Indianapolis Colts
Trademark
UnclaimedThe Indianapolis Colts are a professional American football franchise in the National Football League, based in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Last updated October 14, 2026
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Overview
The Indianapolis Colts are a professional American football team in the National Football League (NFL), playing in the league's American Football Conference (AFC) South division. The franchise was founded in 1953 as the Baltimore Colts and moved to Indianapolis in 1984, where it has been based ever since. The team is owned by the Irsay family, with Jim Irsay serving as principal owner and chief executive. The Colts are one of the most recognizable brands in American professional sports, with a fan base that extends well beyond Indiana. The Colts' brand identity is built around a horseshoe logo, blue and white team colors, and a tradition of high-profile quarterbacks. The franchise won NFL championships in 1958, 1959, 1968, and 1970, and captured a Super Bowl title in Super Bowl XLI (2007) behind quarterback Peyton Manning. The team also reached Super Bowl XLIV (2010) with Manning and Super Bowl LII (2018) with quarterback Andrew Luck. The Colts have retired numbers for legendary players such as Johnny Unitas, Raymond Berry, and Peyton Manning. The team plays its home games at Lucas Oil Stadium in downtown Indianapolis, a venue that opened in 2008 and also hosts major events including the NFL Scouting Combine. The Colts are a privately held commercial entity, not a publicly traded company, and generate revenue through ticketing, merchandise, media rights, sponsorships, and NFL revenue sharing. The franchise is a member club of the NFL, which operates as a league-wide commercial and governance structure. As a brand, the Colts are marketed through the NFL's national media partners, team-owned digital properties, and licensed merchandise sold worldwide. The horseshoe logo is one of the most widely recognized marks in sports licensing. The team's colors, uniforms, and branding have evolved over decades, with the current look emphasizing a classic blue-and-white scheme. The Colts also maintain community programs and a charitable foundation in the Indianapolis area.
History
The franchise was founded in 1953 as the Baltimore Colts, a member of the National Football League. The team quickly became a powerhouse, winning consecutive NFL championships in 1958 and 1959, including the legendary 1958 NFL Championship Game often called 'The Greatest Game Ever Played.' Led by quarterback Johnny Unitas, the Colts became one of the league's marquee franchises. The team won another NFL title in 1968 and, after the AFL-NFL merger, won Super Bowl V in 1971 (for the 1970 season). In 1984, the franchise relocated from Baltimore to Indianapolis, becoming the Indianapolis Colts. The move was controversial and left Baltimore without an NFL team until the Ravens arrived in 1996. In Indianapolis, the Colts initially struggled but gradually built a competitive team. The drafting of Peyton Manning in 1998 marked a turning point. Under Manning, the Colts became a perennial playoff contender, winning Super Bowl XLI in 2007 against the Chicago Bears. Manning won multiple MVP awards and set numerous passing records with the Colts. After Manning's departure, the Colts drafted Andrew Luck in 2012, who led the team to four playoff appearances, including an AFC Championship Game and Super Bowl XLIV appearance in 2010 (with Manning). Luck retired in 2019. The team has since cycled through quarterbacks including Philip Rivers, Carson Wentz, Matt Ryan, and Anthony Richardson. The Colts play in the AFC South division and remain a prominent NFL brand. The franchise has been owned by the Irsay family since 1972, when Robert Irsay purchased the team. After his death in 1997, his son Jim Irsay took control. The Colts' brand includes the iconic horseshoe logo, blue and white colors, and a strong tradition of community involvement in Indiana.
- 2012
Drafted Andrew Luck.
- 2008
Moved into Lucas Oil Stadium.
- 2007
Won Super Bowl XLI.
- 1998
Drafted Peyton Manning.
- 1984
Relocated from Baltimore to Indianapolis.
- 1971
Won Super Bowl V.
- 1968
Won NFL Championship.
- 1959
Won second consecutive NFL Championship.
- 1958
Won NFL Championship in 'The Greatest Game Ever Played'.
- 1953
Franchise founded as the Baltimore Colts.
Products and positioning
A historic NFL franchise with a strong regional and national fan base, known for quarterback legacy and community presence in Indianapolis.
NFL game tickets
Colts apparel and merchandise
NFL media rights
Recent events
- Unconfirmed
Reported
Indianapolis Colts team up with Germany's Lobster & Lemonade for exclusive 'Blue' collection[2]
The Indianapolis Colts announced a collaboration with Germany's Lobster & Lemonade to create an exclusive 'Blue' collection.
Reported
PointsBet agrees partnerships with the Colts and Bears[3]
PointsBet agreed partnerships with the Indianapolis Colts and Chicago Bears, becoming a sportsbook partner of the two NFL franchises. The deals include marketing use of team logos and sponsorship and brand visibility opportunities.
Sources3 sources
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