“One of the Best at the Position”: Indianapolis Colts Gem Named Secret Superstar

Indianapolis Colts offensive lineman Tanor Bortolini put together a strong first year as the starting center, replacing four-time Pro Bowler Ryan Kelly. He allowed 17 pressures, 12 hurries, five quarterback hits, and zero sacks across 16 games, posting a 66.2 pass-blocking grade, an 88.2 run-blocking grade, and an 82.6 PFF grade, ranking 19th, 3rd, and 3rd, respectively, among 40 qualified centers. Despite the breakout season, Bortolini was not named to an All-Pro team and was snubbed from the Pro Bowl.

His incredible second season was neither forgotten nor ignored by many, despite the All-Pro and Pro Bowl snub.

Indianapolis Colts’ blocker named secret superstar

In a PFF article, Zach Tantillo named each NFL team’s most underrated impact player/secret superstar of the 2025 season. For the Colts, Tantillo highlighted Tanor Bortolini, praising him for developing as one of the league’s best centers in his first year as the full-time starter. He credits Bortolini for helping anchor one of the best offensive line units, where he excelled in the running game and held up in pass protection.

“In his first season as the Colts’ starting center, Bortolini featured as one of the league’s best at the position,” Tantillo said. “He posted an 82.6 PFF overall grade, ranking third among all centers, while allowing just 17 pressures and zero sacks. His play helped anchor one of the NFL’s best offensive lines, as Indianapolis finished 2025 with the second-best PFF pass-blocking grade and the fourth-best PFF run-blocking grade.”