The NFL community came together in a heartfelt display of solidarity to honor Coral Terpening during the 2025 NFL Draft. This gesture underscored the league's deep sense of family and support, especially in times of loss. Coral Terpening, cherished by her family and the broader football world, was remembered with special tributes that resonated far beyond the Indianapolis Colts organization.

The Life and Legacy of Coral Terpening

Coral Terpening was the wife of Matt Terpening, director of college scouting for the Indianapolis Colts. She passed away unexpectedly on April 12, 2025, while supporting her daughters at a volleyball tournament. Her warmth, dedication to her family, and impact on everyone around her inspired an outpouring of support from the Colts and the NFL at large.

As highlighted by the Indianapolis Star, teams wore coral-colored shirts with the words "Your light lives on in all of us" and the initials “CCT” to remember Coral Terpening during the opening of the fifth round. Her husband and daughters, Stella and Gwenith, received a moving ceremony in the Colts’ draft room, emphasizing the lasting impact of her spirit.

A Powerful Display Across the NFL

The tribute to Coral Terpening quickly spread league-wide. Organizations including the Atlanta Falcons, Houston Texans, and Arizona Cardinals joined the Colts in honoring her memory. According to Colts.com, NFL teams wore commemorative shirts, and broadcasts paused to recognize the Terpening family. NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah poignantly noted, "It's our way of giving Terp a hug," reflecting the collective embrace from the entire professional football family.

Read about the Texans' tribute, where their draft room donned coral in support of Matt Terpening and his daughters. These gestures prove that in the world of sports, camaraderie extends well beyond the sidelines.

Community Support and Lasting Impact

The profound support for Coral Terpening and her family reached the Westfield, Indiana, community and beyond. Colts general manager Chris Ballard spoke on how the organization and city rallied around the Terpenings: “The light was watching a community of Westfield come out to support this family – watch the organization support the Terpening family.”

For those inspired to honor Coral's legacy, the Colts have shared options for donations and further ways to remember her positive influence.

A Lasting Message of Unity

The heartfelt tributes for Coral Terpening during the NFL Draft remind us that sports communities are foundations of unity and compassion. As coral shirts filled draft rooms league-wide, the message was clear: the spirit of individuals like Coral, who touch lives deeply, will never be forgotten.

Let’s carry forward the lesson of support and remembrance, honoring those who uplift our communities with their light and kindness.