Indianapolis Colts

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League/conference affiliations
Team colors	Royal blue, white
Fight song
Mascot	Blue
Website

The Indianapolis Colts are a professional American football team based in Indianapolis, Indiana. They are a member of the AFC South division in the National Football League (NFL). The team was originally established in 1953 in Baltimore, Maryland, and was known as the Baltimore Colts before relocating to Indianapolis in 1984.

History

Baltimore Era (1953–1983)

The franchise was founded in 1953 as the Baltimore Colts, joining the NFL as an expansion team. The team quickly became competitive, winning its first NFL Championship in 1958, a game often referred to as "The Greatest Game Ever Played" due to its dramatic overtime finish against the New York Giants. The Colts won another championship in 1959.

The team was led by legendary quarterback Johnny Unitas, who became one of the most iconic figures in NFL history. Under head coach Don Shula, the Colts continued to be a dominant force in the 1960s, culminating in a victory in Super Bowl V in 1970.

Relocation to Indianapolis (1984)

In 1984, the Colts relocated to Indianapolis, a move that was controversial and involved a late-night departure from Baltimore. The team settled in the Hoosier Dome, later known as the RCA Dome, which became their home until 2008.

Indianapolis Era (1984–present)

The Colts struggled initially after the move, but fortunes changed with the drafting of quarterback Peyton Manning in 1998. Manning led the team to consistent playoff appearances and a victory in Super Bowl XLI in 2006, defeating the Chicago Bears.

In 2008, the team moved to Lucas Oil Stadium, a state-of-the-art facility that has hosted numerous significant events, including the Super Bowl XLVI in 2012.

After Manning's departure in 2012, the Colts drafted Andrew Luck, who led the team to several playoff appearances before his unexpected retirement in 2019.

Team Identity

Colors and Mascot

The team's colors are royal blue and white. The mascot, "Blue," is a popular figure at games and community events.

Rivalries

The Colts have notable rivalries with the New England Patriots, stemming from numerous playoff encounters, and with the Tennessee Titans, a divisional rival.

Stadium

The Colts play their home games at Lucas Oil Stadium, which opened in 2008. The stadium features a retractable roof and a seating capacity of over 67,000.

Notable Players

• Johnny Unitas - Hall of Fame quarterback known for his time with the Baltimore Colts.
• Peyton Manning - Hall of Fame quarterback who led the team to a Super Bowl victory.
• Marvin Harrison - Hall of Fame wide receiver and one of Manning's favorite targets.
• Reggie Wayne - Prolific wide receiver and key player in the Colts' offense.

Also see

• National Football League
• Super Bowl
• Peyton Manning
• Lucas Oil Stadium
• AFC South