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Both kickers have 10 more training camp practices, including two joint-practices with the Ravens and Packers, plus three preseason games to prove why they deserve to find their footing in Indianapolis.
When the Indianapolis Colts moved on from the league’s fourth-highest paid kicker and released Matt Gay this offseason, there was uncertainty regarding who would become the franchise’s next kicker ahead of the 2025 NFL season.
The Colts created position battles on offense, defense and special teams through the first three days of training camp and Friday’s practice began with the first public kicking competition. Both kickers missed the mark from distance as neither Spencer Shrader or rookie Maddux Trujillo could connect from beyond 50 yards in the first field goal focused session of camp. Shrader delivered four field goals from 33, 37, 41 and 45 yards out before he missed both attempts from 53. Trujillo made 3-of-6 field goal attempts from 33, 37, and 45 yards out, but missed a 41-yard attempt and both tries from over 50.
Shrader initially signed with the Colts as an undrafted free agent before he bounced between three separate organizations during his rookie season in 2024. The Notre Dame product was elevated to the active roster before the Colts 2024 season opener and made all three extra points in the 29-27 home loss to the Houston Texans. After being released twice by the Colts last October, Shrader landed with the New York Jets for one game, was released for a third time and ultimately signed with the Kansas City Chiefs. Shrader had a small, but significant moment during Kansas City’s mystical 15-2 run last season, which included a walk-off 31 field goal to lift the Chiefs to a thrilling 30-27 win over the Carolina Panthers.
Trujillo earned national recognition last September after he drilled a 64-yard field goal as time expired before halftime of Temple’s first win of the 2024 season over Utah State. Trujillo’s 64-yarder set both a program record and venue record for the longest FG made at the home of the Super Bowl XLI Champion, Philadelphia Eagles. The historic feat officially became tied for the sixth longest field goal made in NCAA Division I college football history. Trujillo made five field goals beyond 50 yards last season at Temple and delivered a 39-yard walk-off FG to lift the Owls to victory over Florida Atlantic.
Both kickers have 10 more training camp practices, including two joint-practices with the Ravens and Packers, plus three preseason games to prove why they deserve to find their footing in Indianapolis.
