As a football emblazoned with the Colts logo soars across a blue, cloud-filled sky, the unmistakable notes of The Simpsons theme song chime. And just like an episode of the long-running show, viewers get a glimpse of the town—except this time it’s Indianapolis, not Springfield.
Homer Simpson carefully tongs a pigskin inside his power plant work station. Bart repeatedly scribbles a rival wide receiver’s name on a chalkboard as punishment. Lisa performs a sax solo down a hallway lined with Peyton Manning’s portrait. And the Colts’ offensive line has scrunched together on the family’s orange couch, admiring the yellow TV patriarch’s slimmer physique.
What looks a lot like an NFL crossover episode of The Simpsons is actually the Colts’ 2026 schedule release video.
The idea grew out of months of brainstorming, pitching, and planning—and an attempt to learn from previous mistakes.
Last year, the Colts released a Minecraft-themed video (an idea the Chargers also used) but took it down because it exceeded their rights with Microsoft. It also included an insensitive clip involving Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill. (The unsanctioned video has since lived on through other social accounts like a cult film.)
