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Baltimore Colts facts for kids

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Baltimore Colts
Baltimore Colts wordmark
Wordmark
Basic info
Established 1953
Ended 1983
Colors Royal Blue, White          
Personnel
Owner(s) Carroll Rosenbloom (1953–1972)
Robert Irsay (1972–1983)
Head coach Keith Molesworth (1953)
Weeb Ewbank (1954–1962)
Don Shula (1963–1969)
Don McCafferty (1970–1972)
John Sandusky (1972)
Howard Schnellenberger (1973–1974)
Joe Thomas (1974)
Ted Marchibroda (1975–1979)
Mike McCormack (1980–1981)
Frank Kush (1982–1983)
Team history
Home fields
League / conference affiliations
National Football League (1953–1983)
Championships
League championships: 3†
Conference championships: 5
  • NFL Western: 1958, 1959, 1964, 1968
  • AFC: 1970
Division championships: 5
  • NFL Coastal: 1968
  • AFC East: 1970, 1975, 1976, 1977
† – Does not include the AFL or NFL Championships won during the same seasons as the AFL–NFL Super Bowl Championships prior to the 1970 AFL–NFL merger
Playoff appearances (10)
  • NFL: 1958, 1959, 1964, 1965, 1968, 1970, 1971, 1975, 1976, 1977

The Baltimore Colts were a professional American football team. They played in the National Football League (NFL) and were based in Baltimore, Maryland. Their logo was a white horseshoe on blue uniforms. The team started in 1953 and quickly became very successful. They won four NFL championships, including Super Bowl V. One of their most famous players was their quarterback, Johnny Unitas.

However, in 1984, the team's owner, Robert Irsay, moved the team to Indianapolis. This move happened very suddenly in the middle of the night. The team then became known as the Indianapolis Colts.

The Baltimore Colts' Story

The Baltimore Colts joined the NFL in 1953. They quickly became a strong team. Fans loved watching them play at Memorial Stadium. The team was known for its exciting games and talented players.

Early Success and Championships

The Colts had a great run of success in their early years. They won two NFL Championships in a row. These wins happened in 1958 and 1959. These were big achievements for the team and the city.

The "Greatest Game Ever Played"

The 1958 NFL Championship Game was very famous. Many people call it "The Greatest Game Ever Played." The Colts won this game against the New York Giants. It was an exciting overtime victory. This game helped make professional football very popular.

Super Bowl V Victory

The Colts continued to be a top team. In 1970, they won Super Bowl V. This was their first Super Bowl title. They beat the Dallas Cowboys in a close game. This victory was a huge moment for the team.

Star Players and Coaches

The Baltimore Colts had many legendary players. The most famous was Johnny Unitas. He was a quarterback known for his strong arm. Unitas played for the Colts from 1956 to 1972. He is considered one of the best quarterbacks ever.

JohnnyUnitasSignAutograph1964
Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Johnny Unitas was the Baltimore Colts' starting quarterback and famed "Number 19", from 1956 to 1972. Unitas was raised in the Pittsburgh area and played earlier for the University of Louisville in Louisville, Kentucky.

Other important figures included coaches like Don Shula. He led the team for many years. These leaders helped the Colts achieve their success.

The Move to Indianapolis

After many successful years, the team's future in Baltimore became uncertain. The owner, Robert Irsay, wanted a new stadium. When a deal couldn't be reached, he decided to move the team.

A Secret Night Move

On March 28, 1984, the Colts secretly moved. Moving vans arrived in Baltimore late at night. They packed up the team's equipment. By morning, the team was gone. They were on their way to Indianapolis. This sudden move surprised and saddened many Baltimore fans.

The Baltimore Colts' history ended that night. The team began a new chapter as the Indianapolis Colts.

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