From $9 an Hour to Becoming an NFL Play-by-Play Voice | Matt Taylor, Indianapolis Colts

On today's show I huddled up with Matt Taylor, play-by-play voice of the Indianapolis Colts and manager of radio production, about his Hoosier roots, early fascination with broadcasting, path from Franklin College to part-time radio jobs, joining the Colts in 2012, and becoming the team's play-by-play radio voice.

Taylor explains the craft of radio play-by-play as "romantic," describing games for listeners who can't see them, and details his preparation habits: reviewing every broadcast, studying other announcers, researching players and beat writers, and prioritizing fundamental "box score" details.

He remembers his first NFL call in 2014 after longtime Colts voice Bob Lamey fell ill, then the uncertainty of serving as interim voice in 2018 before being named permanent voice ahead of the Texans playoff game. He discusses changes in media, in-house Colts radio operations, balancing objectivity while working for the team, and storylines for the 2026 Colts including Daniel Jones' health, pass rush questions, and roster turnover.

Taylor also highlights Indiana favorites like Lake Monroe, Holt's Cafe, and memories of attending IU games with his dad.

If you like this episode and want to hear more Get IN. episodes where I interview Hoosiers making a difference, visit getindiana.com/podcast.

You are going to learn about:
- Matt Taylor's Journey from Franklin College to the Indianapolis Colts
- The Craft of Radio Play-by-Play
- How Taylor Became the Colts' Permanent Radio Voice
- What Happened to the Colts in 2025 and the Outlook for the 2026 Season

Check out these great clips from the show:
00:00 Radio Is Romantic
00:27 Guest Introduction: Matt Taylor, Indianapolis Colts Play-by-Play Voice
01:33 First Time On Mic
02:38 Finding The Craft
06:25 Practicing Play-by-Play
09:54 Grinding To The NFL
13:23 Colts Broadcast In-House
16:33 Prep Like A Player
20:56 First NFL Call
24:21 Interim To Permanent
29:50 Radio In The Digital Age
32:59 Calling For Radio Fans
36:42 Great Calls And Mistakes
40:39 Balancing Fandom And Objectivity
42:13 Critiquing Your Own Team
45:18 Facts Over Hot Takes
48:12 Philip Rivers Returns Explained
51:59 Why the 2025 Season Collapsed
54:08 Roster Turnover Reality
56:20 Jonathan Taylor Workload
01:00:07 2026 Outlook and Pass Rush
01:05:08 Bears to Hammond Debate
01:08:29 Why Indiana Feels Like Home
01:11:34 Hidden Gem Holt's Cafe
01:13:49 Hoosiers to Watch and Guests
01:17:22 Favorite Indiana Memory
01:21:08 Where to Follow

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