In the world of NFL scouting, Matt Terpening is a name that commands quiet respect. But behind the draft boards and scouting reports lies a personal story that recently touched the hearts of many.
Just days before the NFL Draft, tragedy struck Terpening’s family — a loss that reminded the football world that life is so much bigger than sports.
Let’s dive into who Matt Terpening is, his journey, his vital role in the Indianapolis Colts organization, and the heartbreaking incident that showcased the true spirit of family and community support.
Matt Terpening Accident
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Matt Terpening |
| Position | Director of College Scouting |
| Organization | Indianapolis Colts |
| Notable For | Key role in NFL Draft strategy |
| Family | Late wife Coral Terpening, two daughters |
| Tragedy | Loss of wife, Coral, in April 2025 |
The Emotional Announcement by Chris Ballard
On the morning of April 21, 2025, at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center, reporters gathered, eager to grill Colts GM Chris Ballard about the upcoming NFL Draft.
But before any talk of prospects or draft boards could begin, Ballard paused, setting a somber tone.
“Before I start, we had a very unfortunate, sad incident happen to one of our scouts,” he said, his voice cracking with emotion.
It was a raw moment, completely unscripted. Ballard revealed the devastating news: Matt Terpening’s wife, Coral Terpening, had tragically passed away unexpectedly on April 12 while attending a volleyball tournament with their daughters in Louisville. She was only 45 years old.
The energy in the room shifted from anticipation to heartbreak. It was a poignant reminder that behind every coach, scout, and player, there are families — real lives — experiencing real struggles.
Who Was Coral Terpening?
Coral was not just “the wife of a scout.” She was a vibrant force in her community. A dedicated ICU nurse, a youth volleyball coach, and a mother who inspired everyone around her.
Her friends described her as “the brightest light in every room,” a woman who lived life with passion, grit, and endless compassion.
The Colts organization showed up in full for Coral’s funeral — an entire family of players, coaches, and executives standing shoulder to shoulder in support of the Terpening family.
“Something we’ll never get over. We’ll get through it. We’ll always be here for all of them,” Ballard stated emotionally.
Matt Terpening’s Role with the Indianapolis Colts
While Matt Terpening prefers staying behind the scenes, his influence within the Colts’ organization is massive.
He serves as the Director of College Scouting, a critical role where he evaluates talent, builds draft strategies, and supports General Manager Chris Ballard during the intense pre-draft process.
His Contributions:
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Helped unearth stars like Michael Pittman Jr., Kwity Paye, and Jonathan Taylor.
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Known for spotting hidden gems beyond the big names.
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Plays a key role in forming the Colts’ “DNA” players — athletes with the character and skill the organization values.
When Chris Ballard makes a pick on Draft Day, you can bet Terpening’s scouting reports are stacked right beside him.
This year, he has been pivotal in assessing positions like tight end, linebacker, and pass rusher — identifying high-upside players who could become foundational pieces for the Colts.
Community Support and Resilience
After Coral’s passing, the Westfield community and the entire Colts organization rallied around the Terpening family.
Chris Ballard made it clear: Coral’s legacy deserved more than just internal mourning. It needed to be publicly honored, showing the world the incredible woman behind the scenes.
“The light was watching a community come out to support this family,” Ballard reflected.
The tragedy brought everyone closer, reinforcing that the NFL is about more than wins and losses — it’s about the people who make it all possible.
FAQs About Matt Terpening
1. Who is Matt Terpening?
Matt Terpening is the Director of College Scouting for the Indianapolis Colts, playing a vital role in the team’s NFL Draft strategies.
2. What happened to Matt Terpening’s wife?
Matt’s wife, Coral Terpening, passed away unexpectedly on April 12, 2025, during a volleyball tournament with her daughters in Louisville.
3. How has the Colts organization supported Matt Terpening?
The Colts, including executives, coaches, and players, have shown massive support for Matt and his family, attending Coral’s funeral and standing by them.
4. What is Matt Terpening known for in the Colts organization?
He is known for his ability to scout high-value players beyond the top prospects and for shaping the team’s draft strategies.
Conclusion
The story of Matt Terpening reminds us that behind every big moment in sports, real human lives are unfolding.
The Colts’ heartfelt tribute to Matt and Coral showed the depth of their community spirit, and how compassion is just as important as competition. As the NFL Draft progresses, Matt’s influence will be felt with every pick — and so will the memory of Coral’s bright, unwavering spirit.
In the world of sports, family always comes first.
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