The first major signing of 2025 NFL free agency for the Minnesota Vikings, Indianapolis Colts center Ryan Kelly is expected to be a difference-maker in Minnesota. Agreeing to a two-year, $18 million contract, Kelly, 31, spent nine seasons in Indianapolis. The 2016 first-round pick earned four Pro Bowl mentions in 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2023; along with a second-team All-Pro mention in 2020. All the accolades are a solid indicator of the player the Vikings will slot at the heart of the offensive line. But if Vikings fans want a sense of what the type of person Kelly is, just ask Colts owner Jim Irsay. On March 12, Irsay posted a statement on his X account that hits on the impact Kelly left. From Irsay: It’s been an honor to watch Ryan represent The Horseshoe and he will forever be a part of the Colts family. Ryan is the only center our franchise has ever selected in the first round of the NFL Draft, and he developed into an All-Pro and Pro Bowl player over nine seasons.

As great as he was on the field, Ryan, along with his wife Emma, made just as big of an impact off the field. They’ve used their platform to advocate for families and bring awareness to count the kicks and concerns of police survivors in addition to other community initiatives.

Their courage, strength and resilience have been an inspiration to so many.We will always have a special place in our hearts for Ryan, Emma, Mary Kate, Ford, Duke and Stella Kelly.

Colts fans met Irsay’s parting message with resounding praise for the franchise staple.

“Don’t let the past couple years distract you from the fact Ryan was an amazing center who had an awesome career here,” one fan wrote, referring to Kelly’s struggles with injuries, missing 10 games the past two seasons. “Stuck by through thick and thin, and will always appreciate him for that. Good luck.”

Another fan called for Kelly to be enshrined in Indianapolis’ Ring of Honor. “Idk what the wait time for ROH is for players,” they wrote. “I don’t care that he’s still playing, put him in the ROH Jim!” Kelly isn’t the only Colts lineman

to leave for Minnesota. The Vikings also signed guard Will Fries to a massive five-year, $88 million contract. The duo both dealt with injuries last season, but when healthy, were central to the Colts’ offensive line ranking third in the NFL by Pro Football Focus (PFF).