The History of the Indianapolis Colts.

The Indianapolis Colts is a professional American football team in the National Football League (NFL). They are based in Indianapolis, Indiana, and play their home games at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Colts have a rich history dating back to their founding in 1947 as the Baltimore Colts. 

Under the guidance of head coach Weeb Ewbank, the Colts had early success, winning back-to-back NFL Championships in 1958 and 1959. The 1958 championship game, often called "The Greatest Game Ever Played," was a landmark moment in NFL history. The game was played in front of over 64,000 fans at Yankee Stadium and was the first NFL game to go into sudden-death overtime. The Colts defeated the New York Giants 23-17 in a thrilling and historic game.

The Colts' success continued into the 1960s, with the team making multiple playoff appearances and winning the NFL Western Conference in 1964. However, the team's fortunes began to decline in the 1970s, with the Colts only making the playoffs once between 1972 and 1983.

One of the most significant moments of the Baltimore Colts era came in 1983 when the team selected John Elway as the first overall pick in the NFL Draft. However, Elway refused to play for the Colts and was eventually traded to the Denver Broncos, where he had a Hall of Fame career. The Colts struggled in the years following the Elway debacle, and the team's future in Baltimore was still being determined.

In 1984, the Colts moved from Baltimore to Indianapolis, marking the franchise's beginning of a new era. The move was met with controversy and anger from many Baltimore fans, who felt betrayed by the team's owner, Robert Irsay. However, the move to Indianapolis ultimately proved to be an intelligent decision, as the team would have some of its greatest successes in the years to come.

In conclusion, the Baltimore Colts era was a significant period in the Indianapolis Colts' history. The team established itself as a dominant force in the NFL during the 1950s and 1960s, winning multiple championships and playing in some of the most memorable games in NFL history. While the team's fortunes began to decline in the 1970s, the move to Indianapolis in 1984 marked the beginning of a new era for the franchise, one that would see the team experience even greater success in the years to come. 

Sources:

• "Baltimore Colts (1947-1984)" by Michael Morrison, Pro Football Hall of Fame: https://www.profootballhof.com/teams/baltimore-colts/

• "The Greatest Game Ever Played" by Gil Brandt, NFL.com: https://www.nfl.com/news/the-greatest-game-ever-played-09000d5d807bc361

• "John Elway Refuses to Play for the Colts" by Robert W. Cohen, Bleacher Report: https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1114417-john-elway-refuses-to-play-for-the-colts

The Indianapolis Colts' arrival in the city in 1984 marked the beginning of a new era for the franchise. The team had previously played in Baltimore, but a controversial move by owner Robert Irsay brought the Colts to Indianapolis. The move was met with mixed reactions, with many Baltimore fans feeling betrayed by the team's departure. However, the move ultimately proved to be a wise decision, as the Colts would experience some of their greatest successes in the years to come.

The early years in Indianapolis were challenging for the Colts as the team struggled to find footing in a new city. The team's first season in Indianapolis was a disaster, with the Colts finishing with a 4-12 record. However, the group began to turn things around in the late 1980s and early 1990s, big thanks to the emergence of quarterback Jim Harbaugh.

Harbaugh, signed by the Colts in 1994, quickly became a fan favorite in Indianapolis. He led the team to playoff appearances in 1995 and 1996, including an appearance in the AFC Championship game in 1995. The team also had several standout players, including running back Marshall Faulk and wide receiver Marvin Harrison.

One of the most memorable moments of the Colts' time in Indianapolis came in the 1995 playoffs when the team pulled off a stunning upset of the heavily favored Kansas City Chiefs. The game, often called the "Hail Harbaugh" game, saw the Colts win on a last-second touchdown pass from Harbaugh to receiver Aaron Bailey.

The Colts continued to be a competitive team in the late 1990s but needed help to make it past the divisional round of the playoffs. Despite this, the team had established itself as a force to be reckoned with in the NFL and had gained a passionate fan base in Indianapolis.

In conclusion, the arrival of the Indianapolis Colts in 1984 marked the beginning of a new era for the franchise. The move from Baltimore was controversial but proved wise, as the team would experience some of its greatest successes in Indianapolis. Led by quarterback Jim Harbaugh, the Colts became a competitive team in the NFL and established themselves as an essential part of the Indianapolis community. 

Sources:

• "Indianapolis Colts" by Michael Morrison, Pro Football Hall of Fame: https://www.profootballhof.com/teams/indianapolis-colts/

• "Hail Harbaugh!" by Bill Benner, Indianapolis Colts: https://www.colts.com/news/hail-harbaugh-7305169

• "How Jim Harbaugh Helped Transform the Indianapolis Colts" by Mark Montieth, Bleacher Report: https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2798897-how-jim-harbaugh-helped-transform-the-indianapolis-colts

The Peyton Manning era of the Indianapolis Colts began in 1998 when the team drafted Manning as the first overall pick in the NFL draft. Manning quickly established himself as one of the premier quarterbacks in the league and led the Colts to some of their greatest successes in franchise history.

In his rookie season, Manning struggled, throwing a league-high 28 interceptions. However, he quickly bounced back and established himself as one of the best quarterbacks in the league. In 1999, Manning led the Colts to the playoffs for the first time since 1995, and the team would make the playoffs in 11 of the next 13 seasons.

Manning's most successful season came in 2006 when he led the Colts to a Super Bowl victory over the Chicago Bears. The team finished the regular season with a 12-4 record and defeated the Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens, and New England Patriots to reach the Super Bowl. In the championship game, Manning threw for 247 yards and a touchdown, leading the Colts to a 29-17 victory.

Throughout his time with the Colts, Manning was one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. He was a 14-time Pro Bowler, a seven-time All-Pro, and won five NFL MVP awards. He also set numerous NFL records, including the record for most career touchdown passes and most career passing yards.

Despite his success, manning could not lead the Colts to another Super Bowl victory. The team made it to the Super Bowl again in 2009 but lost to the New Orleans Saints. In 2011, Manning missed the entire season due to a neck injury and was released by the Colts at the end of the year.

In conclusion, the Peyton Manning era of the Indianapolis Colts was one of the most successful periods in franchise history. Manning established himself as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history and led the team to numerous playoff appearances and a Super Bowl victory in 2006. While the team could not win another championship during Manning's time with the Colts, his impact on the franchise cannot be overstated.

Sources:

• "Peyton Manning" by Michael Morrison, Pro Football Hall of Fame: https://www.profootballhof.com/players/peyton-manning/

• "Indianapolis Colts: Peyton Manning's Top 10 Moments" by Tyler Brooke, Bleacher Report: https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2451965-indianapolis-colts-peyton-mannings-top-10-moments

• "Peyton Manning's Historic Career with the Indianapolis Colts" by Kyle J. Andrews, Indianapolis Colts: https://www.colts.com/news/peyton-manning-s-historic-career-with-the-indianapolis-colts-18501974

The Andrew Luck era of the Indianapolis Colts began in 2012 when the team drafted Luck as the first overall pick in the NFL draft. Luck was expected to be the team's quarterback of the future, and he quickly established himself as one of the best young quarterbacks in the league.

In his rookie season, Luck led the Colts to the playoffs with an 11-5 record, and he would lead the team to the playoffs in each of his first three seasons. During this time, Luck established himself as one of the most talented quarterbacks in the NFL, throwing for over 4,000 yards in his first three seasons and setting numerous franchise records.

However, Luck's time in Indianapolis was also marked by injuries and disappointment. Injuries limited his playing time in 2015 and 2016, and the team missed the playoffs in both seasons. Despite these setbacks, Luck returned to form in 2018, throwing for over 4,500 yards and leading the Colts to a playoff appearance.

Luck's sudden retirement in August 2019 shocked Colts fans and the NFL world. In a tearful press conference, Luck cited injuries and the toll the game had taken on his body and mental health as reasons for his decision. While his retirement disappointed Colts fans, Luck left a lasting legacy in Indianapolis as one of the most talented and beloved players in franchise history.

In conclusion, the Andrew Luck era of the Indianapolis Colts was marked by triumph and tragedy. Luck established himself as one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL during his time in Indianapolis, leading the team to multiple playoff appearances and setting numerous franchise records. However, injuries and disappointment also marked his time with the team, and his sudden retirement in 2019 shocked fans and the NFL world.

Despite this, Luck will always be remembered as one of Colt's most talented and beloved players. 

Sources:

• "Andrew Luck" by Michael Morrison, Pro Football Hall of Fame: https://www.profootballhof.com/players/andrew-luck/

• "The 10 Best Moments of Andrew Luck's Career" by Zachary Keefer, The Athletic: https://theathletic.com/1141603/2019/08/24/the-10-best-moments-of-andrew-lucks-career-with-the-colts/

• "Andrew Luck Retires: Colts QB Leaves NFL with Emotional Press Conference" by Mike Wells, ESPN: https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/27407313/andrew-luck-retires-colts-qb-leaves-nfl-emotional-press-conference

The Present Day Colts era of the Indianapolis Colts began in 2019, following the unexpected retirement of quarterback Andrew Luck. The team was faced with the daunting task of replacing one of the best quarterbacks in franchise history, and many wondered if the team could continue to be competitive in the AFC South.

In 2019, the Colts struggled to find consistency at the quarterback position. Jacoby Brissett started most of the games at quarterback, but the team also experimented with backups Brian Hoyer and Chad Kelly. Despite the quarterback carousel, the team remained competitive and finished the season with a 7-9 record.

The 2020 season saw the arrival of veteran quarterback Philip Rivers, who had previously played for the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers. Rivers quickly established himself as the team's starting quarterback and led the Colts to an 11-5 record and a playoff appearance. The team's defense was also a significant factor in the team's success, finishing the season ranked eighth in the league in total defense.

However, the Colts' playoff run was cut short in the wild-card round, as the team lost to the Buffalo Bills. Following the season, Rivers announced his retirement, leaving the Colts again needing a quarterback.

In the 2021 offseason, the Colts signed quarterback Carson Wentz in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles. Wentz had previously played under Colts head coach Frank Reich in Philadelphia, and the team hoped he could regain the form that made him a Pro Bowl quarterback in 2017. However, Wentz struggled early in the 2021 season, and the team started slowly.

Despite the slow start, the Colts have remained competitive in the AFC South, and the team has shown flashes of the potential that many saw in them before the season. The team's defense has once again been a significant factor in their success, and it has gotten contributions from several young players on both sides of the ball.

In conclusion, several changes and challenges have marked the Present Day Colts era of the Indianapolis Colts. The team has had to navigate the retirements of two of its most talented quarterbacks, Andrew Luck and Philip Rivers, and find ways to remain competitive in a competitive AFC South. While the team has faced some setbacks, there is the reason for optimism as the team looks to build for the future under the leadership of head coach Frank Reich and a talented roster of young players.

Sources:

• "Indianapolis Colts" by Michael Morrison, Pro Football Hall of Fame: https://www.profootballhof.com/teams/indianapolis-colts/

• "Philip Rivers Retirement: Colts QB Leaves NFL After 17 Seasons" by Mike Wells, ESPN: https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/30700901/philip-rivers-retires-nfl-17-seasons

• "Carson Wentz Trade Grades: Eagles, Colts Both Benefit from Blockbuster Deal" by Nate Davis, USA Today: https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/columnist/nate-davis/2021/02/18/carson-wentz-trade-grades-eagles-colts-both-benefit-blockbuster-deal/6789531002/

The history of the Indianapolis Colts is one of triumphs and setbacks, highs and lows, legends and heroes. From the team's origins in Baltimore to their move to Indianapolis, the Colts have established themselves as one of the most storied franchises in the NFL.

The Colts' history is marked by numerous iconic moments, from Johnny Unitas' record-breaking performances in Baltimore to Peyton Manning's Super Bowl victory in Indianapolis. The team has also seen its fair share of setbacks, including injuries to key players and unexpected retirements.

Despite these challenges, the Colts have remained a competitive team in the NFL and have consistently been in the playoff hunt throughout their history. The team has also established a passionate fan base in both Baltimore and Indianapolis and has become an essential part of the community in both cities.

Looking to the future, the Colts have a reason for optimism. The team has a talented roster of young players, including quarterback Carson Wentz and running back Jonathan Taylor, and is led by one of the most respected coaches in the NFL, Frank Reich. With a commitment to excellence and a passionate fan base behind them, the Colts are poised to continue their legacy as one of the NFL's most successful and beloved franchises.

In conclusion, the history of the Indianapolis Colts is one of perseverance, resilience, and greatness. From the team's early days in Baltimore to their present-day successes in Indianapolis, the Colts have established themselves as one of the NFL's most iconic and respected franchises.

While the team has faced its fair share of challenges, its legacy is one of greatness, and its future is bright.

Sources:

• "Indianapolis Colts" by Michael Morrison, Pro Football Hall of Fame: https://www.profootballhof.com/teams/indianapolis-colts/

• "The 20 Greatest Moments in Indianapolis Colts History" by Tyler Brooke, Bleacher Report: https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2743704-the-20-greatest-moments-in-indianapolis-colts-history

• "Colts Still Relevant After Peyton Manning Era" by Mike Wells, ESPN: https://www.espn.com/blog/indianapolis-colts/post/_/id/13286/colts-still-relevant-after-peyton-manning-era