Editing Indianapolis Colts (section)

==History==
{{Main|History of the Indianapolis Colts}}

=== Baltimore Colts ===
{{See also|Baltimore Colts}}
The [[All-America Football Conference|All America Football Conference]] began play in the 1946 season. In its second year, the franchise assigned to the [[Miami Seahawks]] was relocated to [[Maryland]]'s major commercial and manufacturing city of [[Baltimore]]. After a fan contest, the team was renamed the [[Baltimore Colts]] and used the team colors of silver and green. The Colts played for the next three seasons in the old [[All-America Football Conference|AAFC]] until they agreed to merge with the old [[National Football League]] (of 1920–1922 to 1950) when the NFL was reorganized. The [[Baltimore Colts (1947–50)|Baltimore Colts]] were one of the three former AAFC powerhouse teams to merge with the NFL at that time, the others being the [[San Francisco 49ers]] and the [[Cleveland Browns]]. This Colts team, now in the "big league" of [[American football|professional American football]] for the first time, although with shaky financing and ownership, played only in the 1950 season of the NFL, and was later disbanded.

=== Carroll Rosenbloom era (1953–1971) ===
[[Image:Memorial Stadium (Baltimore).jpg|thumb|left|alt=A large stadium, with flags flying off of it|upright=1.1|[[Baltimore Memorial Stadium|Memorial Stadium]], home to the Baltimore Colts until 1983.]]
{{See also|Dayton Triangles}}
In 1953, a new [[Baltimore]]-based group, heavily supported by the city's municipal government and with a large subscription-base of fan-purchased season tickets, led by local owner [[Carroll Rosenbloom]] won the rights to a new Baltimore NFL franchise.<ref>{{cite web|title=Colts Franchise Recap|url=https://www.colts.com/team/history/franchise-recap|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=Colts.com|date=February 27, 2020|access-date=March 30, 2020|archive-date=September 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923111240/https://www.colts.com/team/history/franchise-recap|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Baltimore Colts History">{{cite web|title=Baltimore Colts: Historical Moments|url=http://www.sportsecyclopedia.com/nfl/balticolts/baltcolts.html|publisher=Sports Encyclopedia|access-date=July 5, 2012|archive-date=February 10, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070210173055/http://www.sportsecyclopedia.com/nfl/balticolts/baltcolts.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Rosenbloom was awarded the remains of the former [[Dallas Texans (NFL)|Dallas Texans]] team, who themselves had a long and winding history, with a small part of the franchise starting as the [[Boston Yanks]] in 1944, merging later with the [[Brooklyn Tigers]], a franchise that had a far more deep and rich history, being previously known as the Dayton Triangles, one of the original old NFL teams established even before the League itself, in 1913. That team later became the [[New York Yanks]] in 1950, and many of the players from the [[New York Yankees (AAFC)|New York Yankees]] of the former competing [[All-America Football Conference]] (1946–49) were added to the team to begin playing in the newly merged League for the 1950 season. The Yanks then moved to [[Dallas]] in [[Texas]] after the 1951 season having competed for two seasons, but played their final two "home" games of the 1952 season as a so-called "road team" at the [[Rubber Bowl]] football stadium in [[Akron, Ohio]].

The NFL considers the Texans and Colts to be separate teams, although many of the earlier teams shared the same colors of blue and white. Thus, the Indianapolis Colts are legally considered to be a 1953 [[expansion team]].

[[File:JohnnyUnitasSignAutograph1964.jpg|thumb|left|alt=Unitas bending down to above an autograph to a child|upright|[[Pro Football Hall of Fame]] inductee [[Johnny Unitas]] (1933–2002), was the Baltimore Colts' starting quarterback and famed "Number 19", from 1956 to 1972.]]

==== Weeb Ewbank years (1954–1962) ====
The current version of the Colts football team played their first season in Baltimore in [[1953 Baltimore Colts season|1953]], where the team compiled a 3–9 record under first-year head coach [[Keith Molesworth]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=1953 Baltimore Colts Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/clt/1953.htm |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> The franchise struggled during the first few years in Baltimore, with the team not achieving their first winning record until the [[1957 Baltimore Colts season|1957 season]].<ref name="Baltimore Colts History" />

===== NFL champions (1958–1959) =====
However, under head coach [[Weeb Ewbank]] and the leadership of quarterback [[Johnny Unitas]], the Colts went on to a 9–3 record during the [[1958 Baltimore Colts season|1958 season]] and reached the [[NFL Championship Game]] for the first time by winning the [[Eastern and Western Conferences (NFL) 1933–69|NFL Western Conference]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Hall of Famers: Weeb Ewbank|url=http://www.profootballhof.com/hof/member.aspx?PLAYER_ID=65|publisher=Pro Football Hall of Fame|access-date=July 5, 2012|archive-date=August 19, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120819030128/http://www.profootballhof.com/hof/member.aspx?player_id=65|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Epstein|first=Eddie|title=Greatest Teams: 1958 Baltimore Colts|url=http://a.espncdn.com/nfl/s/epstein/colts.html|publisher=[[ESPN]]|access-date=July 5, 2012|archive-date=March 23, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130323224602/http://a.espncdn.com/nfl/s/epstein/colts.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The Colts faced the [[New&nbsp;York Giants]] in the [[1958 NFL Championship Game]], which is considered to be among the greatest contests in professional football history.<ref>{{cite web|last=Miller|first=Jeff|title=Shaky Myhra made the kick that mattered most|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=3742033|publisher=[[ESPN]]|date=December 8, 2008|access-date=July 4, 2012|archive-date=July 29, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130729024404/http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3742033|url-status=live}}</ref> The Colts defeated the Giants 23–17 in the first game to utilize the overtime rule, a game seen by 45&nbsp;million persons.<ref>{{cite web|last=MacCambridge|first=Michael|title=Legacy of 'the greatest game' can be found in what followed|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d80d94a0d&template=with-video-with-comments&confirm=true|work=NFL.com|access-date=July 5, 2012|archive-date=July 27, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090727060935/http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d80d94a0d&template=with-video-with-comments&confirm=true|url-status=live}}</ref>

Following the Colts first NFL championship, the team posted a 9–3 record during the [[1959 Baltimore Colts season|1959 season]] and once again defeated the Giants in the [[1959 NFL Championship Game|NFL Championship Game]] to claim their second title.<ref name="Baltimore Colts History" />

==== Don Shula years (1963–1969) ====
Following the two championships in 1958 and 1959, the Colts did not return to the NFL Championship for four seasons and replaced the head coach Ewbank with the young [[Don Shula]] in [[1963 Baltimore Colts season|1963]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Cole|first=Jason|title=Ewbank overlooked figure of AFL glory|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=jc-weebewbank120309|work=Yahoo! Sports|date=December 30, 2009|access-date=July 5, 2012|archive-date=November 29, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129035402/http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=jc-weebewbank120309|url-status=live}}</ref> In Shula's second season the Colts compiled a 12–2 record, but lost to the [[Cleveland Browns]] in the [[1964 NFL Championship Game|NFL Championship]] 27–0.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Championship - Baltimore Colts at Cleveland Browns - December 27th, 1964 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196412270cle.htm |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

===== NFL champions (1968) =====
In [[1968 Baltimore Colts season|1968]] the Colts returned with the continued leadership of Unitas and Shula and went on to win the Colts' third NFL Championship and made an appearance in [[Super Bowl&nbsp;III]].

[[File:1986 Jeno's Pizza - 32 - Earl Morrall.jpg|thumb|alt=The Colts running back the ball from the line of scrimmage|right|The Colts against Dallas in their first Super Bowl championship (V).]]
Leading up to the Super Bowl and following the 34–0 trouncing of the Cleveland Browns in the [[1968 NFL Championship Game|NFL Championship]], many were calling the 1968 Colts team one of the "greatest pro football teams of all time"<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/multimedia/photo_gallery/1102/nfl-top-15-teams-to-not-win-super-bowl/content.4.html|title=Top 15 Team Not to Win the Super Bowl:1968 Baltimore Colts (13–1)|access-date=July 4, 2012|magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]]|archive-date=February 4, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110204051010/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/multimedia/photo_gallery/1102/nfl-top-15-teams-to-not-win-super-bowl/content.4.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> and were favored by 18&nbsp;points against their counterparts from the [[American Football League]], the [[New&nbsp;York Jets]].<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/dan_shaughnessy/01/18/colts.jets/index.html|title=There's plenty of history between AFC finalists Jets and Colts|access-date=July 5, 2012|last=Shaughnessy|first=Dan|date=January 19, 2010|magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]]|archive-date=January 21, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100121134732/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/dan_shaughnessy/01/18/colts.jets/index.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Colts, however, were stunned by the Jets, who won the game 16–7 in the first Super Bowl victory for the young AFL. The result of the game surprised many in the sports media<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/nfl/longterm/superbowl/stories/sb3.htm|title=Jets Shock Colts in Super Bowl, 16–7|access-date=July 4, 2012|last=Brady|first=Dave|date=January 13, 1969|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|archive-date=January 14, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150114063223/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/nfl/longterm/superbowl/stories/sb3.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> as [[Joe Namath]] and [[Matt Snell]] led the Jets to the Super Bowl victory under head coach Weeb Ewbank, who had previously won two NFL Championships with the Colts.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Weeb Ewbank Record, Statistics, and Category Ranks |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/coaches/EwbaWe0.htm |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

==== Don McCafferty years (1970–1972) ====
Rosenbloom of the Colts, [[Art Modell]] of the Browns, and [[Art Rooney]] of the [[Pittsburgh Steelers]] agreed to have their teams join the ten AFL teams in the [[American Football Conference]] as part of the [[AFL–NFL merger]] in 1970.<ref name="Baltimore Colts History" />

===== Super Bowl V champions (1970) =====
The Colts immediately went on a rampage in the new league, as new head coach [[Don McCafferty]] led the [[1970 Baltimore Colts season|1970]] team to an 11–2–1 regular-season record, winning the [[AFC East]] title. In the first round of the NFL Playoffs, the Colts beat the [[Cincinnati Bengals]] 17–0; one week later in the first-ever [[AFC Championship Game]], they beat the [[Oakland Raiders]] 27–17. Baltimore went on to win the first post-merger Super Bowl ([[Super Bowl&nbsp;V]]), defeating the [[National Football Conference]]'s [[Dallas Cowboys]] 16–13 on a Jim O'Brien field goal with five seconds left to play.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/sports/remembering-super-bowl-v-baltimore-colts-jim-obrie/nL2gn/|title=Remembering Super Bowl V: Baltimore Colts' Jim O'Brien got a win and a future wife|access-date=July 5, 2012|last=Milian|first=Jorge|date=February 1, 2010|newspaper=The Palm Beach Post|archive-date=March 23, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130323180524/http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/sports/remembering-super-bowl-v-baltimore-colts-jim-obrie/nL2gn/|url-status=live}}</ref> The victory gave the Colts their fourth NFL championship and first Super Bowl victory. Following the championship, the Colts returned to the playoffs in [[1971 Baltimore Colts season|1971]] and defeated the Cleveland Browns in the first round, but lost to the [[Miami Dolphins]] in the AFC Championship.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1971 Baltimore Colts Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/clt/1971.htm |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

=== Robert Irsay era (1971–1996) ===
Citing friction with the City of Baltimore and the local press, Rosenbloom traded the Colts franchise to [[Robert Irsay]] on July&nbsp;13, 1972, and received the [[Los&nbsp;Angeles Rams]] in return.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1086414/2/index.htm|title=Fed up with his Colts, Carroll Rosenbloom traded for the Rams|access-date=July 5, 2012|last=Maule|first=Tex|date=August 14, 1972|magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]]|archive-date=November 14, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121114111050/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1086414/2/index.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref> Under the new ownership, the Colts did not reach the postseason for three consecutive seasons after 1971, and after the [[1972 Baltimore Colts season|1972 season]], starting quarterback and legend Johnny Unitas was traded to the [[San&nbsp;Diego Chargers]].<ref name="Baltimore Colts History"/> Following Unitas' departure, the Colts made the playoffs three consecutive seasons from 1975 to 1977, losing in the divisional round each time. The Colts' 1977 playoff loss in double overtime against the Oakland Raiders was famous for the fact that it was the last playoff game for the Colts in Baltimore and is also known for the [[Ghost to the Post]] play.<ref name="e606">{{cite web | last=DeArdo | first=Bryan | title=Raiders vs. Colts: Re-visiting the classic 'Ghost to the post' 1977 playoff game | website=CBSSports.com | date=2020-12-10 | url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/raiders-vs-colts-re-visiting-the-classic-ghost-to-the-post-1977-playoff-game/ | access-date=2024-08-18}}</ref> These consecutive championship teams featured 1976 NFL Most Valuable Player [[Bert Jones]] at quarterback and an outstanding defensive line, nicknamed the "Sack Pack".<ref name="w969">{{cite web | last=Schwab | first=Frank | title=Moment of Glory: Bert Jones, Johnny Unitas' Colts replacement, won an MVP and became a Bill Belichick favorite | website=Yahoo! Sports | date=2020-05-18 | url=https://sports.yahoo.com/moment-of-glory-bert-jones-johnny-unitas-colts-replacement-won-an-mvp-and-became-a-bill-belichick-favorite-131827347.html | access-date=2024-08-18}}</ref>

Following the 1970s success, the team endured nine consecutive losing seasons beginning in [[1978 NFL season|1978]]. In [[1981 Baltimore Colts season|1981]], the Colts defense allowed an NFL-record 533 points, set an all-time record for fewest sacks (13), and also set a modern record for fewest punt returns (12).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/clt/1981.htm|title=1981 Baltimore Colts Statistics|access-date=July 4, 2012|publisher=Pro Football Reference|archive-date=July 2, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120702001619/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/clt/1981.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> The following year, the offense collapsed, including a game against the [[Buffalo Bills]] where the Colts' offense did not cross mid-field the entire game. The Colts finished 0–8–1 in the strike-shortened 1982 season, thereby earning the right to select [[Stanford Cardinal football|Stanford]] quarterback [[John Elway]] with the first overall pick. Elway, however, refused to play for Baltimore, and using leverage as a draftee of the [[New&nbsp;York Yankees]] baseball club, forced a trade to [[Denver Broncos|Denver]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stanforddaily.com/2012/05/03/football-a-look-back-at-stanfords-other-no-1-picks/|title=Football: A look back at Stanford's other No. 1 picks|access-date=July 5, 2012|last=Blanchat|first=Jack|work=The Stanford Daily|date=May 3, 2012|archive-date=May 12, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120512021830/http://www.stanforddaily.com/2012/05/03/football-a-look-back-at-stanfords-other-no-1-picks/|url-status=live}}</ref> Behind an improved defense the team finished 7–9 in [[1983 Baltimore Colts season|1983]], but that would be their last season in Baltimore.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1983 Baltimore Colts Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/clt/1983.htm |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

=== Relocation to Indianapolis ===
{{Main|Baltimore Colts relocation to Indianapolis}}
[[Image:Indianapolis-indiana-rca-dome.jpg|thumb|alt=The exterior of the RCA Dome|The Indianapolis Colts played in the RCA Dome from 1984 until 2007.]]
The Baltimore Colts played their final home game in Baltimore on December&nbsp;18, 1983, against the [[Houston Oilers]]. Irsay continued to request upgrades to [[Memorial Stadium (Baltimore)|Memorial Stadium]] or construction of a new stadium.<ref name="LA Times Colts Relocation">{{cite news|title=Stadium Struggle in Baltimore: Push and Pull of Power|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1987-01-04-sp-2014-story.html|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|access-date=July 4, 2012|first=Richard|last=Justice|date=January 4, 1987|archive-date=November 13, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113033352/http://articles.latimes.com/1987-01-04/sports/sp-2014_1_stadium-authority|url-status=live}}</ref> As a result of the poor performance on the field and the stadium issues, fan attendance and team revenue continued to dwindle. City officials were precluded from using tax-payer funds for the building of a new stadium, and the modest proposals that were offered by the city were not acceptable to either the Colts or the city's MLB franchise the [[Baltimore Orioles|Orioles]]. However, all sides continued to negotiate.<ref name="LA Times Colts Relocation"/> Relations between Irsay and the city of Baltimore deteriorated. Although Irsay assured fans that his ultimate desire was to stay in Baltimore, he nevertheless began discussions with several other cities willing to build new football stadiums, eventually narrowing the list of cities to Indianapolis and Phoenix.<ref>{{cite web|title=Descendants of the Mayflower:A History of the Indianapolis Colts|url=http://bonesaw.tripod.com/Indy_History.htm|publisher=Descendants of the Mayflower|access-date=July 4, 2012|archive-date=July 17, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717102242/http://bonesaw.tripod.com/Indy_History.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> Under the administration of [[List of mayors of Indianapolis|mayors]] [[Richard Lugar]] and then [[William Hudnut]], Indianapolis had undertaken an ambitious effort to reinvent itself into a 'Great American City'.<ref name="IndyStar Colts History">{{cite news|title=History of The Indianapolis Colts|url=http://www2.indystar.com/library/factfiles/sports/football-pro/indpls_colts/history/colts.html|newspaper=[[The Indianapolis Star]]|access-date=July 4, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130118192429/http://www2.indystar.com/library/factfiles/sports/football-pro/indpls_colts/history/colts.html|archive-date=January 18, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> The [[Hoosier Dome]], which was later renamed the RCA Dome, had been built specifically for, and was ready to host, an NFL expansion team.<ref>{{cite web|title=RCA Dome|url=http://www.stadiumsofprofootball.com/past/RCADome.htm|publisher=Stadiums of Pro Football|access-date=July 4, 2012|archive-date=November 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181110200130/https://www.stadiumsofprofootball.com/stadiums/rca-dome/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Meanwhile, in Baltimore, the situation worsened. The [[Maryland General Assembly]] intervened when a bill was introduced to give the city of Baltimore the right to seize ownership of the team by [[eminent domain]]. As a result, Irsay began serious negotiations with Hudnut to move the team before the Maryland legislature could pass the law. Indianapolis offered loans as well as the Hoosier Dome and a training complex.<ref>{{cite news|title=In the end, Irsay rests quietly|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2007/01/13/in-the-end-irsay-rests-quietly/|newspaper=[[The Baltimore Sun]]|access-date=July 4, 2012|archive-date=November 13, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113023617/http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2007-01-13/sports/0701130145_1_jim-irsay-crown-hill-cemetery-robert-irsay|url-status=live}}</ref> After the deal was reached, moving vans from Indianapolis-based [[Mayflower Transit]] were dispatched overnight to the team's Maryland training complex, arriving on the morning of March&nbsp;29, 1984. Once in Maryland, workers loaded all of the team's belongings, and by midday the trucks departed for Indianapolis, leaving nothing of the Colts organization that could be seized by Baltimore.<ref>"The Greatest Game Ever Played" documentary on ESPN, December&nbsp;13, 2008</ref> The [[Baltimore's Marching Ravens|Baltimore Colts' Marching Band]] had to scramble to retrieve their equipment and uniforms before they were shipped to Indianapolis as well.<ref name="TBTWD">''The Band That Wouldn't Die''. Directed by Barry Levinson, Severn River Productions</ref>

The move triggered a flurry of legal activity that ended when representatives of the city of Baltimore and the Colts organization reached a settlement in March 1986. Under the agreement, all lawsuits regarding the relocation were dismissed, and the Colts agreed to endorse a new NFL team for Baltimore.<ref name="IndyStar Colts History"/>[[Image:Indianapolis Colts at Cleveland Browns 1988-09-19 (ticket) (crop).jpg|thumb|right|alt=Dickerson in a Colts uniform|upright|[[Eric Dickerson]] led the team in rushing and earned three Pro Bowl invitations during his tenure with the Colts (1987–1991).]]
Upon the Colts' arrival in Indianapolis over 143,000 requests for season tickets were received in just two weeks.<ref>{{cite web|title=StarFiles: The Indianapolis Colts, 1984–97|url=http://www.indystar.com/article/99999999/NEWS06/80814050/StarFiles-Indianapolis-Colts-1984-1997|work=[[The Indianapolis Star]]|access-date=July 4, 2012|archive-date=September 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924114903/http://www.indystar.com/article/99999999/NEWS06/80814050/StarFiles-Indianapolis-Colts-1984-1997|url-status=live}}</ref> The move did not change the recent fortune of the Colts, with the team appearing in the postseason only once in the first 11&nbsp;seasons in Indianapolis. During the [[1984 Indianapolis Colts season|1984 season]], the first in Indianapolis, the team went 4–12 and accounted for the lowest offensive yardage in the league.<ref>{{cite web|title=1984 NFL, Team & Offensive Statistics|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1984/|publisher=Pro Football Reference|access-date=July 4, 2012|archive-date=June 29, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629043515/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1984/|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[1985 Indianapolis Colts season|1985]] and [[1986 Indianapolis Colts season|1986]] teams combined for only eight wins, including an 0–13 start in 1986 which prompted the firing of head coach [[Rod Dowhower]], who was replaced by [[Ron Meyer]]. The Colts, however, did receive eventual Hall of Fame running back [[Eric Dickerson]]<ref>{{cite web|title=History: Eric Dickerson Trade – Trick-or-Trade|url=http://www.profootballhof.com/history/decades/1980s/eric_dickerson.aspx|publisher=Pro Football Hall of Fame|access-date=July 4, 2012|archive-date=October 17, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017145944/http://www.profootballhof.com/history/decades/1980s/eric_dickerson.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref> as a result of a trade during the [[1987 Indianapolis Colts season|1987 season]], and went on to compile a 9–6 record, thereby winning the [[AFC East]] and advancing to the postseason for the first time in Indianapolis; they lost that game to the [[Cleveland Browns]].

Following 1987, the Colts did not see any real success for quite some time, with the team missing the postseason for seven consecutive seasons. The struggles came to a climax in [[1991 Indianapolis Colts season|1991]] when the team went 1–15 and was just one point away from the first all-losing season in the history of a 16-game schedule.<ref>{{cite web|title=Worst NFL teams of all time|url=https://www.espn.com/page2/s/list/football/teams/worst.html|publisher=[[ESPN]]|access-date=July 4, 2012|archive-date=July 6, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120706000928/http://espn.go.com/page2/s/list/football/teams/worst.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The season resulted in the firing of head coach Ron Meyer and the return of former head coach [[Ted Marchibroda]] to the organization in [[1992 Indianapolis Colts season|1992]]; he had coached the team from 1975 to 1979. The team continued to struggle under Marchibroda and [[Jim Irsay]], son of [[Robert Irsay]] and general manager at the time. It was in [[1994 Indianapolis Colts season|1994]] that Robert Irsay brought in [[Bill Tobin (American football)|Bill Tobin]] to become the general manager of the Indianapolis Colts.<ref>{{cite news|title=Bill Tobin, the GM behind the Hall of Famer|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2011/02/10/bill-tobin-the-gm-behind-the-hall-of-famer/|work=Chicago Tribune|access-date=July 4, 2012|first1=Fred|last1=Mitchell|first2=David|last2=Kaplan|date=February 10, 2011|archive-date=July 29, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130729013552/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-02-10/sports/ct-spt-0211-around-town--20110210_1_vince-tobin-draft-hall-of-fame-induction|url-status=live}}</ref>

Under Tobin, the Colts drafted running back [[Marshall Faulk]] with the second overall pick in the [[1994 NFL draft]]<ref>{{cite web|title=1994 NFL Draft|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1994/draft.htm?redir|publisher=Pro Football Reference|access-date=July 4, 2012|archive-date=May 2, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120502130236/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1994/draft.htm?redir|url-status=live}}</ref> and acquired quarterback [[Jim Harbaugh]] as well.<ref>{{cite news|last=Pierson|first=Don|title=Pressure On Harbaugh After Tobin Rejects Quarterback In Draft|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1994/05/01/pressure-on-harbaugh-after-tobin-rejects-quarterback-in-draft/|work=Chicago Tribune|access-date=July 4, 2012|date=May 1, 1994|archive-date=July 29, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130729031307/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1994-05-01/sports/9405010145_1_bill-tobin-jim-harbaugh-no-huddle|url-status=live}}</ref> These Colts began to turn their fortunes around with playoff appearances in [[1995 Indianapolis Colts season|1995]] and [[1996 Indianapolis Colts season|1996]]. The Colts won their first postseason game as the Indianapolis Colts in 1995 and advanced to the [[1995 AFC Championship Game|AFC Championship Game]] against the [[Pittsburgh Steelers]], coming just a [[Hail Mary pass]] reception away from a trip to [[Super Bowl&nbsp;XXX]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Rosenthal|first=Gregg|title=1995 AFC Championship game still haunts Harbaugh|date=May 12, 2011|url=http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/05/12/1995-afc-championship-game-still-haunts/|publisher=Pro Football Talk|access-date=July 4, 2012|archive-date=May 17, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120517154751/http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/05/12/1995-afc-championship-game-still-haunts/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Marchibroda retired following the 1995 season and was replaced by [[Lindy Infante]] in 1996.<ref name="v081">{{cite web | last=Pollack| first=Chuck| title=Pollock: Remembering Marchibroda as one of the football's 'good guys' | website=Olean Times Herald | date=2016-01-19 | url=https://www.oleantimesherald.com/sports/pollock-remembering-marchibroda-as-one-of-the-football-s-good-guys/article_2c135e22-be45-11e5-8b19-877c7499411a.html | access-date=2024-08-18}}</ref><ref name="y272">{{cite web | title=COLTS SET TO TAP INFANTE | website=Chicago Tribune | date=1996-02-09 | url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1996/02/09/colts-set-to-tap-infante/ | access-date=2024-08-18}}</ref> In the 1996 season, the Colts went 9–7 and had their season end in the Wild Card Round with a 42–14 loss to the PIttsburgh Steelers.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1996 Indianapolis Colts Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/clt/1996.htm |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> After two consecutive playoff appearances, the Colts regressed and went 3–13 during the [[1997 Indianapolis Colts season|1997 season]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=1997 Indianapolis Colts Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/clt/1997.htm |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

=== Jim Irsay era (1997–2025) ===
Along with the disappointing season, the principal owner and man who moved the team to Indianapolis, Robert Irsay, died in January 1997 after years of declining health.<ref>{{cite news|last=Eskenazi|first=Gerald|title=Robert Irsay, 73, Executive In Shift of N.F.L. Colts, Dies|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/01/15/sports/robert-irsay-73-executive-in-shift-of-nfl-colts-dies.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm|newspaper=The New York Times|access-date=July 4, 2012|date=January 15, 1997|archive-date=December 19, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219200332/http://www.nytimes.com/1997/01/15/sports/robert-irsay-73-executive-in-shift-of-nfl-colts-dies.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm|url-status=live}}</ref> Jim Irsay, Robert Irsay's son, entered the role of principal owner following his father's death and quickly began to change the organization. Irsay replaced general manager Tobin with [[Bill Polian]] in 1997 as the team decided to build through their number one overall pick in the [[1998 NFL draft|1998 draft]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Colts Fire Tobin, Infante, Hire Panthers' Polian|url=http://articles.philly.com/1997-12-23/sports/25553723_1_bill-tobin-football-operations-bill-polian|work=[[The Philadelphia Inquirer]]|access-date=July 4, 2012|archive-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303222758/http://articles.philly.com/1997-12-23/sports/25553723_1_bill-tobin-football-operations-bill-polian|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==== Jim Mora years (1998–2001) ====
[[Image:Peyton Manning passing.jpg|thumb|right|alt=Manning squaring up to pass the ball|upright|[[Peyton Manning]] was the starting quarterback for the Colts from 1998 until 2010.]]
[[Jim Irsay]] began to shape the Colts one year after assuming control from his father by firing head coach [[Lindy Infante]] and hiring [[Bill Polian]] as the general manager of the organization.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1997-12-23 |title=Colts Fire Infante, Tobin |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-dec-23-sp-1626-story.html |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref> Polian in turn hired [[Jim E. Mora]] to become the next head coach of the team and drafted [[Tennessee Volunteers football|Tennessee Volunteer]] quarterback [[Peyton Manning]], the son of [[New&nbsp;Orleans Saints]] legend [[Archie Manning]], with the first overall pick in the [[1998 NFL draft]].<ref name="t501">{{cite web | title=N.F.L. DRAFT DAY '98; Colts Agonize to the End, Then Pick Manning | website=The New York Times | date=1998-04-19 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/04/19/sports/nfl-draft-day-98-colts-agonize-to-the-end-then-pick-manning.html | access-date=2024-07-30}}</ref>

The team and Manning struggled during the [[1998 Indianapolis Colts season|1998 season]], winning only three games;<ref>{{Cite web |title=1998 Indianapolis Colts Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/clt/1998.htm |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Manning threw a league high 28 interceptions.<ref name="Manning Stats">{{cite web|title=Peyton Manning:Career Stats|url=http://www.nfl.com/player/peytonmanning/2501863/careerstats|work=NFL.com|access-date=July 4, 2012|archive-date=June 14, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120614225741/http://www.nfl.com/player/peytonmanning/2501863/careerstats|url-status=live}}</ref> However, Manning did pass for 3,739&nbsp;yards and threw 26 touchdown passes and was named to the NFL All-Rookie First Team.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Peyton Manning 1998 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MannPe00/gamelog/1998/ |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=1998 NFL All-Rookie Team |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/nfl-all-rookie-1998.htm |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> The Colts began to improve towards the end of the 1998 season and showed continued growth in [[1999 Indianapolis Colts season|1999]]. Indianapolis drafted [[Edgerrin James]] in [[1999 NFL draft|1999]] and continued to improve their roster heading into the upcoming season.<ref>{{cite web|title=1999 NFL Draft History – Round 1|url=http://www.mynfldraft.com/1999|publisher=MyNFLDraft.com|access-date=July 4, 2012|archive-date=June 24, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120624042402/http://www.mynfldraft.com/1999|url-status=live}}</ref> The Colts went 13–3 in 1999 and finished first in the [[AFC East]], their first division title since 1987. Indianapolis lost to the eventual AFC champion [[Tennessee Titans]] in the [[1999–2000 NFL playoffs|divisional playoffs]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round - Tennessee Titans at Indianapolis Colts - January 16th, 2000 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200001160clt.htm |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

The [[2000 Indianapolis Colts season|2000]] and [[2001 Indianapolis Colts season|2001]] Colts teams were considerably less successful compared to the 1999 team. The 2000 team went 10–6 and had their season end in the Wild Card Round with an overtime loss to the Miami Dolphins.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2000 Indianapolis Colts Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/clt/2000.htm |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Pressure began to mount on team administration and the coaching staff following a 6–10 season in 2001.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2001 Indianapolis Colts Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/clt/2001.htm |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

==== Tony Dungy years (2002–2008) ====
Mora was fired at the end of the season and was replaced by former [[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]] head coach [[Tony Dungy]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Bell|first=Jarrett|title=Dungy riding high with Colts|url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/nfl/colts/2002-06-12-focus-dungy.htm|work=[[USA Today]]|access-date=July 4, 2012|date=June 11, 2002|archive-date=April 19, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090419230525/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/nfl/colts/2002-06-12-focus-dungy.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> Dungy and the team quickly changed the atmosphere of the organization and returned to the playoffs in [[2002 Indianapolis Colts season|2002]] with a 10–6 record, only for them to get shut out in the [[2002–03 NFL playoffs|2002 Wild Card Round]] to the [[2002 New York Jets season|New York Jets]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2002 Indianapolis Colts Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/clt/2002.htm |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> The Colts also returned to the playoffs in [[2003 Indianapolis Colts season|2003]] and [[2004 Indianapolis Colts season|2004]] with 12–4 records and [[AFC South]] championships.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2003 Indianapolis Colts Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/clt/2003.htm |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2004 Indianapolis Colts Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/clt/2004.htm |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> The Colts lost to the [[2003 New England Patriots season|New England Patriots]] and [[Tom Brady]] in the [[2003–04 NFL playoffs|2003 AFC Championship Game]] and in the [[2004–05 NFL playoffs|2004 divisional playoffs]], thereby beginning a rivalry between the two teams, and between Manning and Brady.<ref>{{cite news|last=Mihoces|first=Gary|title=NFL's biggest rivalry? Tom Brady, Peyton Manning to duel|url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2010-11-21-colts-patriots-manning-brady-preview_N.htm?csp=34sports|work=[[USA Today]]|access-date=July 4, 2012|date=November 21, 2010|archive-date=April 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429185214/https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2010-11-21-colts-patriots-manning-brady-preview_N.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> Following two consecutive playoff losses to the Patriots, the Colts began the [[2005 Indianapolis Colts season|2005 season]] with a 13–0 record, including a regular season victory over the [[2005 New England Patriots season|Patriots]], the first in the Manning era.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Donaldson |first=Jim |date=November 13, 2009 |title=Patriots vs. Colts, The Tide Turns: Nov. 7, 2005 |url=http://blogs.providencejournal.com/sports/patriots/2009/11/the-tide-turns.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202235002/http://blogs.providencejournal.com/sports/patriots/2009/11/the-tide-turns.html |archive-date=December 2, 2013 |access-date=July 4, 2012 |work=The Providence Journal}}</ref> During the season, Manning and [[Marvin Harrison]] broke the NFL record for touchdowns by a quarterback and receiver tandem.<ref>{{cite news|title=Manning, Harrison match Young, Rice|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2005/10/03/manning-harrison-match-young-rice/|newspaper=The Baltimore Sun|access-date=July 4, 2012|archive-date=December 2, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202222058/http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2005-10-03/sports/0510030129_1_titans-colts-manning-and-harrison|url-status=live}}</ref> Indianapolis finished the 2005 season with a 14–2 record, the best record in the league that year and the best in a 16 games season for the franchise, but lost to the [[2005 Pittsburgh Steelers season|Pittsburgh Steelers]] in the divisional round.<ref>{{cite web|last=Pasquarelli|first=Len|title=Colts ready to put disappointing end behind them|date=February 8, 2006|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=pasquarelli_len&id=2323106|publisher=[[ESPN]]|access-date=July 4, 2012|archive-date=July 29, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130729023545/http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=pasquarelli_len&id=2323106|url-status=live}}</ref>

===== Super Bowl XLI champions (2006) =====
Indianapolis entered the [[2006 Indianapolis Colts season|2006 season]] with a veteran quarterback, receivers, and defenders, and chose running back [[Joseph Addai]] in the [[2006 NFL draft|2006 draft]].<ref>{{cite web|title=2006 NFL Draft History – Round 1|url=http://www.mynfldraft.com/2006|publisher=MyNFLDraft.com|access-date=July 4, 2012|archive-date=June 21, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120621042959/http://www.mynfldraft.com/2006|url-status=live}}</ref> As in the previous season, the Colts began the season undefeated and went 9–0 before losing their first game against the [[2006 Dallas Cowboys season|Dallas Cowboys]].<ref name="w265">{{cite web | title=NFL: Cowboys break the Colts' nerve and their streak | website=The New York Times | date=2006-11-20 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/20/sports/20iht-NFL.3599475.html | access-date=2024-08-18}}</ref> Indianapolis finished the season with a 12–4 record and entered the playoffs for the fifth consecutive year, this time as the number three seed in the AFC. The Colts won their first two [[2006–07 NFL playoffs|playoff]] games against the [[2006 Kansas City Chiefs season|Kansas City Chiefs]] and the [[2006 Baltimore Ravens season|Baltimore Ravens]] to return to the AFC Championship Game for the first time since the 2003 playoffs, where they faced their rivals, the [[2006 New England Patriots season|New England Patriots]]. In a classic game,<ref>{{cite web|title=Games of the Decade – Getting rid of the monkey|url=https://www.espn.com/espn/page2/story?page=games/decade/2006afcchampionship|publisher=[[ESPN]]|access-date=July 4, 2012|archive-date=July 29, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130729020455/http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=games%2Fdecade%2F2006afcchampionship|url-status=live}}</ref> the Colts overcame a 21–3 first-half deficit to win the game 38–34 and earned a trip to [[Super Bowl&nbsp;XLI]], the franchise's first [[Super Bowl]] appearance since [[Super Bowl V|1970]] and for the first based in Indianapolis. The Colts faced the [[2006 Chicago Bears season|Chicago Bears]] in the Super Bowl, winning the game 29–17 and giving Manning, Polian, Irsay, and Dungy, as well as the city of Indianapolis, their first Super Bowl title.<ref>{{cite web|title=Super Bowl XLI|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/playoffs06/series?series=indchi|publisher=[[ESPN]]|access-date=July 4, 2012|archive-date=May 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120507101106/http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs06/series?series=indchi|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Weisman|first=Larry|title=Colts reign supreme over Bears in Super Bowl XLI|url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/games/2007-02-04-super-bowl-game-story_x.htm|work=[[USA Today]]|access-date=July 4, 2012|date=February 6, 2007|archive-date=May 13, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120513212617/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/games/2007-02-04-super-bowl-game-story_x.htm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Padgett |first=Tim |date=February 5, 2007 |title=Revenge of the Hoosiers |url=http://content.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1585951,00.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928042542/http://content.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1585951,00.html |archive-date=September 28, 2013 |access-date=June 24, 2022 |website=Time Magazine}}</ref>

Following their Super Bowl championship, the Colts compiled a 13–3 record during the [[2007 Indianapolis Colts season|2007 season]]; they lost to the [[2007 San Diego Chargers season|San&nbsp;Diego Chargers]] in the [[2007–08 NFL playoffs|divisional playoffs]], in what was the final game the Colts played at the RCA Dome before moving into [[Lucas Oil Stadium]] in [[2008 Indianapolis Colts season|2008]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Clayton|first=John|title=Colts unravel; all signs point to Dungy's departure|date=January 13, 2008|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/playoffs07/columns/story?columnist=clayton_john&id=3195151|publisher=[[ESPN]]|access-date=July 4, 2012|archive-date=September 30, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150930111627/http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs07/columns/story?columnist=clayton_john&id=3195151|url-status=live}}</ref> The 2008 season began with Manning being sidelined for most of the pre-season due to surgery.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 15, 2008 |title=Manning has infected bursa sac removed from left knee |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=3487657 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120729235408/http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3487657 |archive-date=July 29, 2012 |access-date=July 4, 2012 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> Indianapolis began the season with a 3–4 record, but then won nine consecutive games to end the season at 12–4 and make in into the playoffs as a wild card team, eventually losing to the [[2008 San Diego Chargers season|Chargers]] in the wild card round.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wild Card - Indianapolis Colts at San Diego Chargers - January 3rd, 2009 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200901030sdg.htm |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Following the season, Tony Dungy announced his retirement after seven seasons as head coach, having compiled an overall record of 92–33 with the team.<ref name="Dungy Retires/Caldwell Hired">{{Cite web |date=January 12, 2009 |title=Dungy retires after 7&nbsp;seasons with Colts |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=3827058 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026035403/http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3827058 |archive-date=October 26, 2012 |access-date=July 4, 2012 |website=[[ESPN.com]]|agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref>

[[File:Indpls Colts huddle during Super Bowl XLIV.jpg|thumb|alt=The Colts huddling|upright=1.0|Indianapolis offensive line huddles during [[Super Bowl XLIV]] (2010)]]

==== Jim Caldwell years (2009–2011) ====
[[Jim Caldwell (American football)|Jim Caldwell]] was hired as head coach of the team following Dungy, and led the team during the [[2009 Indianapolis Colts season|2009 season]].<ref name="Dungy Retires/Caldwell Hired"/> The Colts went 14–0 during the season to finish with an overall record of 14–2 after controversially [[Benching the starters|benching their starters]] during the last two games.<ref name="n400">{{cite web | last=Robinson | first=Charles | title=Colts throw in the towel on perfection | website=Yahoo! Sports | date=2009-12-28 | url=https://sports.yahoo.com/cr-winnersandlosers122709.html | access-date=2024-08-18}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kirschner |first=Kris |date=December 28, 2009 |title=Colts fans furious over decision to pull starters |url=http://www.wthr.com/global/story.asp?s=11737675 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130323195628/http://www.wthr.com/global/story.asp?s=11737675 |archive-date=March 23, 2013 |access-date=July 4, 2012 |publisher=WTHR}}</ref> The Colts for the second time in the Manning era entered the playoffs with the best record in the AFC. The Colts managed victories over the [[2009 Baltimore Ravens season|Baltimore Ravens]] and [[2009 New York Jets season|New York Jets]] to advance to [[Super Bowl&nbsp;XLIV]] against the [[2009 New Orleans Saints season|New&nbsp;Orleans Saints]],<ref>{{cite news|last=Corbett|first=Jim|title=Saints outlast Vikings in OT, will face Colts in Super Bowl|url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2010-01-24-vikings-saints_N.htm?csp=hf|work=[[USA Today]]|access-date=July 4, 2012|date=January 25, 2010|archive-date=April 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429185211/https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2010-01-24-vikings-saints_N.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> but lost to the Saints 31–17.<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 7, 2010 |title=Despite disappointment, Colts fans say they're happy for Saints |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/despite-disappointment-colts-fans-say-they-re-happy-for-saints-09000d5d81648ed5 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181110080319/http://www.nfl.com/superbowl/story/09000d5d81648ed5/article/despite-disappointment-colts-fans-say-theyre-happy-for-saints |archive-date=November 10, 2018 |access-date=July 4, 2012 |website=NFL.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Colts to return to Indianapolis Monday afternoon|url=http://www.wthr.com/global/story.asp?s=11948910|publisher=WTHR|access-date=July 4, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100210100111/http://www.wthr.com/global/story.asp?s=11948910|archive-date=February 10, 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref>

At the completion of the 2009 season, the Colts had finished the first decade of the 2000s (2000–2009) with the most regular-season wins (115) and highest winning percentage (.719) of any team in the NFL during that span.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pfref.com/tiny/9bRyc|title=Team Game Finder Query Results - Pro-Football-Reference.com|website=[[Pro Football Reference]]|access-date=April 29, 2021|archive-date=April 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429185200/https://stathead.com/tools/tiny.fcgi?id=9bRyc|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=mcubed.net : NFL : NFL : Regular season wins in the 2000's |url=http://mcubed.net/nfl/fw2000.shtml |access-date=June 24, 2022 |website=mcubed.net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Decade of Dominance {{!}} Pro Football Hall of Fame Official Site |url=https://www.profootballhof.com/news/2009/09/news-decade-of-dominance/ |access-date=June 24, 2022 |website=pfhof |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=NFL Standings, 2000–2009 {{!}} Football Outsiders |url=https://www.footballoutsiders.com/extra-points/2010/nfl-standings-2000-2009 |access-date=June 24, 2022 |website=www.footballoutsiders.com |language=en}}</ref>

The [[2010 Indianapolis Colts season|2010]] team compiled a 10–6 record, the first time the Colts did not win 12 games since 2002, and lost to the [[2010 New York Jets season|New&nbsp;York Jets]] in the wild card round of the playoffs.<ref>{{cite news|last=Bishop|first=Greg|title=Jets Narrowly Escape Manning and the Colts|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/09/sports/football/09jets.html|newspaper=The New York Times|access-date=July 4, 2012|date=January 8, 2011|archive-date=October 6, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006130416/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/09/sports/football/09jets.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The loss to the Jets was the last game for Peyton Manning as a Colt.<ref name="i255">{{cite web | last=Joyce | first=Greg | title=The night Jets got revenge and ended a storied Peyton Manning chapter | website=New York Post | date=2020-06-05 | url=https://nypost.com/2020/06/05/the-night-jets-got-revenge-and-ended-a-storied-peyton-manning-chapter/ | access-date=2024-08-18}}</ref>

After missing the preseason, Manning was ruled out for the Colts' opening game in Houston and eventually the entire [[2011 Indianapolis Colts season|2011 season]].<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=2011-09-08 |title=Peyton Manning reportedly has new surgery, out 2-3 months |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2011/09/08/jim-irsay-peyton-manning-out-for-awhile |access-date=2024-08-18 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |language=en-us}}</ref> Taking over as starter was veteran quarterback [[Kerry Collins]], who had been signed to the team after dissatisfaction with backup quarterback [[Curtis Painter]] and [[Dan Orlovsky]].<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Mortensen |first1=Chris |last2=Clayton |first2=John |date=August 24, 2011 |title=Kerry Collins joins Colts |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/6891243/indianapolis-colts-add-kerry-collins-sources-doubt-peyton-manning-ready |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120102065925/http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/6891243/indianapolis-colts-add-kerry-collins-sources-doubt-peyton-manning-ready |archive-date=January 2, 2012 |access-date=July 4, 2012 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> However, even with a veteran quarterback, the Colts lost their first 13 games and finished the season with a 2–14 record, enough to receive the first overall pick in the [[2012 NFL draft|2012 draft]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2011 Indianapolis Colts Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/clt/2011.htm |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Pomin |first=Ernie |date=2012-01-01 |title=Andrew Luck Sweepstakes: Indianapolis Colts Clinch No. 1 Pick In 2012 NFL Draft |url=https://bayarea.sbnation.com/stanford-cardinal/2012/1/1/2674664/andrew-luck-sweepstakes-indianapolis-colts-2012-nfl-draft |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=SB Nation Bay Area |language=en}}</ref> Immediately following the season, team president Bill Polian was fired, ending his 14-year tenure with the team.<ref name="h630">{{cite web | title=Colts oust executives Bill and Chris Polian after 2-14 season | website=NFL.com | date=2012-01-02 | url=https://www.nfl.com/news/colts-oust-executives-bill-and-chris-polian-after-2-14-season-09000d5d825a6ca7 | access-date=2024-07-30}}</ref> The change built the anticipation of the organization's decision regarding Manning's future with the team. The Peyton Manning era came to an end on March&nbsp;8, 2012, when Jim Irsay announced that Manning was being released from the roster after 13 seasons.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Mortensen |first1=Chris |last2=Schefter |first2=Adam |last3=Anderson |first3=Josina |date=2012-03-07 |title=Colts, Manning part ways after 14 seasons |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/7656028/indianapolis-colts-peyton-manning-part-ways-14-seasons |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press |language=en}}</ref>

==== Chuck Pagano years (2012–2017) ====
[[Image:Andrew Luck 2013.jpg|thumb|right|alt=Andrew Luck about to pass|Luck during his first playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens]]
During the 2012 off-season owner Jim Irsay hired [[Ryan Grigson]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 11, 2012 |title=Colts hire Ryan Grigson as new GM |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/7449840/indianapolis-colts-hire-philadelphia-eagles-ryan-grigson-gm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120702025156/http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/7449840/indianapolis-colts-hire-philadelphia-eagles-ryan-grigson-gm |archive-date=July 2, 2012 |access-date=July 4, 2012 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> to be the General Manager. Grigson decided to let head coach Jim Caldwell go and [[Chuck Pagano]] was hired as the new head coach shortly thereafter.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 25, 2012 |title=Colts name Chuck Pagano coach |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/7503273/chuck-pagano-hired-indianapolis-colts-coach |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120629161656/http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/7503273/chuck-pagano-hired-indianapolis-colts-coach |archive-date=June 29, 2012 |access-date=July 4, 2012 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> The Colts also began to release some higher paid and oft-injured veteran players, including [[Joseph Addai]], [[Dallas Clark]], and [[Gary Brackett]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Colts release five players|url=http://www.wthr.com/story/17123925/report-colts-release-lb-gary-brackett|publisher=WTHR|access-date=July 4, 2012|archive-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303212025/http://www.wthr.com/story/17123925/report-colts-release-lb-gary-brackett|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Colts used their number one overall draft pick in 2012 to draft [[Stanford Cardinal football|Stanford Cardinal]] quarterback [[Andrew Luck]] and also drafted his teammate [[Coby Fleener]] in the second round.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schefter |first=Adam |date=April 26, 2012 |title=Colts draft Andrew Luck at No.&nbsp;1 |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/7859344 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130729021558/http://m.espn.go.com/nfl/story?storyId=7859344&ampex_cid=espnapi_partner&wjb |archive-date=July 29, 2013 |access-date=July 4, 2012 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Colts draft Fleener in round 2|url=http://www.wlfi.com/dpp/sports/colts-draft-fleener-in-round-2|publisher=WLFI|access-date=July 4, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130605102625/http://www.wlfi.com/dpp/sports/colts-draft-fleener-in-round-2|archive-date=June 5, 2013}}</ref> The team also switched to a 3–4 defensive scheme.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wells |first=Brad |date=2012-06-05 |title=Switching To A 3-4: Can The Colts Do It? |url=https://www.stampedeblue.com/2012/6/5/3065399/switching-to-a-3-4-can-the-colts-do-it |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=Stampede Blue |language=en}}</ref>

With productive seasons from both Luck and veteran receiver [[Reggie Wayne]], the Colts rebounded from the 2–14 season of 2011 with a [[2012 NFL season|2012 season]] record of 11–5.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2012 Indianapolis Colts Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/clt/2012.htm |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> The franchise, team, and fan base rallied behind head coach [[Chuck Pagano]] during his fight with [[leukemia]].<ref name="y576">{{cite web | last=Davenport | first=Gary | title=Why Chuck Pagano's Inspiring Story, Leadership Will Boost Colts to Playoffs. | website=Bleacher Report | date=2012-11-05 | url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1397828-why-chuck-paganos-inspiring-story-leadership-will-boost-colts-to-playoffs | access-date=2024-07-30}}</ref> Clinching an unexpected playoff spot in the [[2012–13 NFL playoffs]], the 14th playoff berth for the club since [[1995 Indianapolis Colts season|1995]]. The season ended in a 24–9 playoff loss to the eventual Super Bowl Champion [[2012 Baltimore Ravens season|Baltimore Ravens]].<ref name="q472">{{cite web | title=Baltimore Ravens defeat the Indianapolis Colts, 24-9, in an AFC wild card playoff game | website=cleveland.com | date=2013-01-07 | url=https://www.cleveland.com/sports/2013/01/baltimore_ravens_defeat_the_in.html | access-date=2024-07-30}}</ref>

Two weeks into the 2013 season, the Colts traded their first-round selection in the [[2014 NFL draft]] to the [[Cleveland Browns]] for running back [[Trent Richardson]].<ref name="h004">{{cite web | last=Rosenthal | first=Gregg | title=Trent Richardson traded to Colts from Browns for pick | website=NFL.com | date=2013-09-18 | url=https://www.nfl.com/news/trent-richardson-traded-to-colts-from-browns-for-pick-0ap2000000246821 | access-date=2024-07-30}}</ref> In Week&nbsp;7, Luck led the Colts to a 39–33 win over his predecessor, [[Peyton Manning]], and the undefeated [[Denver Broncos|Broncos]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wells |first=Brad |date=2013-10-21 |title=Colts beat Broncos 39-33 in a game for the ages |url=https://www.stampedeblue.com/2013/10/21/4860936/final-colts-defeat-broncos-39-33-in-game-for-the-ages |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=Stampede Blue |language=en}}</ref> Luck went on to lead the Colts to a 15th division championship later that season. In the first round of the [[2013–14 NFL playoffs|2013 NFL playoffs]], Andrew Luck led the Colts to a 45–44 victory over Kansas City, outscoring the Chiefs 35–13 in the second half in the second biggest comeback in NFL playoff history.<ref name="o761">{{cite web | last=Wells | first=Mike | title=Andrew Luck's masterpiece: Comeback vs. Chiefs in '13 playoffs | website=ESPN.com | date=2019-01-11 | url=https://www.espn.com/blog/indianapolis-colts/post/_/id/24193/andrew-lucks-masterpiece-comeback-vs-chiefs-in-13-playoffs#:~:text=The%20Colts%20fell%20behind%2038,443%20yards%20and%20four%20touchdowns. | access-date=2024-07-30}}</ref>

During the 2014 season, Luck led the Colts to the AFC Championship game for the first time in his career after breaking the Colts' single-season passing yardage record previously held by Manning.<ref>{{cite news|last=Wilson|first=Josh|title=Andrew Luck Breaks Peyton Manning's Colts Franchise Record for Single-Season Passing Yards|url=http://www.stampedeblue.com/2014/12/28/7457399/andrew-luck-breaks-peyton-mannings-colts-franchise-record-for-single|publisher=[[SB Nation]]|date=December 28, 2014|access-date=February 3, 2017|archive-date=July 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170704054846/https://www.stampedeblue.com/2014/12/28/7457399/andrew-luck-breaks-peyton-mannings-colts-franchise-record-for-single|url-status=live}}</ref>

After the Colts finished 8–8 in both the [[2015 NFL season|2015]] and [[2016 NFL season|2016 seasons]] and missed the playoffs in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 1997–98, Grigson was fired as general manager.<ref name="y726">{{cite web | last=Wells | first=Mike | title=Colts fire GM Grigson, keeping Pagano for '17 | website=ESPN.com | date=2017-01-21 | url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/18525693/indianapolis-colts-fire-general-manager-ryan-grigson | access-date=2024-07-30}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2015 Indianapolis Colts Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/clt/2015.htm |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2016 Indianapolis Colts Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/clt/2016.htm |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Just three of his previous 18 draft picks remained on the team at the time of his firing.<ref>{{cite news|last=Wells|first=Mike|title=Colts fire GM Ryan Grigson; Chuck Pagano to remain coach|url=http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/18525693/indianapolis-colts-fire-general-manager-ryan-grigson|publisher=ESPN|date=January 22, 2017|access-date=January 23, 2017|archive-date=January 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170123154808/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/18525693/indianapolis-colts-fire-general-manager-ryan-grigson|url-status=live}}</ref> On January&nbsp;30, 2017, the team hired [[Chris Ballard (American football)|Chris Ballard]], who served as the [[Kansas City Chiefs]] Director of Football Operations, to replace Grigson.<ref name="Holder, Stephen">{{cite news|title=Colts hire Chris Ballard as general manager|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/colts/2017/01/29/chris-ballard-hired-indianapolis-general-manager/97222044/|newspaper=USA Today|author=Holder, Stephen|date=January 29, 2017|access-date=January 30, 2017|archive-date=January 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170130075510/http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/colts/2017/01/29/chris-ballard-hired-indianapolis-general-manager/97222044/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On December 31, 2017, after winning the final game of the [[2017 Indianapolis Colts season|season]] and a final record of 4–12, the Colts parted ways with Pagano.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2017 Indianapolis Colts Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/clt/2017.htm |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref name="n547">{{cite web | last=Wells | first=Mike | title=Colts fire coach Pagano after 4-12 season | website=ESPN.com | date=2017-12-31 | url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/21926947/indianapolis-colts-fire-chuck-pagano-six-seasons | access-date=2024-07-30}}</ref> Luck, who had suffered multiple injuries and missed nine games during the 2015 season, sat out the entire 2017 season recovering from shoulder surgery.<ref name="v147">{{cite web | last=D'Andrea | first=Christian | title=Andrew Luck headed to injured reserve, will not play in 2017 | website=SBNation.com | date=2017-11-02 | url=https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2017/11/2/16466114/2017-nfl-injury-andrew-luck-injured-reserve | access-date=2024-07-30}}</ref>

In the weeks following the end of the 2017 season, after two interviews, it was widely reported that the Colts would hire [[Josh McDaniels]], offensive coordinator of the [[New England Patriots]], to replace Pagano, after McDaniels fulfilled his obligations to the Patriots in [[Super Bowl&nbsp;LII]].<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/01/28/colts-head-coach-news-update-josh-mcdaniels-patriots|title=Report: Colts Will Hire Patriots Offensive Coordinator Josh McDaniels As Head Coach|magazine=Sports Illustrated|first=Khadrice|last=Rollins|date=January 28, 2018|access-date=February 6, 2018|archive-date=February 2, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180202071627/https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/01/28/colts-head-coach-news-update-josh-mcdaniels-patriots|url-status=live}}</ref> On February&nbsp;8, 2018, the Colts announced McDaniels as their new head coach.<ref>{{cite web|first=Mike|last=Wells|url=http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/22344934/indianapolis-colts-hire-josh-mcdaniels-head-coach|title=Colts hire Josh McDaniels as head coach|work=ESPN.com|date=February 6, 2018|access-date=April 29, 2021|archive-date=November 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109030207/https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/22344934/indianapolis-colts-hire-josh-mcdaniels-head-coach|url-status=live}}</ref> Hours later, however, McDaniels rescinded his decision to be the head coach, and he returned to the Patriots.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.colts.com/news/article-1/Statement-By-The-Indianapolis-Colts-On-Head-Coach-Search/b95ea07d-188d-497c-8510-1ffa73ea6648|title=Statement By The Indianapolis Colts On Head Coach Search|work=Colts.com|date=February 6, 2018|access-date=January 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180508191055/http://www.colts.com/news/article-1/Statement-By-The-Indianapolis-Colts-On-Head-Coach-Search/b95ea07d-188d-497c-8510-1ffa73ea6648|archive-date=May 8, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/22349872/josh-mcdaniels-spurns-indianapolis-colts-remain-new-england-patriots|title=Sources: Josh McDaniels changes mind, will stay with Patriots and not take Colts job|date=February 6, 2018|first=Adam|last=Schefter|access-date=April 29, 2021|archive-date=January 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120234605/https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/22349872/josh-mcdaniels-spurns-indianapolis-colts-remain-new-england-patriots|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== Frank Reich years (2018–2022) ====
On February 11, 2018, the Colts announced [[Frank Reich]], then offensive coordinator of the [[Philadelphia Eagles]], as their new head coach.<ref>{{cite press release|title=Press Release: Indianapolis Colts Name Frank Reich Team's New Head Coach|url=https://www.colts.com/news/press-release-indianapolis-colts-name-frank-reich-team-s-new-head-coach-20354743|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=Colts.com|date=February 11, 2018|access-date=March 30, 2020|archive-date=September 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929023900/https://www.colts.com/news/press-release-indianapolis-colts-name-frank-reich-team-s-new-head-coach-20354743|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Knoblauch|first=Austin|title=Indianapolis Colts hire Frank Reich to be next coach|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/indianapolis-colts-hire-frank-reich-to-be-next-coach-0ap3000000915859|publisher=National Football League|website=NFL.com|date=February 11, 2018|access-date=February 12, 2018|archive-date=February 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180212010105/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000915859/article/indianapolis-colts-hire-frank-reich-to-be-next-coach|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Wells|first=Mike|title=Eagles OC Frank Reich named new Colts coach|url=http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/22401946/frank-reich-agrees-five-year-deal-indianapolis-colts-coach|publisher=ESPN|website=ESPN.com|date=February 11, 2018|access-date=February 11, 2018|archive-date=February 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180212002428/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/22401946/frank-reich-agrees-five-year-deal-indianapolis-colts-coach|url-status=live}}</ref> In Reich's first season as head coach, Andrew Luck's return to the field got off to a shaky start, as the Colts began the 2018 season 1–5. However, they surged back to win nine of their last ten games to secure a 10–6 record and a playoff berth.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2018 NFL Standings & Team Stats |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2018/index.htm |access-date=2024-07-26 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> They won a wild card game against their division rival [[Houston Texans]] before falling to the [[Kansas City Chiefs]] in the divisional round.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wild Card – Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans – January 5th, 2019 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201901050htx.htm |access-date=2024-07-26 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round – Indianapolis Colts at Kansas City Chiefs – January 12th, 2019 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201901120kan.htm |access-date=2024-07-26 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Luck, benefiting from the Colts' best offensive line of his career, was named the 2018 Comeback Player of the Year.<ref>{{cite web | last=Wesseling | first=Chris | title=Andrew Luck named AP Comeback Player of the Year | website=NFL.com | date=2019-02-02 | url=https://www.nfl.com/news/andrew-luck-named-ap-comeback-player-of-the-year-0ap3000001015474 | access-date=2024-07-26}}</ref>

Colts General Manager Chris Ballard achieved a historic feat in 2018 when two players he had drafted that year, guard [[Quenton Nelson]] and linebacker [[Shaquille Leonard]] were both named First-Team All-Pro.<ref name="o831">{{cite web | last=Walker | first=Andrew | title=Darius Leonard, Quenton Nelson Named First-Team All-Pro | website=Colts.com | date=2019-01-04 | url=https://www.colts.com/news/darius-leonard-quenton-nelson-named-first-team-all-pro | access-date=2024-08-18}}</ref> This was the first time two rookies from the same team received that honor since Hall-of-Famers [[Dick Butkus]] and [[Gale Sayers]] achieved the feat in 1965.<ref>{{cite news|last=Hickey|first=Kevin|title=Colts' Darius Leonard, Quenton Nelson named first-team All-Pros|url=https://coltswire.usatoday.com/2019/01/04/indianapolis-colts-darius-leonard-quenton-nelson-all-pro-first-team/|publisher=USA TODAY|website=ColtsWire|date=January 4, 2019|access-date=May 18, 2020|archive-date=August 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804055159/https://coltswire.usatoday.com/2019/01/04/indianapolis-colts-darius-leonard-quenton-nelson-all-pro-first-team/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On August&nbsp;24, 2019, Luck informed the Colts that he would be retiring from the NFL after not attending training camp. He cited an unfulfilling cycle of injury and rehab as his primary reason for leaving football.<ref>{{cite news|last=Patra|first=Kevin|title=Colts QB Andrew Luck announces his retirement|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/colts-qb-andrew-luck-announces-his-retirement-0ap3000001044124|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=NFL.com|date=August 24, 2019|access-date=October 27, 2019|archive-date=October 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191026193139/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001044124/article/colts-qb-andrew-luck-announces-his-retirement|url-status=live}}</ref>

On November&nbsp;17, 2019, the Colts defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars for the team's 300th win in the Indianapolis era, with a record of 300–267.<ref>{{cite news|title=By The Numbers: Colts 33, Jaguars 13|url=https://www.colts.com/news/by-the-numbers-jacksonville-jaguars-2019-week-11?campaign=sf:fanshare:facebook|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=Colts.com|date=November 17, 2019|language=en-US|access-date=December 20, 2019|archive-date=September 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200912214118/https://www.colts.com/news/by-the-numbers-jacksonville-jaguars-2019-week-11?campaign=sf:fanshare:facebook|url-status=live}}</ref> Despite a promising 5–2 start and strong seasons from Leonard, Nelson, and newly acquired defensive end [[Justin Houston]], the Colts struggled in the second half of the 2019 season with new starting quarterback [[Jacoby Brissett]] at the helm and finished the year with a 7–9 record.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2019 Indianapolis Colts Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/clt/2019.htm |access-date=2024-07-26 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

On March&nbsp;17, 2020, the Colts signed longtime [[Los&nbsp;Angeles Chargers]] quarterback and eight-time Pro Bowler [[Philip Rivers]] to a one-year deal worth $25&nbsp;million.<ref>{{cite news|last=Shook|first=Nick|title=Philip Rivers agrees to one-year, $25M deal with Colts|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/philip-rivers-agrees-to-one-year-25m-deal-with-colts-0ap3000001106687|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=NFL.com|date=March 17, 2020|access-date=May 18, 2020|archive-date=May 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200517055121/https://www.nfl.com/news/philip-rivers-agrees-to-one-year-25m-deal-with-colts-0ap3000001106687|url-status=live}}</ref> Rivers led the Colts to an 11–5 record and a playoff berth, where they then lost to the Buffalo Bills in the Wild Card Round of the NFL's first expanded playoffs.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2020 Indianapolis Colts Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/clt/2020.htm |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref name="w820">{{cite magazine | last=Wilson | first=Phillip B. | title=Bills Oust Colts From Playoffs | magazine=Sports Illustrated | date=2021-01-09 | url=https://www.si.com/nfl/colts/gameday/bills-oust-colts-from-playoffs | access-date=2024-07-30}}</ref>

On March&nbsp;17, 2021, the Colts traded a 2021 third-round pick and a 2022 second-round conditional pick for former Eagles quarterback [[Carson Wentz]].<ref name="z321">{{cite web | last=Patra | first=Kevin | title=Eagles agree to trade QB Carson Wentz to Colts for two draft picks | website=NFL.com | date=2021-02-18 | url=https://www.nfl.com/news/carson-wentz-trade-philadelphia-eagles-indianapolis-colts | access-date=2024-07-30}}</ref> Despite an All-Pro season from running back [[Jonathan Taylor (American football)|Jonathan Taylor]], the Colts finished the season 9–8 after an upset loss to the [[Jacksonville Jaguars]] that eliminated the Colts from playoff contention.<ref name="g887">{{cite web | last=Bergman | first=Jeremy | title=Colts eliminated from playoff contention following shocking loss to Jaguars | website=NFL.com | date=2022-01-09 | url=https://www.nfl.com/news/colts-eliminated-from-playoff-contention-following-shocking-loss-to-jaguars | access-date=2024-07-30}}</ref> The Colts then traded Wentz and a second round pick to the [[Washington Commanders]] in exchange for three draft picks.<ref name="y596">{{cite web | last=Keim | first=John | title=Wentz: Important to be 'wanted' by Commanders | website=ESPN.com | date=2022-03-17 | url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/33527889/carson-wentz-surprised-trade-happy-wanted-washington-commanders | access-date=2024-07-30}}</ref>

On March&nbsp;21, 2022, the Colts traded a 2022 third-round pick for longtime Atlanta Falcons quarterback [[Matt Ryan (American Football)|Matt Ryan]].<ref name="z410">{{cite web | last=Rothstein | first=Michael | title=Falcons trade Ryan to Colts, get deal with Mariota | website=ESPN.com | date=2022-03-21 | url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/33564735/sources-indianapolis-colts-acquire-qb-matt-ryan-atlanta-falcons-third-round-pick | access-date=2024-07-30}}</ref> After playing seven games in which he threw for nine touchdowns and nine interceptions, while also fumbling 11 times, Ryan was benched for the remainder of the season in favor of [[Sam Ehlinger]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Keefer |first=Zak |date=October 24, 2022 |title=Weeks in the making: Behind the Colts' decision to bench Matt Ryan for Sam Ehlinger |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/3726506/2022/10/24/matt-ryan-sam-ehlinger-colts-decision/ |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=The New York Times |language=en-US}}</ref>

On November&nbsp;7, 2022, the Colts fired Reich as head coach the day after losing by 23&nbsp;points to the [[New&nbsp;England Patriots]] to continue a disappointing 3–5–1 start. Longtime Colts center [[Jeff Saturday]] was subsequently named the interim head coach.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Holder |first=Stephen |date=November 7, 2022 |title=Colts fire coach Reich, name Saturday interim |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/34971861/sources-frank-reich-coach-stumbling-colts |access-date=November 7, 2022 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref> Under Saturday, the Colts went 1–7, and overall, the Colts finished the [[2022 NFL season|2022 season]] with a record of 4–12–1, their lowest win total since 2017.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Erickson|first=Joel|date=January 8, 2023 |title=Insider: Dismal Colts season ends in appropriate fashion with 32–31 loss to woeful Texans|url=https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nfl/colts/2023/01/08/colts-vs-texans-indianapolis-season-ends-appropriately-with-dismal-loss/69770244007/|access-date=February 23, 2024 |website=indystar.com}}</ref>

==== Shane Steichen years (2023–present) ====
Coming off their lowest win total since 2017, the Colts decided not to retain interim head coach [[Jeff Saturday]] and on February&nbsp;14, 2023, they hired [[Shane Steichen]] as their new head coach.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stankevitz |first=JJ |date=February 14, 2023 |title=Colts Name Philadelphia Eagles Offensive Coordinator Shane Steichen As Head Coach |url=https://www.colts.com/news/shane-steichen-head-coach-eagles-offensive-coordinator-jalen-hurts-philip-rivers |access-date=February 23, 2024 |website=Colts.com}}</ref> Later in the offseason, the Colts released quarterbacks [[Matt Ryan (American football)|Matt Ryan]] and [[Nick Foles]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stankevitz |first=JJ |date=March 15, 2023 |title=Colts release QB Matt Ryan|url=https://www.colts.com/news/matt-ryan-released-quarterback-2023-nfl-free-agency-falcons|access-date=February 23, 2024 |website=Colts.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=May 5, 2023 |title=Colts release QB Nick Foles |url=https://www.colts.com/news/nick-foles-release-quarterback-roster-moves-transactions |access-date=February 23, 2024 |website=Colts.com}}</ref> The Colts would go on to select [[Florida Gators football|Florida Gators]] quarterback [[Anthony Richardson (American football)|Anthony Richardson]] with the fourth pick in the [[2023 NFL draft]].<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Arthur |first=Jake |date=April 27, 2023 |title=Colts Draft Anthony Richardson, Get Their New Face of the Franchise |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/colts/news/colts-draft-anthony-richardson-2023-nfl-draft |magazine=Sports Illustrated |access-date=April 28, 2023}}</ref> In free agency, the Colts signed quarterback [[Gardner Minshew]] and kicker [[Matt Gay]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stankevitz |first=JJ |date=March 17, 2023 |title=Colts sign free agent QB Gardner Minshew|url=https://www.colts.com/news/gardner-minshew-signs-signed-free-agent-quarterback-eagles-jaguars|access-date=February 23, 2024 |website=Colts.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Stankevitz |first=JJ |date=March 17, 2023 |title=Colts sign free agent K Matt Gay|url=https://www.colts.com/news/matt-gay-free-agent-kicker-signed-los-angeles-rams-2021-pro-bowl#:~:text=The%20Colts%20on%20Friday%20signed,Pro%20Bowl%20honors%20in%202021.|access-date=February 23, 2024 |website=Colts.com}}</ref>

On October&nbsp;18, 2023, the Colts announced that Richardson would miss the remainder of the season with a Grade&nbsp;3 AC joint sprain. On October&nbsp;24, 2023, he successfully underwent shoulder surgery to repair the sprain. Backup quarterback Minshew was named by Steichen as the starter during Richardson's absence.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Holder |first=Stephen |date=October 18, 2023 |title=Colts' Anthony Richardson to have season-ending shoulder surgery |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/38687404/colts-anthony-richardson-season-ending-shoulder-surgery |access-date=February 23, 2024 |publisher=ESPN}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Stankevitz |first=JJ |date=October 25, 2023 |title=Colts QB Anthony Richardson undergoes successful shoulder surgery |url=https://www.colts.com/news/anthony-richardson-successful-shoulder-surgery-update-shane-steichen |access-date=February 23, 2024 |website=Indianapolis Colts}}</ref> During the [[2023 NFL season]], wide receiver [[Michael Pittman Jr.]] broke the Colts franchise record for the most receptions in the first four years of a player's career.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Patra |first=Kevin |date=December 5, 2023 |title=Colts WR Michael Pittman Jr. passes Marvin Harrison in franchise record books |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/colts-wr-michael-pittman-jr-passes-marvin-harrison-in-franchise-record-books |access-date=February 23, 2024 |website=[[NFL.com]]}}</ref> Despite many injuries, including to Richardson and All-Pro running back [[Jonathan Taylor (American football)|Jonathan Taylor]], the 2023 Colts rebounded from their 4–12–1 record in 2022, finishing 9–8 and narrowly missing the playoffs with a loss to the [[Houston Texans]] in the season finale.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://fox59.com/sports/colts/indianapolis-colts-drop-season-finale-to-houston-texans-narrowly-miss-out-on-postseason/|title=Indianapolis Colts drop season finale to Houston Texans, narrowly miss out on postseason|last=Hanson|first=Austin|website=fox59.com|date=January 8, 2024 |access-date=February 23, 2024}}</ref> In 2024, On April&nbsp;25, 2024, the Colts selected UCLA defensive end [[Laiatu Latu]] with the 15th pick in the [[2024 NFL draft]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stankevitz |first=JJ |date=April 25, 2024 |title=Colts select UCLA defensive end Laiatu Latu with No. 15 overall pick in 2024 NFL Draft |url=https://www.colts.com/news/laiatu-latu-2024-nfl-draft-pick-defensive-end-sacks-pressures-edge-rusher |access-date=April 26, 2024 |website=Colts.com}}</ref> In 2024, the Colts failed to improve on their 9–8 record and were eliminated from the playoffs by a week 17 loss to the [[New York Giants]], finishing 8–9.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2024-12-29 |title=Giants topple Colts 45-33 to eliminate Indy from the playoff race |url=https://apnews.com/article/colts-giants-score-abd039a61e37fd23146c1871c0929a30 |access-date=2025-02-16 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref>

On May 21, 2025, Colts owner and CEO Jim Irsay died at the age of 65.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Holder |first=Stephen |date=May 21, 2025 |title=Colts owner and CEO Jim Irsay dies at 65 |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/45259729/indianapolis-colts-owner-ceo-jim-irsay-dies-65 |access-date=May 21, 2025 |website=[[ESPN]] |language=en}}</ref> His three children, all daughters, each have leadership roles and some ownership of the team.<ref>"Vice Chairs/Owners," ''Scout,'' vol. 16, no. 9 (Dec. 31, 2023), p. 11.</ref>