On November 10, 2024, Michael Pittman Jr. missed just his sixth game in five NFL seasons. The Colts wide receiver was sidelined with a persistent back injury, watching from the sidelines as his team fell to the Buffalo Bills at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Although Pittman knew he wasn’t operating at full strength and wouldn’t be much help on the field unless he was at his best, he made every effort to play. So when it came time to decide if he’d suit up for the Colts’ Week 11 matchup against the New York Jets, the choice was almost automatic.
“I go into the week with a set mindset: we’re doing this no matter what,” Pittman said on Monday. “That’s the motto for the season now.”
This determination is typical of Pittman, known for his resilience and commitment to being on the field. Colts head coach Shane Steichen sees one defining trait in Pittman: toughness.
“I can’t say enough about his toughness,” Steichen said. “What he goes through every week to get ready to play is phenomenal.”
Pittman delivered in the Colts’ narrow 28-27 victory over the Jets, catching five passes for 46 yards and playing 61 of 70 offensive snaps. It marked his first game with more than three receptions since October 6 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he recorded five catches for 37 yards and a touchdown. In his previous two games, against the Texans and Vikings, he had just one reception in each.
Four of Pittman’s catches against the Jets came during scoring drives. He made a 20-yard grab and an eight-yard catch on the Colts’ opening touchdown drive and came up big with a critical red zone reception on the game-winning touchdown drive in the fourth quarter. Despite his injury, Pittman’s performance didn’t miss a beat—leaping, diving, and absorbing hits to keep his team moving downfield.
“He keeps showing up for his team,” Steichen said. “He’s the ultimate team player.”
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