After the Buccaneers were eliminated from the playoffs, a young Tampa Bay star moved fans to tears with an emotional farewell message

Indianapolis, Indiana – January 7, 2026 A legendary NFL journalist who has covered the Indianapolis Colts for decades has been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, sending a wave of sorrow through the Colts community. Known for documenting the franchise’s triumphs and struggles with unwavering dedication, his many years of service have made him a trusted voice for fans, players, and coaches alike. His current health battle has deeply affected Colts Nation, inspiring an outpouring of prayers and support from across the country. For those wondering where I’ve been: I have been diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer, commonly referred to as a “death sentence” and had two other serious ailments which put me in ICU for several days. It was sudden. I’ve literally been on my back for weeks. Bless you all. — Pat Caputo (@patcaputo98) January 5, 2026 Over the years, this reporter has become far more than a journalist — he is a living thread in Colts history and culture. He chronicled the highs and lows, captured defining moments, and helped connect generations of fans to the heartbeat of the franchise. Even now, his enduring passion for the Colts continues to give him resilience and hope during an unimaginably difficult time. The veteran journalist is Pat Caputo, a longtime NFL writer whose name has been synonymous with Colts coverage. Caputo shared his perspective on facing this challenge, underscoring the deep bond between his work and his love for the team: “Every Colts game is a tremendous source of motivation for me. Watching the team play, feeling the energy inside Lucas Oil Stadium — it gives me strength to fight this illness every single day. More than anything, I hope to see the Colts lift the championship trophy one more time.” Fans and colleagues alike have rallied behind Caputo, flooding social media with messages of encouragement, love, and prayers for his strength and recovery. The Colts organization has also acknowledged his contributions, emphasizing that his legacy and commitment to the team — and to the city of Indianapolis — will never be forgotten. As Caputo faces this battle, Colts Nation stands united, holding onto hope — hope to see their beloved team succeed again, and hope that the man who so faithfully documented their storied history will be there to witness one final championship celebration.