On February 24, 2025, I had the privilege of attending the Indianapolis Colts' "Night of Champions" event at the Murat Theatre at the Old National Centre.
It was more than just an evening of nostalgia—it was a dream come true for a lifelong Colts fan like myself.
As a 9-year-old watching this team win Super Bowl XLI, I never could have imagined that years later, I'd be sitting in a theater, reliving those incredible moments with the legends who made them happen.
A Perfectly Executed Event
From start to finish, the event was masterfully put together. Peyton Manning and Jim Nantz led the way, bringing humor, insight, and a deep appreciation for what that 2006 Colts team accomplished.
The storytelling was top-notch, offering an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at one of the most beloved teams in NFL history.
Hearing Jeff Saturday talk about recovering the fumble for a touchdown against the Patriots—"An excavator ain’t getting that thing out of my arms"—was just one of many hilarious and memorable moments.
Tony Dung,y reminiscing about being at a Chuck E. Cheese while the Patriots-Chargers playoff game was on, secretly rooting for New England so the Colts could play the AFC Championship at home, had the audience cracking up.
And Marvin Harrison telling Manning to switch to a run play in the AFC Championship against the Pats—something unheard of from a wide receiver—only added to the night’s magic.
Reliving the 2006 Season
The event took us through the highs and lows of the 2006 season, with highlights, player reflections, and inside stories that fans had never heard before.
We relived iconic moments like the Week 9 showdown in New England, the devastating Week 14 loss to Jacksonville (which Dwight Freeney was hilariously reminded of), and, of course, the unforgettable AFC Championship comeback against the Patriots.
Nantz, ever the storyteller, emphasized how that AFC title game remains his favorite football game of all time.
Manning’s halftime notes—written in his infamous scrawl—had the crowd in awe, proving how methodical the team’s approach was even when they were trailing 21-6 at the break.
Dungy’s calm halftime speech laid out the exact comeback plan that ultimately played out on the field, and when Jeff Saturday recovered Dominic Rhodes’ fumble in the end zone, the theater erupted as if we were all back in that moment.
The Super Bowl That Cemented a Legacy
Of course, the night wouldn’t be complete without a deep dive into Super Bowl XLI. Manning’s touchdown pass to Reggie Wayne, executed because of a mistake by a Bears safety wearing the wrong wristband, was a fascinating revelation.
Wayne’s description of catching that pass—rain falling in his face, knowing he was playing in front of everyone he ever knew—only added to the moment's weight.
Tony Dungy’s decision to kick to Devin Hester remains a hot topic to this day, and hearing him break it down, explaining how he didn't want to turn Hester into Goliath, made it all the more intriguing.
Manning's respect for Dungy was evident throughout, and the night ended with Nantz handing Dungy the Lombardi Trophy one more time, as confetti fell and the crowd roared.
A Special Birthday Gift
For me, this event was more than just a Colts celebration—it was a perfect birthday present. Seeing my childhood heroes on stage, reliving those moments with them, was something I’ll cherish forever.
The Colts’ "Night of Champions" was an incredible tribute to a team that brought so much joy to the city of Indianapolis and its fans. It was a reminder of why we love sports—the passion, the camaraderie, and the unforgettable memories that last a lifetime.
As I left the Murat Theatre that night, I couldn’t help but reflect on what this team meant to me growing up and what it still means to me today. The event was a perfect way to celebrate my birthday and an unforgettable experience that reinforced my love for the Colts.
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To the Colts, Omaha Productions, and everyone involved in making this event happen—thank you. You brought us back to one of the greatest eras in franchise history, and you did it in a way that was both entertaining and deeply meaningful.
It was truly a night of champions and one I won’t soon forget.
Loved the @Colts Night of Champions event today.
— JD, J.D. (@JoshDhani) February 25, 2025
I was 9 years old watching this team win the Super Bowl. It’s amazing to see these legends and my idols all these years later as an adult!
Perfectly done event! Perfect bday gift.#colts #goblue #nightofchampions #superbowlxli pic.twitter.com/CtsVMgCJPd
