The Colts were established in 1953 as Baltimore's NFL franchise. The quickly established themselves as contenders after signed quarterback
Johnny Unitas, one of the greatest in the
history of the game. With
Johnny U, they won the NFL championship in back to back years in 1958-59 and lost in the title game in 1964. The Colts continued their dominance in the
late 1960s and early 1970s. In 1968, they headed to the Super Bowl and were
heavy favorites to win the title. However, they choked under pressure and lost to the Jets in stunning fashion. The Colts made up for their shortcomings in Super Bowl V. In Unitas's last year as a starter, the Colts
beat Dallas for the title on a last second Jim O'Brien field goal. Up and down throughout the next decade, the Colts moved to Indianapolis in 1984, to the shock of players and fans alike. Owner Robert Irsay secretly made the relocation deal, and information of the move didn't leak to the media until the
day after the franchise had moved. Playoff berths were sparse in Indianapolis until quarterback Peyton Manning and receiver Marvin Harrison joined forces in the
late 1990s, becoming an
amazing duo and leading a high powered offense. While offense has led the team into the playoffs 6 times in the last
7 years, defense has consistantly been a problem. Also, Manning's performance seems to slip in the postseason, and this proficient passer has yet to reach football's title game. In 2005, after having the
best record in football, the Colts were bounced in the division round in an
odd game against the champion Steelers.
"Vanderjagt for the tie. That
kick is up, it has the distance, but it's no good. And it is over. The Pittsburgh Steelers are moving on, and the Indianapolis Colts see their season come to an end. Mike Vanderjagt, the game's most accurte
kicker, chokes on the
big stage."
