Indianapolis Colts: A Complete History of the Blue and White From Baltimore Beginnings to Indianapolis Glory The Indianapolis Colts are one of the most historically significant franchises in professional football. Known for legendary quarterbacks, championship defenses, outstanding coaches, and generations of loyal fans, the Colts have built a legacy that stretches from Baltimore to Indianapolis. The franchise won NFL championships in Baltimore before moving to Indianapolis in 1984. In Indianapolis, the Colts eventually became one of the NFL’s premier teams of the 2000s, led by quarterback Peyton Manning, head coach Tony Dungy, and a collection of exceptional offensive and defensive players. The Colts’ history includes NFL championships, Super Bowl victories, Hall of Fame legends, Most Valuable Player awards, and memorable postseason battles. Their story is also one of transformation, as the team moved from Baltimore to Indiana and established a new football tradition in the Midwest. The Birth of the Colts Franchise The Colts’ roots trace to Baltimore, Maryland, where a new professional football franchise began play in 1953. The team adopted the Colts name, reflecting Baltimore’s association with horse racing and the Preakness Stakes. The Baltimore Colts became a major NFL power under head coach Weeb Ewbank and quarterback Johnny Unitas. Their dramatic overtime victory over the New York Giants in the 1958 NFL Championship Game became one of the defining moments in professional football history. Often called The Greatest Game Ever Played, it helped establish the NFL as a major television sport. Baltimore won another NFL championship in 1959. After a difficult period during the 1960s, the Colts returned to championship prominence in 1968, winning the NFL title before losing Super Bowl III to the New York Jets. The Colts rebounded in 1970. Led by quarterback Johnny Unitas and a powerful defense, Baltimore defeated the Dallas Cowboys in Super Bowl V, earning the franchise’s first Super Bowl championship. In 1984, owner Robert Irsay moved the team from Baltimore to Indianapolis. The move was controversial and painful for Baltimore fans, but it began a new chapter in Indiana. All Colts Owners The franchise’s ownership history includes its original Baltimore ownership and the Indianapolis era. Carroll Rosenbloom (1953–1972): The original owner of the Baltimore Colts. Rosenbloom oversaw the team’s rise to prominence, including the 1958 and 1959 NFL championships and the 1970 Super Bowl V victory. Robert Irsay (1972–1997): Acquired the franchise in 1972 through a transaction involving the Los Angeles Rams. (It was essentially an even trade. Even though Irsay did receive between $3 and $4 million to offset the purchase price). He moved the team from Baltimore to Indianapolis in 1984, a decision that remains one of the most controversial events in NFL history. Jim Irsay (1997–2025): Robert Irsay’s son took control of the Colts in 1997. Under his leadership, the franchise drafted Peyton Manning, won Super Bowl XLI, and became a consistent playoff contender during much of the 2000s. The Irsay family (2025–present): Following Jim Irsay’s death in May 2025, ownership passed within the family, with his daughter Carlie Irsay-Gordon taking the leading ownership role. The franchise remains under Irsay family control. Ownership has influenced the Colts’ identity at every stage, from the Baltimore championship years to the Indianapolis era. Every Stadium the Colts Have Called Home The Colts have played in several stadiums across two cities. Baltimore Era Memorial Stadium (1953–1983) Memorial Stadium was the Colts’ principal home during their Baltimore years. The team celebrated NFL championships there in 1958, 1959, and 1968, and built its early identity around legendary players such as Johnny Unitas, Raymond Berry, and Gino Marchetti. Indianapolis Era RCA Dome (1984–2007) Originally called the Hoosier Dome, the stadium opened in 1984 and became the Colts’ first Indianapolis home. It hosted the team’s rebuilding years, its return to prominence under Peyton Manning, and the early stages of its championship run. Lucas Oil Stadium (2008–present) Opened in 2008 in downtown Indianapolis, Lucas Oil Stadium is the Colts’ current home. The stadium features a retractable roof and has hosted major sporting events, including Super Bowl XLVI in 2012. Its opening coincided with the final seasons of the Colts’ dominant Peyton Manning era. The move to Lucas Oil Stadium gave Indianapolis a modern football venue and strengthened the Colts’ place in the city’s downtown development and sports culture. Colts Super Bowl Championships and NFL Titles The Colts have won four NFL championships across their Baltimore and Indianapolis history, including two Super Bowl victories. 1958 NFL Championship: Baltimore defeated the New York Giants in overtime, 23–17. 1959 NFL Championship: Baltimore defeated the New York Giants, 31–16. 1968 NFL Championship: Baltimore defeated the Cleveland Browns, 34–0, before losing Super Bowl III to the New York Jets. Super Bowl V (1971): The Colts defeated the Dallas Cowboys, 16–13, in a game played in January 1971 to decide the 1970 season. Super Bowl XLI (2007): Indianapolis defeated the Chicago Bears, 29–17, to win the franchise’s second Super Bowl championship and its first as the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts also reached Super Bowl III, Super Bowl XLIV, and other major postseason contests. Their 2006 season championship remains the defining achievement of the Indianapolis era. Pro Football Hall of Fame: Colts Players and Coaches The Pro Football Hall of Fame recognizes players, coaches, and contributors whose careers made a lasting impact on professional football. The distinction in this section is important: the following individuals earned Hall of Fame recognition for their contributions to the Colts, rather than simply being former Colts who became famous elsewhere. Hall of Fame Legends Associated With the Colts Johnny Unitas — Quarterback: The face of the Baltimore Colts for many years, Unitas revolutionized the passing game and led Baltimore to multiple championships. Raymond Berry — Wide Receiver: Unitas’s celebrated receiving partner, Berry was renowned for route running, preparation, and reliable hands. Art Donovan — Defensive Tackle: A cornerstone of the Baltimore defensive line, Donovan helped define the Colts’ championship-era toughness. Gino Marchetti — Defensive End: A dominant defensive force whose career helped establish the Colts as… Continue reading Indianapolis Colts: From Baltimore Beginnings to Indianapolis Glory
Tag: Jim Irsay
2017 NFL PLAY OFF BRACKET
OAKLAND RAIDERS SIGN COACH JACK DEL RIO TO 4 YEAR DEAL. Atlanta Falcons trying to lure Alabama Offenive Coordinator Steve Sarkisian to replace Kyle Shanahan. ATLANTA FALCON OFFENNSIVE COORDINATOR KYLE SHANAHAN INKS CONTRACT TO COACH THE SAN FRANCISCO 49’ERS A thrilling end to A game that in retrospect was really 2 games. The first game featured the ATLANTA FALCONS. THE SECOND FEATURED the PATRIOTS of NEW ENGLAND. THE HALF TIME SHOW WAS THE BEST IN MANY YEARS The BIGGEST LOSER was BUDWEISER. The tribute to SPUDS was a nice idea. BUT IT WAS BY FAR THE WORST STAGED COMMERCIAL OF ALL. If they paid anything more than $100.oo for it they overpaid. let alone the cost to air it. The smart thing, (Since they couidn’t do a decent tribute to SPUDS), What he heck! They should have had the CLYDESDALES. Anyway you look at it. The CLYDESDALES were a staple to promoting BUDWEISER. As for me NO BUD PRODUCTS until I SEE THE CLYDESDALES in next years SUPER BOWL ADS! !!! Tom Brady named Super Bowl LI. MVP Belichik FIRST Coach to win 5 Super Bowls PATRIOTS NOW 5 OF 7 SUPER BOWLS PATRIOTS WIN. BRADY FIRST QB TO WIN 5 SUPER BOWLS FIRST SUPER BOWL OT Atlanta Falcons QB Matt Ryan named MVP. Ryan is the FIRST FALCON TO RECIEVE THIS AWARD Dallas Cowboys Coach Jason Garrett named Coach of the Year Atlanta Falcon QB Matt Ryan named Offensive Player of the year. Oaland Raider Defensive End; Khalil Mack named Defensive Player of the year San Diego Charger Joey Bosa named Defensive Rookie of the year Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott, named ROOKIE OF THE YEAR. Congratulations to the young QB My Pick for Super Bowl Champion does not reflect my personal feelings. just the numbers. The Patriots have won enough. It would be nice for the Falcons to Win a Super Bowl. personally I will most likely just take peeks at the game. I DEFINITELY will not watch the Half Time Show. There have been too many DUDs, of the past few years for me to waste my time there. (I will look for the Clydesdales though) BUT I wish the best of luck to both team, (maybe a little more for the underdog) Hope you all enjoy the game. JUST IN: POPULAR INDIANAPOLIS COLTS PUNTER PAT McAFFE ANNOUNCED HIS RETIREMENT FROM FOOTBALL AT AGE 29. HE WAS DUE $6 MILLION DOLLARS IN WHAT WAS TO BE HIS FINAL 2 CONTRACT SEASONS. HE WILL JOIN THE SATIRICAL WEBSITE BARSTOOLS. HIS CAPACITY THERE IS UNKNOWN AT THIS TIME. McAFEE HAS BEEN SUCCESSFULLY PERFORMING ON THE COMEDY CIRCUIT THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS. FOX Sports NFL broadcaster, JOHN LYNCH named San Francisco 49’ers new GM. To sign a 6 year contract. Chris Ballard to be new Indianapolis Colts GM. Ballard comes over from Kansas City Chiefs organization, where he served as Director of Football Operations NCAA MARCH MADNESS: As I understand it now; plan to announce the top four seeds in the tournament in each of the 4 Regions. as they stand on FEBRUARY 11,2017. (Saturday 12:30 pm on CBS). But things could change between then and Tournament time. MARCH 12 SEEDINGS. Sounds like a hype job for the Tournament. OAKLAND RAIDERS HAVE OFFICIALLY FILED TO MOVE TO LAS VEGAS How about that folks. Just shows, I knew there was going to be an upset this weekend. (Sadly it wasn’t the one I picked..So i suppose I can claim 3 missed upsets). No I didn’t take Atlanta Falcons and went against the numbers and really thought Seattle Seahawks would pull off the UPSET. NOTICE……..STEELERS @ CHIEFS GAME MOVED TO 20:20. DUE TO PUBLIC SAFETY CONCERNS. SAN DIEGO CHARGERS TO HIRE FORMER BUFFALO BILLS HEAD COACH ANTHONY LYNN Buffalo Bills choose Carolina Panthers Defensive Coordinator Sean MxDermont, to lead the next season as head coach AND THE COACHING MERRY GO ROUND CONTINUES Denver Broncos made a surprise move by hiring Miami Dolhins Defensive Co-ordinator VANCE JOSEPH to be replace Gary Kubiak at the helm. The end of an era. San Diego Chargers will be no more. It us going to be hard to say LOS ANGELES CHARGERS. Just as I had a hard time when Los Angeles Rams moved to St. Louis; and St. Louis Cardinals, became the Arizona Cardinals. BUT I DO HAVE TO WONDER HOW MANY FOOTBALL TEAMS CAN 1 city support? I know some of you old tumers will say, THEY ARE JUST MOVING BACK HOME. The Chargers began in Los Angeles in 1960, (I think that was their first year), BUT, they… Continue reading 2017 NFL PLAY OFF BRACKET
NFL Playoff Wild Card Confidence Picks Week 1 Jan.3-4,2015
I must say I was somewhat surprised by my own results this week. Just in: Buffalo Bills coach DOUG MARRONE has opted out of his contract. The out clause was activated by he sale of the team. Could a short hop to the N.Y. Jets be in order? Now we are at the CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES. “SUPER BOWL”. Last weeks HIGHLIGHTS: Houston’s J.J. Watt, became the only 2 time player to record 20 sacks in a season. To top it off his 20th sack also scored a SAFETY. Tampa Bay Buccaneers “won” the first pick for next years draft. Both Tennessee Titans, and Tampa Bay tied with a 2-14 record. HOWEVER the tie breaker ( whichever team whose opponents had the lowest winning percentage) favored the Bucs. Miami Dolphins Lamar Miller carried the ball from the 3 yd. line for a 97 yard TD. and cap 1000 yard season. Longest run was in 1983 when Cowboy TONY DORSETT, ran 99 yds. Following Dorsett is Green Bay Packers’ RB Ahman Green. Green ran a 98 yd. TD in 2003. In 1939 Packer Andy Urham also ran a 97 yd. TD. As of this writing, we know of 4 coaches who have been relieved of duty. First is the Jets’ Rex Ryan. Ryan has not finished above 500 the last 4 seasons. Will he land at Chicago? Atlanta Coach Mike Smith is looking for another job. Smith went 10-22 the last 2 seasons, and was 1-4 in post season. Chicago Bears’ Coach Marc Trestman, with a 5-11 season is out. So is Bears’ GM Phil Emery. I think this is a much needed move. I think, there should be more releases up the ladder. Jay Cutler took the blame much of the season for the Bears poor performance. However in all the games I watched the ENTIRE TEAM, Seemed somewhat amiss. I saw no real heart in their actions on the field. I’m not saying Cutler is the caliber player he is being paid as…. BUT I would most likely give him another year under new leadership. Then we come to San Francisco 49’ers. Will they be able to replace Jim Harbaugh. Probably not. But, the way I see it. Winning is secondary to 49’ers management. Much like the Indianapolis Colts when Jim Irsay took over. Irsay wanted to tell the coaches who to play what plays to run, etc. etc. It wasn’t until he learned to trust his coaching staff that the Colts started to do any good. I believe San Francisco’s management staff have yet to learn that lesson. AND we all know JIM HARBAUGH is no YES MAN! GOOD LUCK AT MICHIGAN COACH HARBAUGH. One last note. WHAT TEAM FINISHED THE SEASON WITHOUT A TD BY A WR? ….Kansas City Chiefs. Of course. Looking Ahead NFL Divisional Playoffs Saturday, Jan. 10 AFC: 4:35 p.m. (ET) Baltimore at New England (NBC) NFC: 8:15 p.m. (ET) Carolina at Seattle (FOX) Sunday, Jan. 11 NFC: 1:05 p.m. (ET) Dallas at Green Bay (FOX) AFC: 4:40 p.m. (ET) Indianapolis at Denver (CBS) For those of you who do not know how confidence ranking goes, let me explain If we were playing an office pool,(which we ARE NOT). The object is to score the most points. To obtain the score YOU rank the teams by how confident you are a team will win its game. EXAMPLE: Say this week we have 17 games. The team you are most confident will win you would assign the number 17 and follow down to the team you are least confident in and assign that number 1. We use the Monday night game as a TIE BREAKER. The tie is broken by the closest to the total (that is the COMBINED score of the two participating teams) final score, without going over. If we were playing this is how my sheet would look; My pick will be in bold Capital letters. you can use circling, underlining, or highlighting. I will show my correct points in Bold This year I am making a change in the scoring. YOU can adopt the new scoring or continue to use the old scoring. This year we get a negative score for missed games. We will continue to get a positive score for correct predictions. EXAMPLE: LAST YEAR if you scored 1 pt on the first game and you had 15 pt on the second game and was wrong you would still have a Positive 1. HOWEVER. this year the same scenario would result with a -14 score. I will fill in my picks Friday. Until then feel free to: Just copy and paste for your own Fun Pool Use. Or to see if you can beat me. IF YOU SEE I MADE A MIS COPY OF THE GAMES AND TIMES FEEL FREE TO EMAIL ME AND TELL ME I GOOFED. All Times EST GAME VISITOR SCORE HOME SCORE CONFIDENCE RUNNING SCORE SATURDAY 01/03/15 16:35 1 Ariz. Cardinals 16 @ CAR. PANTHERS 27 3 3/3 SATURDAY 01/03/15 20:15 2 Bal. Ravens 30 @ PIT. STEELERS 17 1 2/3 SUNDAY 01/04/15 13:05 3 Cincy Bengals 10 @ INDY COLTS 26 2 4/5 SUNDAY 01/04/15 16:40 4 Det. Lions 20 @ DAL. COWBOYS 24 4 8/9 Tie Breaker (Sunday 2 team total) 48 GAME 4 Actual Score 44 Points Off -4 Possible Points 10 80%/90% Views: 111
Colts New Coach
Continuing to follow the drama of the Indianapolis Colts. We had a Super Bowl contending team a year ago. This year we saw that team drop to a dismal 2-14 team. Most everyone will agree the loss of Peyton Manning the Colts were no longer the MASSIVE offensive machine it was. Thus allowing the opponent to exploit the weaknesses of the defense. (Which was less a concern of teams prior to the meltdown). With the Colts not able to score: their opponents, could concentrate less on stopping the scoring, and more on SCORING themselves. Again, this goes back to the Polians’, and Irsay’s failure to foresee the impact of a Manning-less led offense. So as is the usual case the lower level people must bear the brunt of the failure. (Regardless of their involvement). Apparently Jim Irsay has given new General Manager, Ryan Grigson, CARTE BLANCHE as far as team personnel is concerned. HOWEVER: I could be wrong, and probably am, the new COACH has been an employee of the team for this last season. I do not think Mr. Grigson has any real say here. I feel Jim Irsay made the decision to replace JIM CALDWELL last year. The person I am thinking of may be able to lead a PRO team. BUT I personally have a problem with his ethics. Whether the COLTS fans will share my concern remains to be seen. (I doubt if they will. As we saw with the lockout, most “fans” don’t really care about such things only if their team wins). The CENTRAL changes in the coaching ranks I see are these two. COACH: Former OHIO STATE COACH JIM TRESSEL. OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Former Colts QB PEYTON MANNING. Regardless, the COLTS, will have to find a place for Manning. That Is How I See It. find find find Views: 173
Colts 1st Round Draft Pick Is…..
With the professional football season over, for the INDIANAPOLIS COLTS. We have seen the end of the POLIAN ERA. The man who guided the COLTS, to the selection of PEYTON MANNING. The man who the past decade the COLTS have built their machine. But this year with the injured MANNING sitting OUT the season we saw the total collapse of the Indianapolis FRANCHISE and it was thunderous. I still think the nucleus of the team is intact; however some of that nucleus is beginning to become long in the tooth. (OLD). So there has to be some changes made throughout the team. The big mistake Polian made during those earlier years, to my way of thinking, was the signing of EDGERIN JAMES. Not that he was a terrible choice, BUT the BEST running back for the colts would have been Wisconsin’s RON DAYNE. It was too bad for all of professional football, when Dayne went to a team which did not like to run the ball. And the Great Dayne, was left rusting on the shelf. But why did the Colts falter so badly. Bill Polian and Jim Irsay, (yes he has to take some of the blame too. After all he is “THE BOSS”), failed to recognize the fact Manning, as he ages, and continues to play every snap, hurt or otherwise; could possibly miss some games. Therefore there was no backup plan. And who would want to be Manning’s backup? You never get to play. Maybe if you are lucky you might get to take 5-10 snaps a year. Now the COLTS have a new leader. Will he be able to right the ship? Will Mr. Irsay give him the power to do his job? Time will tell. Now to the matter of the FIRST ROUND PICK. With so many holes to be plugged, one must first determine, WHICH HOLE, is most needed to plug. At first glance it would appear the QB spot is of prime importance. Next we need to know, are we going with MANNING, or are we going to be seeking someone to take over the reins. Then what is our time line for the switch. I believe MANNING is a great leader, a masterful student of the game and of imparting his knowledge to his fellow teammates. I would not want him to leave the team. NOR, do I think he wants to leave the COLTS. But he knows what he can and can not do. Who would you draft if you decide to go for a QB? First you must look for the best fit for the team you have. (You can’t replace a whole team in one year. Oh I suppose you could if you can buy out everyone’s contract. But that is a bit unrealistic. I feel we have three quality candidates. STANFORD’S ANDREW LUCK. BAYLOR’S ROBERT GRIFFIN III. And WISCONSIN’S RUSSELL WILSON. Luck, of course is the nations choice. But is he the right man for the team. It all depends. What is the NEW GUARD of the COLTS looking for. Luck has the pedigree, but can he fit in and lead the team next year if necessary. Will he be satisfied to sit behind Manning. I personally don’t think so. I don’t know the boy, all I know about him is what the press says. (and we all know how the press can hype a player). Stanford is no pro team. (maybe). But when you move to the pro ranks it is a new game. CAN HE HANDLE THE CHANGE. Griffin III, winner of the Heisman Trophy, has shown his leadership skills, by leading a NON-POWER team to new heights. Again you have the same questions as with Luck. Wilson. We know he already has a professional contract to play baseball. He came to a new team and did an outstanding job of leading them in his first and only year with the BADGERS. For what it is worth this is my pick. Want someone who can come in and take over immediately? You must opt for Russell Wilson. If he can/or wants to opt out of his baseball contract. For Wilson, he can play baseball for 4-5 years for little pay. OR become an instant millionaire thru his quarterbacking skills. Want someone who is willing to follow MANNING, and learn from the master, with gradually increasing playing time. Then Robert Griffin III is your man. I think the COLTS need someone who can come in and take immediate charge. So there you have it. My number one pick would be Russell Wilson (if available) because I think the Colts need someone who is ready to take charge first game of the season. Given the same conditions, as above, if Wilson is not available then I would take Andrew Luck. Wanting some one to backup Manning and learn, and get gradual increasing snap, then Robert Griffin III is your man. That Is The Way I See It. UPDATE !!!!! January 13, About 6 hours ago from the time I am writing this; RUSSELL WILSON of the WISCONSIN BADGERS has announced he will forgo his baseball career with the COLORADO ROCKIES, in favor of a career in the NFL. Views: 236
