The Indianapolis Colts are a professional football team based in Indianapolis, Indiana. They are 2006 champions of the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National Football League (NFL). Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. The American Football Conference ( AFC) is one of the two conferences of the National Football League (NFL The National Football League ( NFL) is the largest professional American football league.
The team began play in 1953 as the Baltimore Colts. A previous Baltimore Colts team played between 1947 and 1950. The original Colts team began play in 1946 as the Miami Seahawks, a member of the upstart All-America Football Conference. Athletics Marathon August 22 &mdash European Championships Marathon, Oslo Norway Men's The All-America Football Conference (AAFC was a professional American football league that challenged the established National Football League (NFL from 1946 They relocated to Baltimore as the Colts in 1947, and joined the NFL in 1950 after the AAFC merged into the older league. The 1950 NFL season was the 31st Regular season of the National Football League. However, the franchise folded after one NFL season. After fans in Baltimore protested, the NFL formed another Colts team out of the ashes of the failed Dallas Texans for the 1953 season. The Dallas Texans played in the National Football League for one season 1952 with a record of 1–11 The 1953 NFL season was the 34th Regular season of the National Football League. While in Baltimore, the club won four NFL Championships, including Super Bowl V. Wikipedia talkFeatured lists#Proposed change to all featured lists for an explanation of this and other inclusion tags below Super Bowl V was an American football game played on January 17, 1971 at the Orange Bowl in Miami Florida to decide the National
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Franchise history
The AAFC Baltimore Colts
- For more details on this topic, see Baltimore Colts (1947-50).
There have been two NFL teams called the Baltimore Colts. The first Colts team started in the All-America Football Conference in 1946 as the Miami Seahawks. The All-America Football Conference (AAFC was a professional American football league that challenged the established National Football League (NFL from 1946 They moved to Baltimore in 1947. In 1950, they joined the National Football League and finished the season with a record of 1-11. The National Football League ( NFL) is the largest professional American football league. They folded after the 1950 season; however, supporting groups such as a fan club and the NFL's second marching band remained in operation and worked for the team's revival. A fan club is a group that is dedicated to a well known person group idea (such as History) or sometimes even an inanimate object (such as a famous building A marching band is in the broadest terms a group of performers that consist of instrumental Musicians and sometimes dance teams / color guard who generally perform
The NFL Baltimore Colts
In 1953, a Baltimore-based group led by Carroll Rosenbloom won the rights to a new Baltimore franchise. Carroll Rosenbloom ( March 5, 1907 - April 2, 1979) was the owner of two US football teams the Baltimore Colts (now the Indianapolis Rosenbloom was awarded the remains of the Dallas Texans. The Dallas Texans played in the National Football League for one season 1952 with a record of 1–11 The Texans themselves started as the Boston Yanks in 1944 before moving to New York as the Bulldogs in 1949. The Boston Yanks was a National Football League team based in Boston, Massachusetts that played from 1944 to 1948. Year 1944 ( MCMXLIV) was a Leap year starting on Saturday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. The City of New York Year 1949 ( MCMXLIX) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. They then became the Yanks in 1950. The New York Yanks American football team started in the National Football League in 1949 after Boston Yanks owner Ted Collins Year 1950 ( MCML) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Many of the players from the New York Yankees of the All-America Football Conference were added to the team. The New York Yankees were a professional American football team that played in the All-America Football Conference (AAFC from 1946 to 1949 The All-America Football Conference (AAFC was a professional American football league that challenged the established National Football League (NFL from 1946 The Yanks moved to Dallas after the 1951 season. Year 1951 ( MCMLI) was a Common year starting on Monday. Events of 1951 January However, the NFL considers the Texans and Colts to be separate teams.
The Baltimore Colts were the first NFL team to have cheerleaders, and the old Colts' fan club and marching band (now under the name Baltimore's Marching Ravens) became part of the new franchise. Cheerleading is a Sport that uses organized routines made from elements of Tumbling, Dance, jumps and stunting to direct spectators of events
In 1958, coached by Hall of Famer Weeb Ewbank and led by Hall of Fame quarterback Johnny Unitas, the Baltimore Colts defeated the New York Giants at Yankee Stadium 23-17 in the NFL championship game, an overtime contest sometimes called "The Greatest Game Ever Played". The 1958 NFL season was the 39th Regular season of the National Football League. The Pro Football Hall of Fame is the Hall of fame of the National Football League (NFL Wilbur "Weeb" Ewbank ( May 6, 1907 - November 17, 1998) was an American professional football coach John Constantine "Johnny" Unitas ( May 7, 1933 &ndash September 11, 2002) nicknamed The Golden Arm and often called The New York Giants are a professional American football team based in the New York City suburb of East Rutherford New Jersey. The original Yankee Stadium is a Stadium located in The Bronx in New York City. The 1958 National Football League Championship Game was played on December 28, 1958 at Yankee Stadium in New York City. Baltimore repeated as NFL champions in 1959, beating the New York Giants again, 31-16. The 1959 NFL season was the 40th Regular season of the National Football League. In the early 1960s, Baltimore continued as an elite NFL team although they lost the NFL championship game in 1964 to the Cleveland Browns, 27-0. Below is a list of professional football championship games in the United States involving the Ohio Football League the American Professional Football Association and the National The 1964 NFL season was the 45th Regular season of the National Football League. The Cleveland Browns are a professional American football team based in Cleveland, Ohio.
The 1967 Colts entered the final week of the regular season undefeated, but then a 34-10 loss to the Rams at Los Angeles kept them out of the playoffs as the result gave both teams a final record of 11-1-2, with the Rams being awarded first place in the Western Conference's Coastal Division because they won the head-to-head series (the first meeting between the two teams, at Baltimore, ended in a 24-24 tie). The 1967 NFL season was the 48th Regular season of the National Football League. The St Louis Rams are a professional American football team based in St Los Angeles (lɑˈsændʒələs los ˈaŋxeles in Spanish) is the largest City in the state of California and the American West
In 1968, after a 13-1 season, they gained a measure of revenge against the Browns, defeating them 34-0 in the NFL championship game. The 1968 NFL season was the 49th Regular season of the National Football League. Below is a list of professional football championship games in the United States involving the Ohio Football League the American Professional Football Association and the National The 13-1 regular season and the trouncing of the Browns led NFL-based media to call the Colts "the greatest pro football team of all time". The Colts went into Super Bowl III (the first in the series to officially be called the Super Bowl) against the American Football League's New York Jets as 17-point favorites, with NFL icons such as Pro Bowlers Bobby Boyd (db), Mike Curtis (lb), John Mackey (te), Tom Matte (rb), Fred Miller (dl), Earl Morrall (qb), Willie Richardson (wr), and Bob Vogel (ol). Super Bowl III was the third AFL-NFL Championship Game in professional American football, but the first to officially bear the name " Super Bowl " Note There were three earlier and unrelated major American professional football leagues of the same name One in 1926, one in 1936-1937 and one in 1940-1941 The New York Jets are a professional American football team based in the New York metropolitan area. In professional American football, the Pro Bowl is the All-star game of the National Football League (NFL Robert Dean Boyd (born December 3, 1937) is a former NFL cornerback who played for the Baltimore Colts in a nine-year career from 1960 to 1968 Thomas Roland Matte (born June 14 1939, in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania) was an American football player who played Quarterback in Fred Miller may refer to Fred Miller (journalist, journalist and editor of The Daily Telegraph Fred Miller (football b Earl Edwin Morrall (born May 17, 1934 in Muskegon Michigan) is a former American football Quarterback in the National Football Willie Richardson (born November 17, 1939 in Clarksdale Mississippi) is a former professional American football player who played Robert Louis Vogel (born September 23 1941 in Columbus Ohio) is a former professional American football Offensive lineman for
The result of the game was surprising to many in the sports media as Joe Namath and Matt Snell led the American Football League champion Jets to a World Championship over the NFL's Colts, 16-7. Joseph William Namath (born May 31 1943, Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania) also known as Broadway Joe or Joe Willie, is a former Matt Snell (born August 18, 1941 in Garfield Georgia) was the American Football League 's New York Jets owner Sonny Werblin Note There were three earlier and unrelated major American professional football leagues of the same name One in 1926, one in 1936-1937 and one in 1940-1941 The New York Jets are a professional American football team based in the New York metropolitan area. Below is a list of professional football championship games in the United States involving the Ohio Football League the American Professional Football Association and the National The Jets were coached by Weeb Ewbank, who had previously led the Colts to two NFL titles. Wilbur "Weeb" Ewbank ( May 6, 1907 - November 17, 1998) was an American professional football coach
The Super Bowl letdown had an effect on the Colts as they only won 8 games in the 1969 season and missed the playoffs. Year 1969 ( MCMLXIX) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar.
Rosenbloom, Art Modell of the Browns, and Art Rooney of the Pittsburgh Steelers facilitated the NFL merger with the American Football League, by joining the ten AFL teams in the AFC. Arthur B Modell (born June 23, 1925, Brooklyn, New York) is a former National Football League team owner Arthur Joseph Rooney Sr ( January 27, 1901 - August 25, 1988) was the founding owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers franchise in Note There were three earlier and unrelated major American professional football leagues of the same name One in 1926, one in 1936-1937 and one in 1940-1941 After the NFL merged with the AFL in 1970, the Colts went on a rampage, as new head coach Don McCafferty and a new, improved defense led by Mike Curtis, the Colts won 11 games, took the AFC East Title, in the first round of the NFL Playoffs, they beat the Cincinnati Bengals 21-0, one week later in the AFC Championship, they beat the Oakland Raiders 27-17. The 1970 NFL season was the 51st Regular season of the National Football League, and the first one after the AFL-NFL Merger. The Cincinnati Bengals are a professional American football team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Oakland Raiders are a professional American football team based in the city of Oakland California. Baltimore went on to win the first post-merger Super Bowl (Super Bowl V) against the NFC's Dallas Cowboys 16-13, on a Jim O'Brien field goal, with 5 seconds left to play. Super Bowl V was an American football game played on January 17, 1971 at the Orange Bowl in Miami Florida to decide the National The Dallas Cowboys are a professional American football team in the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference (NFC in the National In 1971, the Colts made it back to the NFL Playoffs, they defeated the Cleveland Browns in the first round, but lost to the Miami Dolphins in the AFC Championship on January 2, 1972 21-0. The 1971 NFL season was the 52nd Regular season of the National Football League. The Miami Dolphins are a professional American football team based in the Miami Florida Metropolitan Area. Events 366 - The Alamanni cross the frozen Rhine River in large numbers invading the Roman Empire. Year 1972 ( MCMLXXII) was a Leap year starting on Saturday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar.
On July 13, 1972, Rosenbloom traded the Colts to Robert Irsay for the Los Angeles Rams, but the players remained in their same respective cities. Events 1174 - William I of Scotland, a key rebel in the Revolt of 1173-1174, is captured at Alnwick by forces loyal to Year 1972 ( MCMLXXII) was a Leap year starting on Saturday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Robert Irsay (born March 5, 1923 &mdash died January 14, 1997) was the longtime owner of the National Football League's Baltimore/Indianapolis The St Louis Rams are a professional American football team based in St The Colts made the playoffs four more times in the 1970s - a wild card in 1971 and three consecutive AFC East titles in 1975 through 1977, led in these latter years by 1976 NFL Most Valuable Player Bert Jones at quarterback and by the NFL's best defensive line, known colloquially as the "Sack Pack". The 1971 NFL season was the 52nd Regular season of the National Football League. The 1975 NFL season was the 56th Regular season of the National Football League. The 1976 NFL season was the 57th Regular season of the National Football League. The 1977 NFL season was the 58th Regular season of the National Football League. Bertram Hays "Bert" Jones (born September 7, 1951, in Ruston Louisiana) is a former LSU and NFL Quarterback However, they then endured nine consecutive losing seasons beginning in 1978. The 1978 NFL season was the 59th Regular season of the National Football League. In 1981, the defense was the main problem: The Colts allowed an NFL-record 533 points, and also set an all-time record for fewest sacks (13) and a modern record for fewest punt returns (12). The 1981 NFL season was the 62nd Regular season of the National Football League. The following year the offense collapsed: On November 28, 1982, the Colts' offense did not cross mid-field in an entire game, played at Buffalo against the Bills; this would not happen again in an NFL game until 2000. For the town in Argentina, see 28 de Noviembre. Events Year 1982 ( MCMLXXXII) was a Common year starting on Friday (link displays the 1982 Gregorian calendar) Ralph Wilson Stadium is a football Stadium located in the town of Orchard Park, a suburb of Buffalo New York. The Buffalo Bills are a professional American football team based in the Buffalo New York Metropolitan area, playing seven of their home games in the suburb The 2000 NFL season was the 81st regular season of the National Football League. The Colts also finished 0-8-1 in 1982, only nine games having been played that year due to a 57-day players' strike.
By virtue of their league-worst record in 1982, Baltimore landed the first pick overall in the 1983 NFL Draft, using it to select John Elway, who immediately balked at the prospect of playing for Baltimore's Head Coach Frank Kush and threatened to play professional baseball instead (Elway was a prospect for the New York Yankees). The 1983 National Football League Draft was held on April 26–27 1983 John Albert Elway Jr (born June 28, 1960) is a retired Hall of Fame American football Quarterback. The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the borough of The Bronx, in New York City, New York. He was traded to Denver for Mark Hermann, Chris Hinton and a first rounder in 1984 shortly after the draft. To make matters worse, the quarterback that they had drafted in the first round the year before, Art Schlichter, was suspended, because of his compulsive gambling problem, for the 1983 season a few months after the Elway trade. Arthur Ernest Schlichter (born April 25 1960 in Washington Court House Ohio) is a former college and professional American football Problem gambling (ludomania is an urge to gamble despite harmful negative consequences or a desire to stop Somehow, Baltimore managed to finish a better-than-expected 7-9 with journeyman Mike Pagel at the helm. Mike John Pagel (born September 13, 1960 in Douglas Arizona) was a former professional American football player who was selected by the
Relocation to Indianapolis
Since the late 1970's Colts Owner Robert Irsay wanted the city of Baltimore to upgrade the stadium or build a new one. But with attendance dwindling and the team playing poorly, city officials were wary of such an investment and negotiations were slow and contentious. Relations between owner Robert Irsay and the city of Baltimore worsened, and despite numerous public announcements that Irsay's ultimate desire was to remain in Baltimore, he for many years held discussions with several cities hungry for an NFL franchise. Eventually narrowing the list of cities to two, Phoenix and Indianapolis. [1]
Meanwhile in Baltimore, the situation worsened. Eventually, the Maryland legislature, prodded by Baltimore mayor (and later Maryland governor) William Donald Schaefer, intervened and threatened to pass a law providing the city of Baltimore the right to seize ownership of the team by eminent domain. William Donald Schaefer (born November 2 1921 is an American politician who served in public office for 50 years at both the state and local level in Maryland Eminent domain ( United States) compulsory purchase ( United Kingdom, New Zealand, Ireland) resumption/compulsory acquisition As a result, the Colts Owner Robert Irsay began serious negotiations with Indianapolis Mayor William Hudnut in order to move the team before the Maryland legislature could pass the bill. The city of Indianapolis was more than willing to receive the team and provided the Colts owner with a $12,500,000. 00 loan, a $4,000,000. 00 training complex, and the use of the brand new 57,980 seat Hoosier Dome. The RCA Dome was a Domed Stadium located in Indianapolis, Indiana, and the home of the Indianapolis Colts NFL franchise [2] After agreeing to the deal, Mayflower Transit trucks were dispatched to the team's Maryland training complex at 5:30 p. Mayflower Transit LLC is a moving company now part of UniGroup Inc m. on March 28, where workers loaded all of the team's belongings and in the middle of a snow storm, the team sneaked out of town at 3:00am the next morning.
The move triggered a flurry of legal activity that ended when representatives of Baltimore and the Colts organization reached a settlement on March 1986 in which all lawsuits regarding the relocation were dismissed, and the Colts would endorse a new NFL team for Baltimore. Year 1986 ( MCMLXXXVI) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link displays 1986 Gregorian calendar) [3] However, during the 1993 NFL expansion the Irsay family reneged on this agreement and supported Jacksonville and Carolina for expansion. Nonetheless, many of the prominent old-time Colts (many of whom had settled in the Baltimore area), led by Unitas, chose to cut all ties to the relocated Colts team. To this day, Baltimore fans still despise the Irsays.
Under the administrations of mayor Richard Lugar and then William Hudnut, Indianapolis was making an ambitious effort to reinvent itself into a `Great American City. Richard Green "Dick" Lugar (born April 4, 1932) is the senior United States Senator from Indiana. William Herbert Hudnut III (born October 17, 1932) was a four-term Republican mayor of Indianapolis from 1976 to 1992 ' The Hoosier Dome (later renamed the RCA Dome) had been built specifically for and was ready to host an NFL expansion team.
The Colts' final game in Baltimore was played on December 18, 1983 against the Houston Oilers. Events 218 BC - Second Punic War: Battle of the Trebia - Hannibal 's Carthaginian forces defeat those of the Year 1983 ( MCMLXXXIII) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays the 1983 Gregorian calendar) The Tennessee Titans are a professional American football team based in Nashville Tennessee. The Oilers would, thirteen years later from this day, play their final game before moving to Tennessee against the Baltimore Ravens at Memorial Stadium. Tennessee ( is a state located in the Southern United States. Memorial Stadium was a Sports Stadium in Baltimore Maryland, that formerly stood on 33rd Street The Colts would not return to Baltimore until 1998. Year 1998 ( MCMXCVIII) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link will display full 1998 Gregorian calendar)
The Pre-Peyton years in Indianapolis
Between 1984 and 1998, the Colts had little success. They employed seven different head coaches in 14 years and endured many losing seasons, earning three #1 picks and three #2 picks. Unfortunately, their initial #1 picks did little to help the struggling Colts: Jeff George, drafted in 1990 as a quarterback, had a disappointing career with the Colts and even alienated the city's fans with his rude comments towards the city. Jeffrey Scott George (born December 8, 1967 in Indianapolis, Indiana) is an American football Quarterback in the National Steve Emtman, drafted in 1992 as a defensive end, was a promising pick but was plagued with injuries throughout his short career. Steven Charles Emtman (born April 16, 1970) is a former professional football player
The Colts appeared in the playoffs just three times during that span. Their first success came in the strike-shortened 1987 NFL Season when they won the AFC East but lost at the Cleveland Browns. The 1987 NFL season was the 68th Regular season of the National Football League. The AFC East is a division of the National Football League 's American Football Conference. The Cleveland Browns are a professional American football team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They didn't reached the playoffs again until 1995 as a wild card entrant, where they started out by beating the defending AFC Champion San Diego Chargers and followed that with a victory at the heavily favored Kansas City Chiefs to advance to the AFC championship game. The 1995 NFL season was the 76th Regular season of the National Football League. The San Diego Chargers are a professional American football team based in San Diego California. The Kansas City Chiefs are a professional American football team based in Kansas City Missouri. Led by Jim Harbaugh (current Stanford University head coach), first year running back Marshall Faulk and All-Pro defensive tackle Tony Siragusa, they lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers 20-16 in a thrilling finish as Harbaugh threw an 53 yard "hail mary" pass that initially appeared to be caught by Aaron Bailey. James Joseph "Jim" Harbaugh (born December 23, 1963 in Toledo Ohio) is the American football head coach for the Stanford Cardinal Leland Stanford Junior University, commonly known as Stanford University or simply Stanford, is a private Research university located in Marshall William Faulk (born February 26, 1973 in New Orleans, Louisiana) is a former American football Running back, who Anthony Siragusa (born May 14, 1967 in Kenilworth New Jersey) is a former American football Defensive tackle who spent twelve seasons Slow-motion replays showed the ball had rolled off the chest of Bailey and briefly touched the ground, denying the Colts their first Super Bowl appearance since moving to Indianapolis (this was before the Challenge rule had made its way into the NFL, so the play would have stood even if Bailey had not actually dropped the ball).
The following off-season, Marvin Harrison was drafted in the first round off the famous 1996 Wide Receiver Draft class that included Terrell Owens (49ers), Keyshawn Johnson (NY Jets), Muhsin Muhammad (Carolina Panthers) and Terry Glenn (Patriots). Marvin Daniel Harrison (born August 25, 1972, in Philadelphia Pennsylvania) is an American football Wide receiver who currently plays Terrell Eldorado Owens (ˈtɛɹl̩ (born December 7, 1973) is an American football Wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys of the Keyshawn Joseph Johnson (born on July 22, 1972 in Los Angeles California) is a former American football Wide receiver and current The New York Jets are a professional American football team based in the New York metropolitan area. Muhsin Muhammad II (Moo-SIN (born Melvin Campbell on May 5, 1973) is an American football Wide receiver for the Carolina Panthers The Carolina Panthers are a professional football team based in Charlotte North Carolina, representing both North Carolina and South Carolina in the Terry Tyree Glenn (born July 23, 1974 in) is an American football Wide receiver who is currently a Free agent. Patriotism is commonly defined as love of and/or devotion to one's country The Colts again finished 9-7 in 1996 and again lost to the Steelers but this time, they lost in their first playoff game.
The 1997 season was rock bottom for the Colts. It began with the death of Robert Irsay on January 17th. His son, Jim Irsay took over then starter Jim Harbaugh was injured, as was backup Paul Justin. James (Jim Irsay is the owner of the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. James Joseph "Jim" Harbaugh (born December 23, 1963 in Toledo Ohio) is the American football head coach for the Stanford Cardinal The Colts finished 3-13 and earned their third #1 pick since moving to Indianapolis. With new owner Jim Irsay the Colts were able to gain a new direction, beginning the long rebuilding process that would ultimately lead to success in the NFL. James (Jim Irsay is the owner of the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League.
The Peyton Manning Era
Jim Irsay began to put his mark on the Colts one year after taking over from his father. He fired Coach Lindy Infante and hired GM Bill Polian and head coach Jim E. Mora. Lindy Infante (born May 27, 1940) was Head coach of the Green Bay Packers from 1988 to December 22, 1991 and of the Bill Polian is the President of the Indianapolis Colts NFL team James Earnest Mora (born May 24 1935 in Glendale California) is the former head coach of the USFL 's Philadelphia/Baltimore Stars and the NFL's New The team drafted University of Tennessee Volunteers quarterback, Peyton Manning, who was third in the Heisman trophy balloting, and son of New Orleans Saints legend Archie Manning. The University of Tennessee (also known as UT) sometimes called the University of Tennessee Knoxville ( UT Knoxville, or UTK) is the flagship Peyton Williams Manning (born March 24 1976 is an American football Quarterback who currently plays for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football The New Orleans Saints are a professional American football team based in New Orleans Louisiana. Elisha Archibald Manning III (born May 19 1949 in Drew Mississippi) is a former American football Quarterback in the National Football League Peyton was the first pick in the 1998 NFL Draft, and in the 1999 NFL Draft Edgerrin James was selected 4th overall to be the team's running back. The 1998 National Football League Draft amateur college selection procedure known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting The 1999 National Football League Draft amateur college selection procedure known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting Edgerrin Tyree James (EDGE-uh-rin (born August 1, 1978 in Immokalee, Florida nicknamed “The Edge” or just “Edge” is an American football The Colts finished 13-3 in 1999, but were eliminated in the divisional round by the Tennessee Titans. The Tennessee Titans are a professional American football team based in Nashville Tennessee. A year later in 2000, they were defeated in overtime in a wild-card round game against the Miami Dolphins in Miami, when a potential game-winning field goal attempt from 49 yards out by Mike Vanderjagt sailed wide right. The Miami Dolphins are a professional American football team based in the Miami Florida Metropolitan Area. Michael John "Mike" Vanderjagt (VAN-der-jat (born March 24, 1970 in Oakville Ontario) is a Canadian professional American The following year, Edgerrin tore his ACL, and while backup Dominic Rhodes proved a capable starter, becoming the only undrafted rookie to rush for 1000 yards in his rookie season, the Colts would finish 6-10 in 2001 and miss the playoffs, in part due to a defense that gave up the most points in a season of any NFL team since 1981. Dominic Dondrell Rhodes (born January 17, 1979 in Waco Texas) is an American football Running back for the Indianapolis Colts Coach Jim Mora would be fired after the 2001 season, reportedly due to a disagreement with general manager Bill Polian over defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. Bill Polian is the President of the Indianapolis Colts NFL team [4]
This led to the hiring of coach Tony Dungy, the architect of the renovated Tampa Bay Buccaneers franchise (who had not made the playoffs in the previous 15 years), notably improving their defense and taking them to the playoffs 4 times in his 6 years in Tampa before being fired. Anthony Kevin "Tony" Dungy (born October 6, 1955) is a former professional American football player and the current Head coach of the The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (often shortened as the Bucs) are a professional American football team based in Tampa Florida. In his first season, he led the Colts to the playoffs while preaching improved defense, but a blowout playoff loss to the New York Jets put an end to their season. The New York Jets are a professional American football team based in the New York metropolitan area.
In the 2003 NFL season, Manning was co-MVP along with Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair, as the Colts won the AFC South Division title, defeated the Denver Broncos in the wild-card playoff (41-10) their first home playoff win since moving to Indianapolis, and advanced to play the Kansas City Chiefs in the divisional playoffs, winning 38-31. The 2003 season of the National Football League (NFL was the 84th one played by the major professional American football league in the United The Tennessee Titans are a professional American football team based in Nashville Tennessee. Steve LaTreal McNair (born February 14, 1973) nicknamed Air McNair, is a former American football Quarterback in the National The Denver Broncos are a professional American football team based in Denver, Colorado. The Kansas City Chiefs are a professional American football team based in Kansas City Missouri. In the AFC Championship game, they were defeated 24-14 by the eventual Super Bowl champions, the New England Patriots, with quarterback Peyton Manning throwing four interceptions, in a game that was widely criticized for its minimal officiating (only seven penalties were called during the entire game, six of them were pre-snap fouls). The New England Patriots, commonly called the " Pats " by sports writers and fans are a professional American football team based in the Greater Boston Peyton Williams Manning (born March 24 1976 is an American football Quarterback who currently plays for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football This led to a reinterpretation of the "bump rule" for the 2004 season. This is commonly referred to as the "Colts Rule" or the "Pollard Rule" named so for the non-call on Willie McGinest's mauling of Colts' TE Marcus Pollard on the Colts' final offensive drive. William Lee McGinest Jr, (born December 11, 1971 in Long Beach California) is an American football Linebacker for the Cleveland '''Marcus LaJuan Pollard''' (born February 8, 1972 in) is an American football Tight end who is currently a Free agent. The Pollard Rule led to a large increase of defensive pass interference calls the following season.
2004 season
- Further information: 2004 Indianapolis Colts season
In the 2004 season, the Colts hoped to make another trip to the postseason. WikipediaCentralized discussion/Sports results -->The 2004 Indianapolis Colts season was the 52nd The 2004 season of the National Football League (NFL was the 85th season for the major professional American football league in the United States After losing in Week 1 to the defending champion New England Patriots 27-24 in Foxboro, they won four straight games before their week 6 bye. The New England Patriots, commonly called the " Pats " by sports writers and fans are a professional American football team based in the Greater Boston During that streak, they beat the Tennessee Titans in Nashville 31-17, won in the week 3 home opener against the Green Bay Packers 45-31, and then tied for the AFC South with a victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars at Alltel Stadium 24-17. The Tennessee Titans are a professional American football team based in Nashville Tennessee. The Green Bay Packers are a professional American football team based in Green Bay Wisconsin. They won at home against the Oakland Raiders 35-14 but coming off of their bye week, the Colts lost the next 2 games. The Oakland Raiders are a professional American football team based in the city of Oakland California. They lost the rematch against the Jaguars at home, 27-24, and lost to the revenge-hungry Kansas City Chiefs, 45-35. The Kansas City Chiefs are a professional American football team based in Kansas City Missouri. Following these back-to-back defeats, the Colts began an 8-game winning streak. They won their next 2 home games, beating the Minnesota Vikings 31-28 & the Houston Texans 49-14. The Minnesota Vikings are a professional American football team based out of Minneapolis Minnesota. The Houston Texans is a professional American football team based in Houston, Texas. Then, they won their next 2 road games, beating the Chicago Bears 41-10 & the Detroit Lions 41-9. The Chicago Bears are a professional American football team based in Chicago, Illinois. The Detroit Lions are an American football team based in Detroit Michigan. They returned home and got a series sweep over the Titans 51-24, which also marked the 4th game in a row in which the Colts won with 40+ points. It also marked the 5th game in a row in which they won with 30+ points. On a trip to Houston with a win, they achieved another series sweep, this time over the Texans 23-14. With that victory, the Colts locked up the AFC South title for the second year in a row.
In their week 16 home game against the playoff-bound San Diego Chargers, Peyton Manning was only a few touchdown passes away from breaking Dan Marino's record of 48 TD passes in a single season. The San Diego Chargers are a professional American football team based in San Diego California. Peyton Williams Manning (born March 24 1976 is an American football Quarterback who currently plays for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football Daniel Constantine Marino Jr (born September 15, 1961 in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania) is a Polish - Italian American Hall of Trailing 31-16, Dominic Rhodes returned a kickoff 88 yards for a TD. Dominic Dondrell Rhodes (born January 17, 1979 in Waco Texas) is an American football Running back for the Indianapolis Colts With 4:47 left in regulation, Peyton Manning waved the punting team off, despite the fact that it was 4th & 4 on the Colts' 25 yard-line. His gamble worked with a complete pass to Reggie Wayne for a first down. Reginald DeVincey Wayne (born November 17, 1978 in New Orleans Louisiana) is an American football Wide receiver who currently plays He then completed two more passes to tight end Dallas Clark & an 18-yard throw to Marvin Harrison. Dallas Dean Clark (born June 12, 1979 in Livermore Iowa) is an American football Tight end for the Indianapolis Colts He finally broke Marino's record with TD Pass #49 to wide receiver Brandon Stokley. Brandon Stokley (born June 23, 1976 in Blacksburg Virginia) is an American football player in the National Football League who currently He completed a 2-point conversion to tie the game up at 31-31 and send it into overtime. Eventually, the Colts won 34-31 with a Mike Vanderjagt field goal and secured the #3 AFC seed in the playoffs. Michael John "Mike" Vanderjagt (VAN-der-jat (born March 24, 1970 in Oakville Ontario) is a Canadian professional American
After dropping a meaningless game to the Broncos on the road, the Colts managed to get payback in the AFC wild card round with their 49-24 victory at home. During that game, Manning threw 27 completed passes out of 33 tries for an astounding 457 yards, with 4 TDs and only 1 interception. Edgerrin James ran 18 times for 63 yards and a single touchdown (with his longest run being 11 yards). Edgerrin Tyree James (EDGE-uh-rin (born August 1, 1978 in Immokalee, Florida nicknamed “The Edge” or just “Edge” is an American football
Despite their big victory, the Colts lost to the eventual Super Bowl Champion Patriots for the second year in a row the next week in the divisional round, 20-3. This was the worst loss of the Colts' season, as one of the most prolific offenses during the season was consistently stopped by New England's defense. It was the first time all season that the Colts were unable to score a touchdown. In addition, the Colts defense struggled to stop the Patriots offense from executing 3 time-consuming drives that each lasted over 7 minutes and lead to 17 total points.
2005 season
- Further information: 2005 Indianapolis Colts season
Despite going 0-5 in the preseason (including their American Bowl loss to the Falcons), the Colts began the 2005 Season 13-0. WikipediaCentralized discussion/Sports results -->The 2005 Indianapolis Colts season was the 53rd The Atlanta Falcons are an American football team based in Atlanta Georgia. The 2005 season of the National Football League (NFL was the 86th season played by the major professional American football league in the United States They were only the fourth team in league history to reach a 13-0 record. The Colts' offense, previously dependent on Manning's passing game, proved its versatility in more heavily emphasizing rushing. This, in combination with an improved defense, allowed the team to keep winning. Another factor that contributed to the Colts' success was their use of the no-huddle offense. The hurry-up offense is an American football offensive style which has two related forms the "two-minute drill" and the "no-huddle offense" Instead of calling plays in a conventional huddle, quarterback Manning began calling them at the line of scrimmage. This gave the offense the potential to move at a much quicker pace, and does not allow the opposing defense to substitute in fresh defenders.
The Colts held each of their first five opponents to ten points or under, and recorded four interceptions in the Week 5 game against the 49ers. On a Week 6 Monday Night home game against the St. Louis Rams, the Colts came back for a 45-28 victory after trailing 17-0, and QB Peyton Manning and WR Marvin Harrison broke the record for the most touchdowns between a QB and a WR. The St Louis Rams are a professional American football team based in St Peyton Williams Manning (born March 24 1976 is an American football Quarterback who currently plays for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football Marvin Daniel Harrison (born August 25, 1972, in Philadelphia Pennsylvania) is an American football Wide receiver who currently plays They broke the record of tandem Steve Young and Jerry Rice's with 86 touchdowns. Steve Young (born Jon Steven Young on October 11, 1961 in Salt Lake City Utah) is a former Quarterback for the NFL's Jerry Lee Rice (born October 13, 1962 in Crawford Mississippi) is a former football Wide receiver in the NFL. After their record-setting victory, they traveled to Houston and won against the Texans 38-20 before heading into their Bye Week in Week 8. The Houston Texans is a professional American football team based in Houston, Texas.
On November 7, the Colts got their eighth-straight victory, beating the two-time defending champion New England Patriots 40-21 on Monday Night Football. Events 1492 - The Ensisheim Meteorite the oldest Meteorite with a known date of impact strikes the Earth around noon in a Wheat The New England Patriots, commonly called the " Pats " by sports writers and fans are a professional American football team based in the Greater Boston Monday Night Football ( MNF) is a Live television broadcast of the National Football League. This marked the end of the Patriots' six-game win streak against the Colts, and Peyton Manning's first victory at New England against the Tom Brady-led Patriots. Thomas Edward Brady Jr (born August 3 1977 is an American football Quarterback for the New England Patriots of the National Football League It was also the second time in 2005 that the Colts offense scored 40 or more points.
On November 20, one week after easily sweeping the Texans at home 31-17, the Colts faced their first real challenge against the Carson Palmer-led Cincinnati Bengals, in which the Colts won 45-37 and became the first team to go 10-0 since the 1998 Denver Broncos. Events 284 - Diocletian was chosen as Roman Emperor. 762 - Bögü Khan of the Uyghurs, Carson Palmer (born December 27, 1979 in) is an American football Quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football The Cincinnati Bengals are a professional American football team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. WikipediaCentralized discussion/Sports results --> In 1998 the Denver Broncos had a record of 14-2 second best in It also marked the third time this year they won with 40-plus points. The Colts then defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers, 26-7, on a Monday Night Football game on November 28, spoiling Ben Roethlisberger's return from knee surgery and giving him his first road loss. Monday Night Football ( MNF) is a Live television broadcast of the National Football League. For the town in Argentina, see 28 de Noviembre. Events Benjamin Todd Roethlisberger (born March 2, 1982, in Lima Ohio) nicknamed Big Ben, is an American football Quarterback
On Sunday, December 3, the Colts swept division rival Tennessee Titans at home 35-3 to remain undefeated, becoming the first team to qualify for the playoffs. Events 1800 - War of the Second Coalition: Battle of Hohenlinden, French The Tennessee Titans are a professional American football team based in Nashville Tennessee. The next week they swept the Jacksonville Jaguars, another division rival, by winning 26-18, along with clinching the division and the No. 1 playoff seed in the AFC, which ensured the Colts' home-field advantage. This also marked the first time since the 1998 Denver Broncos and the fourth time in NFL history that a team went 13-0. WikipediaCentralized discussion/Sports results --> In 1998 the Denver Broncos had a record of 14-2 second best in
On Sunday, December 18, the San Diego Chargers defeated the Colts 26-17, ending their bid to join the 1972 Miami Dolphins as the only teams in NFL history to have a perfect (no losses or ties, including playoffs) season. Events 218 BC - Second Punic War: Battle of the Trebia - Hannibal 's Carthaginian forces defeat those of the The San Diego Chargers are a professional American football team based in San Diego California. Athletics For an extensive coverage see 1972 in athletics (track and field Marathon September The Miami Dolphins are a professional American football team based in the Miami Florida Metropolitan Area.
In week 16, the Colts were forced to play without their coach, Tony Dungy, who took the week off to mourn the death of his son James, who committed suicide earlier in the week. With the team resting most of their key and injured players, the Colts lost their second straight game 28-13 to the eventual NFC Champion Seattle Seahawks. The Seattle Seahawks are a professional American football team based in Seattle Washington, USA
In their last regular season home game of the year, Coach Dungy returned to the sidelines, and the Colts again played mostly with their back-ups and won against the Arizona Cardinals 17-13. The Arizona Cardinals are a professional American football team based in Glendale Arizona, just outside of Phoenix. The team's final record of 14-2 marked the best 16-game season in the franchise's history.
On January 15, 2006, the Colts were eliminated from the playoffs in a divisional matchup against the eventual Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers. Events 588 BC - Nebuchadrezzar II of Babylon lays siege to Jerusalem under Zedekiah 's reign Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Trailing by 21-10 late in the game, the Colts were aided by a questionable instant replay reversal of an interception by Steeler Troy Polamalu. Regaining possession of the ball through a turnover, they drove down the field, only to have Mike Vanderjagt's 46-yard field goal attempt sail wide to the right. Michael John "Mike" Vanderjagt (VAN-der-jat (born March 24, 1970 in Oakville Ontario) is a Canadian professional American This loss marked the first time since the NFL expanded to a 12-team playoff tournament format in 1990 that a #1 seed lost to a #6 seed.
2006 season
- Further information: 2006 Indianapolis Colts season
After becoming the first team in NFL history to begin two consecutive seasons by winning at least their first 9 games, the Colts proceeded to lose 3 of their next 4 games with much blame being assigned to their poor run defense. WikipediaCentralized discussion/Sports results -->The 2006 Indianapolis Colts season was the 54th However, in week 15 the Colts, with a strong showing from their defense, defeated the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday Night Football 34-16 to capture their 4th consecutive AFC South title. The Cincinnati Bengals are a professional American football team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. Monday Night Football ( MNF) is a Live television broadcast of the National Football League. The AFC South is a division of the National Football League 's American Football Conference.
Also in week 13 against the Titans, QB Peyton Manning and WR Marvin Harrison became the first such combination in NFL history to have completed 100 touchdown passes. The Tennessee Titans are a professional American football team based in Nashville Tennessee. Quarterback ( QB) is a position in American and Canadian football. Peyton Williams Manning (born March 24 1976 is an American football Quarterback who currently plays for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football A wide receiver is an offensive position in American and Canadian football Marvin Daniel Harrison (born August 25, 1972, in Philadelphia Pennsylvania) is an American football Wide receiver who currently plays The previous record for quarterback/wide receiver TD passes was 85, so with each TD pass the duo continues to obliterate the record books. Despite this, Colts General Manager Bill Polian insists the current rules for pass interference are not strict enough and puts the Colts at a competitive disadvantage.
The Colts finished the season with a 12-4 record, giving them the number 3 seed in the playoffs. The record also marked their fifth consecutive season with 10 victories or more. The following is a list of National Football League teams with the most consecutive (active seasons appearing in the playoffs
In the Colts' wild-card round playoff game, they defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 23-8 despite Peyton Manning's three interceptions. The Kansas City Chiefs are a professional American football team based in Kansas City Missouri. Shockingly, it was their defense that helped him out. Their maligned run defense held the Chiefs to 44 yards on the ground, (Larry Johnson only had 32 yards) and Chiefs' quarterback Trent Green only had 2 yards passing in the entire first half. Trent Jason Green (born July 9, 1970 in) is an American football Quarterback for the St The Chiefs didn't manage a first down until 3:33 remained in the third quarter.
The Colts defeated the Baltimore Ravens 15-6 in the Division Playoff round, thanks to kicker Adam Vinatieri's five field goals in the franchise's first playoff game back in Baltimore since the team's relocation. The Baltimore Ravens are a professional American football team based in Baltimore Maryland. They played the New England Patriots on Sunday, January 21, 2007 in Indianapolis. Events 1189 - Philip II of France and Richard I of England begin to assemble troops to wage the Third Crusade. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. This was the Colts third conference championship game in the Indianapolis era, and the first one played at home. The game also marked the first time the AFC title game was played in a domed stadium. The Colts defeated the Patriots 38-34 in the Championship title game, after trailing at one point 21-3, to represent the AFC in Super Bowl XLI on February 4, 2007. Super Bowl XLI was an American football game played on February 4 2007 at Dolphin Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, a suburb of Events 211 - Roman Emperor Septimius Severus dies leaving the Roman Empire in the hands of his two quarrelsome sons Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. The 18 point comeback was the largest in NFL conference championship history.
Super Bowl XLI
On February 4, 2007, the Colts won Super Bowl XLI, defeating the Chicago Bears 29-17 in Dolphin Stadium, in Miami Gardens, Florida in the first ever Super Bowl played in the rain. Super Bowl XLI was an American football game played on February 4 2007 at Dolphin Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, a suburb of Events 211 - Roman Emperor Septimius Severus dies leaving the Roman Empire in the hands of his two quarrelsome sons Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Super Bowl XLI was an American football game played on February 4 2007 at Dolphin Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, a suburb of The Chicago Bears are a professional American football team based in Chicago, Illinois. Dolphin Stadium (previously known as Joe Robbie Stadium, Pro Player Park, Pro Player Stadium, and Dolphins Stadium) is a football This article is about the city in Miami-Dade County Florida. For the census-designated place in Broward County Florida, please see Miami Gardens Broward Florida ( is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States, bordering Alabama to the northwest and Georgia to the Rain played a substantial obstacle to both teams, as a combined total of six turnovers were recorded in the first quarter, a new Super Bowl high. Quarterback Peyton Manning, after a rocky start which saw him throw an interception, was named the MVP when he recovered to complete 25 of 38 passes, one for a touchdown. Peyton Williams Manning (born March 24 1976 is an American football Quarterback who currently plays for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football The Super Bowl Most Valuable Player or Super Bowl MVP, is an award given at the conclusion of the Super Bowl, the National Football League 's championship Reggie Wayne was the sole receiver of a passing touchdown from the Colts offense, and the running back duo of Dominic Rhodes and Joseph Addai combined for 190 yards, with Rhodes achieving the only rushing touchdown, and kicker Adam Vinatieri converted on 3 out of 4 field goal attempts. Reginald DeVincey Wayne (born November 17, 1978 in New Orleans Louisiana) is an American football Wide receiver who currently plays Dominic Dondrell Rhodes (born January 17, 1979 in Waco Texas) is an American football Running back for the Indianapolis Colts Joseph Kwahu Duah Addai Jr (born May 3, 1983 in Houston Texas) is an American football Running back for the Indianapolis Colts Adam Matthew Vinatieri (Vin-a-terry (born December 28 1972 in Yankton, South Dakota) is an American football Placekicker currently playing A field goal (formerly "goal from the field" in US football and Canadian football is a goal that may be scored during general play ("from On the defensive side of the ball Pro Bowl safety Bob Sanders and rookie cornerback Kelvin Hayden both intercepted Bears' quarterback Rex Grossman towards the end of the game, with Hayden returning his for 56 yards for a touchdown which helped seal the win for the Colts. In professional American football, the Pro Bowl is the All-star game of the National Football League (NFL Demond "Bob" Sanders (born February 24, 1981 in Erie Pennsylvania) is an American football safety for the Indianapolis Kelvin Darnell Hayden Jr (born July 28 1983 in Chicago Illinois, USA is a NFL Cornerback for the Indianapolis Colts Rex Daniel Grossman III (born August 23, 1980 in Bloomington, Indiana) is an American football Quarterback for the
In winning the game Indianapolis became the first "dome team" to win a Super Bowl in an outdoor stadium. Chronology of home stadiums for current National Football League teamsThe following is a list of current National Football League stadiums, sorted by capacity their locations their first Tony Dungy also became the first African American to win the Super Bowl as an NFL head coach, as well as only the third man to have won the Super Bowl as both a head coach and a player (along with Tom Flores and Mike Ditka). Anthony Kevin "Tony" Dungy (born October 6, 1955) is a former professional American football player and the current Head coach of the African Americans or Black Americans are citizens or residents of the United States who have origins in any of the black populations of Africa Thomas R "Tom" Flores (born March 21, 1937 in Fresno California) is a retired American football Quarterback and coach Michael Keller Ditka Jr (born October 18, 1939, in Carnegie Pennsylvania) also known as Iron Mike Ditka or Da Coach, is a former
References
- ^ Descendants of the Mayflower - A History of the Indianapolis Colts
- ^ Moving the Company
- ^ History of the Indianapolis Colts from indystar. com (Last Accessed June 10, 2006)
- ^ ESPN.com: NFL - Mora fired as Colts coach after 6-10 season
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