Indianapolis Colts

The Indianapolis Colts are a professional American football team based in Indianapolis. They play in the National Football League as part of the American Football Conference South division. Since the 2008 season, the Colts have played their home games in Lucas Oil Stadium. Before that, they played at the RCA Dome from 1984 to 2007.

The Colts were first formed in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1953. They became part of the NFL and later joined the American Football League before the leagues merged in 1970. While in Baltimore, the team made it to the playoffs ten times and won three NFL Championship games. They also played in two Super Bowl games, losing to the New York Jets in Super Bowl III but winning against the Dallas Cowboys in Super Bowl V.

In 1984, the Colts moved to Indianapolis. Since then, they have made it to the playoffs eighteen times, won two conference championships, and played in two more Super Bowl games. They won Super Bowl XLI against the Chicago Bears and lost to the New Orleans Saints in Super Bowl XLIV. The team has also hosted the NFL Scouting Combine since 1987.

History

Main article: History of the Indianapolis Colts

Baltimore Colts

See also: Baltimore Colts

The All America Football Conference began in 1946. In its second year, a team meant for the Miami Seahawks moved to Baltimore, Maryland. After a fan contest, the team was named the Baltimore Colts, inspired by the city's history with horses. They played for three seasons before joining the National Football League in 1950. The Baltimore Colts were one of three former AAFC teams to join the NFL at that time, along with the San Francisco 49ers and the Cleveland Browns. The team played only one season in the NFL before disbanding.

Carroll Rosenbloom era (1953–1971)

See also: Dayton Triangles

In 1953, a new group led by Carroll Rosenbloom got rights to a new Baltimore NFL team. Rosenbloom took over what was left of the former Dallas Texans team, which had a history dating back to the Boston Yanks in 1944. This team also included parts of the Brooklyn Tigers, known as the Dayton Triangles, one of the original NFL teams from 1913. The NFL sees the Texans and Colts as separate teams, though they shared colors of blue and white. The Indianapolis Colts are legally seen as a 1953 expansion team.

Weeb Ewbank years (1954–1962)

The Colts started in Baltimore in 1953 with a 3–9 record under coach Keith Molesworth. They didn’t have a winning record until 1957.

NFL champions (1958–1959)

Under coach Weeb Ewbank and quarterback Johnny Unitas, the Colts went 9–3 in 1958 and reached the NFL Championship Game for the first time. They beat the New York Giants 23–17 in the first game to use overtime, watched by 45 million people.

In 1959, they again went 9–3 and beat the Giants to win their second title.

Don Shula years (1963–1969)

The Colts didn’t return to the NFL Championship for four years. In 1963, Don Shula became the coach. In his second season, they went 12–2 but lost to the Cleveland Browns in the NFL Championship 27–0.

NFL champions (1968)

In 1968, under Unitas and Shula, the Colts won their third NFL Championship but lost in Super Bowl III.

After beating the Cleveland Browns 34–0 in the NFL Championship, many thought they were the greatest team ever. In Super Bowl III, they were favored by 18 points against the New York Jets, led by Joe Namath. The Jets surprised everyone with a 16–7 win, the first Super Bowl win for the AFL.

Don McCafferty years (1970–1972)

Rosenbloom, Art Modell of the Browns, and Art Rooney of the Pittsburgh Steelers agreed to move their teams to the American Football Conference in 1970 as part of the AFL–NFL merger.

Super Bowl V champions (1970)

Under new coach Don McCafferty, the Colts went 11–2–1 in the regular season, winning the AFC East title. They beat the Cincinnati Bengals and Oakland Raiders in the playoffs and won the first post-merger Super Bowl, Super Bowl V, beating the Dallas Cowboys 16–13. This was their fourth NFL championship and first Super Bowl win. They returned to the playoffs in 1971 but lost to the Miami Dolphins in the AFC Championship.

Robert Irsay era (1971–1996)

Due to issues with the city of Baltimore, Rosenbloom traded the Colts to Robert Irsay in 1972 for the Los Angeles Rams. Under Irsay, the Colts didn’t make the playoffs for three years after 1971. After the 1972 season, legendary quarterback Johnny Unitas was traded to the San Diego Chargers. The Colts made the playoffs three times from 1975 to 1977 but lost each time. Their 1977 loss to the Oakland Raiders is famous for the "Ghost to the Post" play. These teams had 1976 NFL MVP Bert Jones and a strong defensive line called the "Sack Pack".

The team had nine losing seasons starting in 1978. In 1981, their defense allowed a record 533 points and had only 13 sacks. The next year, their offense struggled, and they finished 0–8–1, earning the first pick in the draft. They chose quarterback John Elway, but he refused to play in Baltimore and was traded to Denver. The team improved to 7–9 in 1983, their last season in Baltimore.

Move to Indianapolis

Main article: Baltimore Colts relocation to Indianapolis

The Colts played their last home game in Baltimore in December 1983 against the Houston Oilers. Irsay wanted stadium upgrades, but the city couldn’t use tax money. Relations worsened, and Irsay started talking to other cities. Indianapolis, under mayors Richard Lugar and William Hudnut, offered the Hoosier Dome and loans.

In March 1984, moving vans took the team’s belongings to Indianapolis overnight. The move led to legal issues, settled in 1986. The Colts agreed to support a new NFL team for Baltimore.

Over 143,000 people requested season tickets in two weeks after moving to Indianapolis. The Colts kept their name even though Indianapolis wasn’t known for horse racing. The team didn’t do well at first, going 4–12 in 1984 and only winning eight games over the next two seasons. In 1987, they got Hall of Fame running back Eric Dickerson and won the AFC East for the first time in Indianapolis, but lost in the playoffs.

After 1987, the Colts struggled for seven years. In 1991, they went 1–15, almost the first winless season in NFL history. Coach Ron Meyer was fired, and Ted Marchibroda returned. They kept struggling until Bill Tobin became general manager in 1994.

Tobin drafted running back Marshall Faulk and got quarterback Jim Harbaugh. The team started improving, making the playoffs in 1995 and 1996. They won their first playoff game as the Indianapolis Colts in 1995 and almost reached the Super Bowl.

Marchibroda retired after 1995, and Lindy Infante took over. The Colts went 9–7 in 1996 but lost in the first round of the playoffs. They then went 3–13 in 1997.

Jim Irsay era (1997–2025)

After a poor 1997 season, owner Robert Irsay passed away. His son, Jim Irsay, became the new owner. He hired Bill Polian as general manager and Jim E. Mora as coach. They drafted quarterback Peyton Manning with the first pick in the 1998 draft.

The team struggled in 1998 but improved in 1999, going 13–3 and winning the AFC East for the first time since 1987. They lost in the playoffs to the Tennessee Titans.

The next two seasons were less successful. In 2001, Mora was fired and replaced by Tony Dungy. Dungy helped the team return to the playoffs in 2002. They made the playoffs in 2003 and 2004, losing each time to the New England Patriots.

In 2005, they started 13–0 and finished 14–2 but lost in the playoffs to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Super Bowl XLI champions (2006)

In 2006, the Colts won their first 9 games and finished 12–4. They won their playoff games against the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens to reach the AFC Championship Game. They beat the Patriots 38–34 and went to Super Bowl XLI, their first Super Bowl since moving to Indianapolis. They beat the Chicago Bears 29–17, giving Manning, Polian, Irsay, and Dungy their first Super Bowl title.

They went 13–3 in 2007 but lost to the San Diego Chargers in the playoffs. In 2008, Manning missed most of the season due to injury. The Colts started 3–4 but won nine straight to finish 12–4 and make the playoffs as a wild card team, losing to the Chargers. Dungy retired after the season.

Jim Caldwell years (2009–2011)

Jim Caldwell became coach after Dungy. In 2009, the Colts went 14–0 before resting starters and finishing 14–2. They beat the Baltimore Ravens and New York Jets to reach Super Bowl XLIV, where they lost to the New Orleans Saints 31–17.

In 2010, they went 10–6 but lost to the Jets in the playoffs. This was Peyton Manning’s last game as a Colt.

In 2011, Manning was out for the season, and the Colts started 0–13, finishing 2–14 and getting the first pick in the draft. Manning was released in 2012.

Chuck Pagano years (2012–2017)

In 2012, Ryan Grigson became general manager and hired Chuck Pagano as coach. They drafted quarterback Andrew Luck with the first pick. With Luck and receiver Reggie Wayne, the Colts improved to 11–5 and made the playoffs. They honored Pagano during his fight with leukemia. They lost in the playoffs to the Baltimore Ravens.

In 2013, Luck led the Colts to a 15th division title and a playoff win over the Kansas City Chiefs. In 2014, Luck took the Colts to the AFC Championship Game.

The Colts went 8–8 in both 2015 and 2016, missing the playoffs. Grigson was fired, and Chris Ballard became general manager. In 2017, Pagano was fired after a 4–12 season. Luck missed the whole season due to injury.

Frank Reich years (2018–2022)

In 2018, Frank Reich became coach. Andrew Luck’s return was rocky at first, but the Colts won nine of their last ten games to finish 10–6 and make the playoffs. They beat the Houston Texans but lost to the Kansas City Chiefs. Luck was named Comeback Player of the Year.

In 2018, two rookies drafted by Ballard, Quenton Nelson and Shaquille Leonard, were both named First-Team All-Pro.

On August 24, 2019, Luck retired due to health concerns.

In 2019, the Colts started 5–2 but struggled later and finished 7–9.

In 2020, they signed quarterback Philip Rivers and went 11–5, making the playoffs but losing to the Buffalo Bills.

In 2021, they traded for quarterback Carson Wentz but went 9–8 and missed the playoffs. They traded Wentz for draft picks.

In 2022, they traded for quarterback Matt Ryan. Ryan was benched after seven games, and Sam Ehlinger took over. On November 7, 2022, Reich was fired after a 3–5–1 start. Jeff Saturday became interim coach. The Colts finished 4–12–1.

Shane Steichen years (2023–present)

After the 2022 season, the Colts hired Shane Steichen as coach. They drafted quarterback Anthony Richardson in 2023. Richardson missed the rest of the season due to injury, and backup Gardner Minshew took over. Despite injuries, the Colts finished 9–8 and narrowly missed the playoffs. In 2024, they drafted defensive end Laiatu Latu and finished 8–9, missing the playoffs again.

Carlie Irsay-Gordon era (2025–present)

On May 21, 2025, owner Jim Irsay passed away at 65. On June 9, 2025, his three daughters took over equal ownership. Carlie Irsay-Gordon became principal owner and CEO, Casey Foyt executive vice president, and Kalen Jackson chief brand officer and president of the Indianapolis Colts Foundation.

Logos and uniforms

The Colts have had many changes to their helmets and uniforms over the years. In the beginning, their helmets were white with a blue stripe, but they changed colors and designs several times. By 1957, the horseshoes on the helmets moved to their current spots, one on each side.

Their blue jerseys have white stripes on the shoulders, and their white jerseys have blue stripes. They also wear white pants with blue stripes. Over time, the uniforms changed a bit as new materials were used.

The team has also changed their socks and pants many times. Sometimes they wore blue socks with white stripes, and other times white socks with blue stripes. In the 1980s, they even tried gray pants with blue jerseys, but later went back to white pants.

In 2020, the Colts added black as a third color, mostly for small details on their uniforms. In 2023, they introduced a new alternate uniform with a black helmet and more black details on the blue jersey.

Facilities

Main article: Lucas Oil Stadium

The Indianapolis Colts used to play at the RCA Dome for 24 years, but in late 2008, they moved to a new place called Lucas Oil Stadium. This stadium can hold 63,000 people for football games and even more for other events like basketball games or concerts. It has a special roof that can be opened so fans can enjoy games outside. The field where they play is made of special artificial grass and is a bit below ground level. Lucas Oil Stadium is also used for big college basketball games and even hosted a Super Bowl in 2011.

Rivalries

Divisional

Houston Texans

Main article: Colts–Texans rivalry

The Colts and the Houston Texans have become strong rivals in recent years. While Indianapolis was very successful in the early 2000s, Houston has become more competitive, winning the division five times since 2011. As of the 2023 season, Indianapolis leads their overall record.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Main article: Colts–Jaguars rivalry

The Colts and the Jacksonville Jaguars became rivals when they joined the same division. Indianapolis has usually been ahead in their matchups, but the Jaguars have had some big wins too. The rivalry has grown more even in recent years.

Tennessee Titans

Main article: Colts–Titans rivalry

The Colts and Titans have the longest rivalry in their division, dating back to 1970. They have fought for the division title many times. Recently, Indianapolis has been more successful, but both teams are still fighting for the top spot.

Conference

Baltimore Ravens

Main article: Colts–Ravens rivalry

After the Colts moved to Indianapolis, Baltimore got a new team called the Ravens. The two teams have met three times in big games, with the Colts winning two of those matches.

New England Patriots

Main article: Colts–Patriots rivalry

See also: Tom Brady–Peyton Manning rivalry

The Colts and the New England Patriots have a big rivalry centered around their star players. The Patriots started strong, but the Colts came back later to win important games, including one on their way to a big championship win.

Historic

In the 1950s and 1960s, the Colts didn’t have many strong rivals because they were far from most other teams in their division.

New York Giants

In the 1950s, the Colts played the New York Giants in important championship games and won both times. In later years, the teams met again with brothers playing as their main players.

New York Jets

Main article: Super Bowl III

One of the biggest upsets in sports history happened when the New York Jets beat the heavily favored Colts in Super Bowl III. The two teams met often in the following years, with some very exciting games and big plays.

Players of note

Main article: List of Indianapolis Colts first-round draft picks

The Ring of Honor started on September 23, 1996. It includes 20 special players and one executive, all of whom were part of the team in Indianapolis or Baltimore.

Staff and head coaches

Head coaches

Main article: List of Indianapolis Colts head coaches

Current staff

The Indianapolis Colts have many important people who help guide the team. These include the head coaches and other staff members who work together to support the players and help them succeed in games.

Statistics and records

Season-by-season record

This is a list of some of the Colts' recent seasons. For all their seasons, see List of Indianapolis Colts seasons.

Records

Main article: List of Indianapolis Colts records

Radio and television coverage

See also: List of Indianapolis Colts broadcasters

The Indianapolis Colts have two main radio stations: WFNI (1070 AM) and WLHK 97.1 FM. Matt Taylor is the team's announcer, and former Colts player Jim Sorgi helps explain the games. Mike Jansen is the voice at home games.

In 2015, new TV stations started showing Colts games. WTTV and WXIN now air most games, plus team shows and events at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Radio station affiliates

Stations that broadcast Colts games include: