 1972 when they were still located in Baltimore. Jim Irsay served several roles over the years, including General Manager, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. He took over as owner when his father passed away in 1997.

Steichen was hired by Irsay in 2023. He said today’s win was especially important when remembering Irsay.

“Obviously, he’s not with us physically, but he’s definitely with us spiritually, you know, everywhere we go, and so to win like we did today with him watching down on us was awesome,” Steichen said.

Even for players new to the team, like quarterback Daniel Jones, the deeper significance of the win could be felt.

“You can just tell from all the people around here who did have close relationships with how much he meant to them, and you know, how much he meant to this organization, the city,” Jones said. “So I think, yeah, it does mean a little bit more for that reason.”

For fans, Jim Irsay was many things: a dedicated owner, philanthropist, and family man. 

Colts fan Chris Tyler reflected on all the memories he attributes to Irsay’s leadership from years qualifying for the playoffs to a Super Bowl win in 2007.

“He was a great owner,” Tyler said. “He did a lot for the community. He’s just a really good guy.”

At halftime, the team honored and remembered him by inducting him into the Indianapolis Colts Ring of Honor. The recognition has been given to former players, coaches, fans and club officials including Peyton Manning.

Irsay’s three daughters and family stood in the center of the field to unveil his honorary jacket, given to Ring of Honor inductees.

Carlie Irsay-Gordon thanked fans for their support after losing their dad.

“As much as we will miss our dad, we know he’d want us to look forward; to win games and to make our horseshoe shine, and that’s exactly what we’re going to do,” Irsay-Gordon said.

The Colts play the Denver Broncos next Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium. The game kicks off at 4:05 p.m.

Contact WFYI All Things Considered newscaster and reporter Samantha Horton at shorton@wfyi.org or on Signal at SamHorton.05