The
Baltimore Colts were a professional football team that played in the National Football League (
NFL) from
1953 to
1983. The franchise was originally founded in
1946 as the
Miami Seahawks, but after just one season, it moved to
Baltimore and became the Colts. The team's name was a nod to the region's rich history with horse breeding and racing.
The Colts had some remarkable years on the field, becoming one of the most successful teams in the
NFL during the late
1950s and
1960s. Led by legendary quarterback Johnny Unitas, the Colts achieved great success, including a victory in Super Bowl V. This championship game, often referred to as "The Greatest Game Ever Played," is credited with helping to popularize professional football and elevate it to the status it enjoys today.
However, despite their successes, financial troubles began to plague the franchise in the
1970s. The team was sold multiple times, and the ownership changes affected the Colts' stability and ability to compete at a high level. In
1984, facing mounting financial difficulties and disputes with the city over stadium improvements, the Colts' owner made the controversial decision to relocate the team to
Indianapolis. This move left
Baltimore without an
NFL team for over a decade until the establishment of the
Baltimore Ravens in
1996.
The departure of the Colts was met with anger and disappointment from the
Baltimore community, as the team had deep roots in the city and a passionate fan base. Despite their relocation, the legacy of the
Baltimore Colts lives on, and the team remains an integral part of
NFL history.