Colts will delete the “Minecraft” schedule video, issue an apology and post backup content after Microsoft Rights issues and Tyreek Hill jokes.
In the NFL, dramas usually unfold on the field. However, each spring, there are different types of theaters. It is measured with creativity, digital storytelling and roasted art. Schedule release dates are now in their own stages.
The team trades punchline touchdowns, cartoon quarterbacks. But this year, in a laughing and viral moment, one team crossed the line. The Indianapolis Colts have posted a video inspired by “Minecraft” that aims to enjoy their 2025 opponents. It disappeared within an hour. Instead? apology. explanation. And it’s a quiet reminder that even pixels can produce results.
The disappeared video
It was clever, sharp, short-lived.
On the schedule release date, Colts leaned against trends – borrowed from the hugely popular game Minecraft Create a world where each opponent meets with a custom-made jab. They were not alone. The charger did the same thing, adding the history of recent virus releases (anime from 2022, Sims 2024) Blend satire and pop culture polish.
Do I really need to create a schedule release video in Minecraft?
Yes yes yes
Yes yes yes yes
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Yes yes yes yes
Yes yes yes yes
Yes yes yes pic.twitter.com/gxk31dql5l– Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) May 15, 2025
But unlike chargers, the Colts missed an important step: permission. The video was featured Minecraft– Brand visuals and assets without Microsoft approval. He also referenced his offfield legal troubles, including jokes at the expense of dolphin star Tyreek Hill.
For those who ask why #chargers“The release video for the schedule is still up and we have issued a statement clearly stating that we have obtained permission from Microsoft to use the Minecraft theme.
#colts“The schedule release video didn’t include this clearance. https://t.co/0ywflkyvjz pic.twitter.com/q8jyzlfp2q
– James Boyd (@Romeovillekid) May 15, 2025
Less than an hour after posting, the Colts deleted the video. A subsequent statement followed: it violated intellectual property guidelines, and the joke about the hill crossed the line. The team apologized directly to Hill’s agent Drew Rosenhaus. That moment passed, but the internet, which contained the screenshots, had already saved it.
It was a digital failure. But more than that, it was a reminder. The tone is still important in the moments built for laughs.
When creativity crosses the line
The NFL has learned that schedule release dates are more than just dates or destinations. It’s branding. It’s a canvas. And in recent years, the team has further pushed that canvas.
This year alone, we have seen parody from Washington’s commanders (The roller coaster big thing), Atlanta Falcons (Mario Map), and 49ers (Oregon Trail). But there is a reason those videos stayed online. They avoided using the actual names and logos of the games they spoofed.
That’s fine, I downloaded the Minecraft schedule release for the Colts 🤷🏾♂️. pic.twitter.com/jjdspkjikn
– clew May 15, 2025
Chargers version Minecraft The video was still live as they were thinking ahead. Their opening message made it clear: Minecraft used with permission from Microsoft Corporation. It’s a small line, but it makes all the difference.
The Colts rushed to keep pace with the viral moment and missed the step. Their production values may be slightly behind the charger, but their jokes were just as pointed out. Tyreek Hill himself seemed unattractive that the Colts should have left a video, but the organization chose accountability over viral.
It’s a delicate balance. Humor brings risk. But when creativity falls into controversy, even the best ideas can be unraveled.
Apologies, backup plans, and the big picture
In the aftermath, the Colts were not silent.
Their official statements were direct. They have granted oversight of intellectual property. They dealt with inappropriate jokes. They apologised to Microsoft, Hill and their fans. There was no defensive power. Just ownership.
They also had a plan B. The second simple schedule release video followed. Players guessed the enemies and laughter was shared more gently. It didn’t go viral. That was not supposed to be. It was a reset.
Other teams, like the Rams, tiered content for the day. Video for the social media punch line, the other is a local flavour. The Colts leaned against humility as a result of his mistake.
Is it a Minecraft video? no.
But I chuckled at the Rush Job paintings they had to do for the Scheduled Release Redo video.
Anyone, I praise your short notice work https://t.co/kjvusznmzv
– Jay Robbins🧾mark (@robinslucas) May 15, 2025
And maybe it’s a real takeaway.
The schedule’s release date is now a snapshot of who the team was when the cleats were off. Jokes, joy, creativity, it’s all a problem. But so is the ability to acknowledge when the moment goes too far. In the case of the Colts, they took a swing, missed the mark, and chose bounty.
The game is still a few months away.
However, in this play, Colts chose a character.
