Shane Steichen - Head Coach, colts Event: Press Conference | Date: 2026-09-07 | Full transcript (primary source).
Shane Steichen addressed the media during a press conference on September 7, 2026, as the Indianapolis Colts prepare for the upcoming NFL season. The focus of the conference was on player development and expectations for the team's performance in the new season.
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Transcript
Steichen: Yeah, no, I think it's his resilience to be completely honest. He's been through a lot through his career already. The injuries and the rehab process that he's went through with his knee, his achilles, his leg, you know, kind of be more proud of the work ethic that he has. One of the best work ethics I've ever been around without hands down. He doesn't flinch, he goes to work every day and that's what you want in your quarterback.
Steichen: I think route detail at the top of routes, more fluidity in and out of breaks. You can see that from year one to year two, which is exciting to see. And obviously, like we've talked about before, anyway, we can get him the ball. We're going to try to do that because you have a player. But really smart, too. You can put it on this plate. Obviously, going into year two, year two in the system, you know, it'll be exciting to see him play this year. We're happy for him. Sometimes a tight end is like a safety blanket for a quarterback. That's not exactly what he is. He's a little bit of everything, to be honest. You know, he does it all. So, you know, we hand the ball off to him, we throw it to him. Anyway, we can get him the ball. You know, we're going to try to do that.
Steichen: Yeah, I mean, you always look at his past history, but obviously, you know, new team, new players. So, it'll be interesting to see, you know, what he does week one. And obviously, we're going to have to adjust as the game gets going, but got a lot of respect for him and his defensive scheme. He's done a hell of a job his whole career, and he's earned that job. And, you know, I'm excited for anybody, you know, in this league to get jobs, and he's definitely earned that right.
Steichen: Yeah, I think, you know, obviously, he's a hell of a player. And teams, I think, you know, anytime you play an opponent, I think anyone and everyone that we play against wants to take him away, you know. So, you know, we go through that process every week to try to get, you know, plays for him in the run game and the pass game to get him open. And that's the process that we go through each and every week so he can be successful.
Steichen: Yeah, I think so. When you sit back and watch it, you know, after the games, when you're in the moment of the game, you're just, you know, playing the game, coaching the game, but after you look back and watch the tape and the stuff that he puts up, the numbers he's put up throughout his whole career have been awesome. And obviously, we want to continue that trend this year with him. I know he's ripping and roaring and ready to go. He feels great. So we're excited for him this season, for sure.
Steichen: Yeah, he should be good. We'll get him some reps in practice this week, just like he took reps last week and he's feeling really good.
Steichen: Yeah, I think, you know, obviously working out the kinks last week, getting them back in, throwing routes on the side too, as well, not in team drills, but then just throwing on the side and getting those, you know, reps as well this week in practice will be big. But obviously, they had a good connection last year. And I think, you know, both those guys are veterans that kind of know each other really well. So we're looking forward to that.
Steichen: Yeah, I think what people don't see is, you know, outside this building, you know, he connects with the players a lot. They go out to dinner. They got great relationships and it's all about relationships and connecting, you know, off the field, not only on the field, and he does a great job with that. And I think going back to his work ethic, I think that speaks volumes because the veteran leadership in that locker room sees a veteran player who's our quarterback that does that day in and day out, and it's easy to follow a guy like that, you know, that puts in the work every day.
Steichen: Yeah, absolutely. Every year is a new year. I think looking back on all the pre-seasons, the last three years, we've tried to get those guys a series or two, you know, to get them out there, especially, you know, at home at Lucas Oil, that last preseason game, just to get, you know, in the game field, in the game flow. But got a lot of confidence in these guys and it's gonna be about the work and the preparation we put in this week to go be successful on Sunday.
Steichen: Yeah, he's still working it, but we'll see how this week goes right now is where it's at.
Steichen: All right, thanks, guys.