Blake Grupe has re-signed with the Indianapolis Colts, the team announced on Mar. 16, giving him another chance to compete for the starting kicker position in the upcoming season.
Grupe joined the Colts late in the 2025 season and made an immediate impact by converting all 11 of his field goal attempts and 10 extra points, including a franchise-record 60-yard field goal. His performance impressed both teammates and coaches, despite knowing that Spencer Shrader was expected to return from injury for the 2026 season.
“I’ve been told I’m coming in to go to work and try to win a job just like it’d be if I was anywhere else,” Grupe said. “So, I’m excited to be back in Indy and kind of continue to keep the ball rolling, like I was able to end the season…Just continue to be the best I can…regardless of the situation – that’s always kind of the motto I guess you could say. So, just going to continue to try to be my best and push to continue to be more consistent, and continue to better myself and do my job to help the team.”
Shrader remains under contract with Indianapolis after being named AFC Special Teams Player of the Month last September. In five games during 2025, Shrader made 13 out of 14 field goals and all his extra point attempts. He notably scored a total of 17 points against Denver in Week 2, including a game-winning kick.
Grupe said he chose Indianapolis over other opportunities because of his relationships within the organization. He previously worked with special teams coordinator Brian Mason at Notre Dame and recruited Shrader there as well. The presence of veterans Luke Rhodes and Rigoberto Sanchez also helped him settle quickly into his role with the Colts.
“(I) really value the way the organization handles things and treats people and value the room with Luke and Rigo and Mase (Brian Mason) and all the coaches,” Grupe explained. “So, I’m excited for this opportunity and everything – I have the opportunity to go improve this year. So like I said, I’m excited to go out and work. And yeah there were opportunities (with other teams). But I mean at the end of the day, I chose to come back here and I’m excited.”
Earlier in 2025 while playing for New Orleans Saints, Grupe struggled by missing eight field goals before joining Indianapolis as a free agent. Reflecting on his turnaround with Indianapolis, he said: “When I look at it from like a technical side, I didn’t change a single thing from what I was doing/always have done,” Grupe added. “So that’s kind of what made me most proud is…I (stayed) true to myself…but I think what made it work in Indy so much…was…I was able get comfortable with everybody…When you just kind of prove yourself again – that’s another thing I enjoyed…the opportunity prove myself again show everybody what can do…I really enjoy those competitive situations where get prove myself everybody.”
