- Nov 23, 2021

All-Time Teams: Indianapolis Colts

Introduction

In my endless research of all things football and through my passion for the history of the NFL, I have decided to try and compile an All-Time Team for all 32 current NFL franchises. By All-Time Team I mean a starting roster compiled of the very best players to ever put on each franchise’s jersey. I will be starting in alphabetical order by current franchise location, so Arizona Cardinals all the way to The Washington Football Team, with the goal of releasing one to two All-Time teams a week for the duration of the current NFL season. This is meant to be fun and cause some debate and is based on my opinion after all my research and deep dives into each franchise’s history. Of course, not everyone will agree with who I chose, and I’d love to hear from anyone who agrees or disagrees, but first, let’s lay out some ground rules for how I came up with each team.

1. Each team roster will consist of the following:

Offense - 1 QB, 2 RB, 3 WR, 1 TE, 2 OT, 2 OG, 1 C

Defense - 2 DE, 2 DT, 3 LB, 2 CB, 2 S

Special Teams - 1 K, 1 P, 1 Returner

Coach - 1 Head Coach

2. I only considered an individual’s stats and contributions with each specific franchise. For example, Peyton Manning’s years with the Broncos were not considered when deciding on the starting QB of the Colts All-Time Team. As a result, the stats and awards listed with each individual player are only those that were achieved with that specific franchise.

3. A player cannot represent two teams as the starter. Players who spent time with more than one team were considered for the franchise they spent the most time with or had the most impact on. This rule led to some interesting scenarios that I will discuss in detail with each specific article to try and clear up any confusion.

4. A player’s stats and impact were considered in context with their era. This won’t simply be a listing of who passed or ran for the most yards in franchise history.

5. All stats are from Pro-Football-Reference and through the 2021 season. I will also be counting sacks from 1960, though the NFL doesn't officially count sacks until 1982.

6. Players in the "Honorable Mentions" section are ordered by year. It's not an indication of where I believe they rank in franchise history.

Now that that’s out of the way, let’s get to it!

Indianapolis Colts All-Time Team

Franchise Information

First Season: 1953

Baltimore Colts (1953-1983)
Indianapolis Colts (1984-Present)

Record: 543-481-7 (53.03 W-L%)

Playoff Record: 23-25

Super Bowls Won: 2 (1970 and 2006) (Lost in 1968 and 2009)

Pre-Super Bowl Championships Won: 3 (1958, 1959 and 1968) (Lost in 1964)

Passing Leader: Peyton Manning 4,682/7,210 | 54,828 Yds | 399 TD

Rushing Leader: Edgerrin James 2,188 Att | 9,226 Yds | 64 TD

Receiving Leader: Marvin Harrison 1,102 Rec | 14,580 Yds | 128 TD

Sack Leader: Robert Mathis 123 Sk

Interception Leader: Bobby Boyd 57 Int

Scoring Leader: Adam Vinatieri 1,515 Points

Winningest Coach: Tony Dungy 85-27

QB: Peyton Manning (1998-2010)

This spot was obviously between Peyton Manning and Johnny Unitas and I'm going with Peyton Manning. They both revolutionized the position, set countless records and won championships, but I personally think Manning is the second greatest quarterback ever, behind only Tom Brady. Manning was maybe the most dominant quarterback in the history of the NFL, he could single handedly run an offense and turn a team around. He never missed a game in his 13 seasons in Indianapolis and won at least 10 games in 11 of them. Manning took the Colts to the playoffs 11 times and the Super Bowl twice, winning in 2006. He led the league in completions three times, in completion percentage once, in yards twice, in touchdowns three times, yards per attempt once, yards per game once and quarterback rating three times. Manning was named to 11 Pro-Bowls and five All-Pro Teams as well as being named the league MVP in 2003, 2004, 2008 and 2009. If you include his seasons with the Broncos, theirs a case to be made that he's the greatest regular season quarterback of all time. At retirement, he held the NFL record in virtually every passing category. He was named to the Hall of Fame All-2000s Team and inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2021.

It's worth mentioning that Johnny Unitas would be the starting quarterback on almost every other team. He completely revolutionized the position and was unanimously considered the GOAT when he retired. He led the league in every major passing category multiple times and was named to 10 Pro-Bowls and five All-Pro Teams as well as being named the MVP three different times. His stats and awards can be seen in more detail below.

Honorable Mentions

Johnny Unitas (1956-1972) | Record: 117-60-4 | 54.7 Cmp% | 39,768 Yds | 287 TD | 246 Int | 1,777 Rush Yds | 13 Rush TD | Led League in Cmp 1959, 1960 and 1963 (193, 190, 237) | Led League in Cmp% 1967 (58.5%) | Led League in Yds 1957, 1959, 1960 and 1963 (2,550, 2,899, 3,099, 3,481) | Led League in TD 1957, 1958, 1959 and 1960 (24, 19, 32, 25) | Led League in Yds/A 1957, 1964 and 1965 (8.5, 9.3, 9.0) | Led League in Yds/G 1957, 1959, 1960 and 1963 (212.5, 241.6, 258.3) | Led League in QB Rating 1957, 1958 and 1965 (88, 90, 97.4) | 10x Pro-Bowl (57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 66, 67) | 5x All-Pro (58, 59, 64, 65, 67) | 1959, 1964 and 1967 MVP | 1959, 1964 and 1967 Bert Bell | 1970 Walter Payton Man of the Year | 1958, 1959 and 1968 NFL Champion | 1964 NFL Championship Appearance | 1970 Super Bowl Champion | Hall of Fame All-1960s Team | Hall of Fame Class 1979
Earl Morrall (1968-1971) | Record: 22-3-1 | 53.7 Cmp% | 5,666 Yds | 47 TD | 40 Int | 37 Rush Yds | 1 Rush TD | Led League in TD 1968 (26) | Led League in Yds/A 1968 (9.2) | 1x Pro-Bowl (68) | 1x All-Pro (68) | 1968 MVP | 1968 NFL Champion | 1970 Super Bowl Champion
Bert Jones (1973-1981) | Record: 46-46 | 56.1 Cmp% | 17,663 Yds | 122 TD | 97 Int | 1,356 Yds | 14 TD | Led League in Cmp 1977 (224) | Led League in Yds 1976 (3,104) | 1x Pro-Bowl (76) | 1x All-Pro (76) | 1976 MVP | 1976 Offensive Player of the Year
Jim Harbaugh (1994-1997) | Record: 20-26 | 60.7 Cmp% | 8,705 Yds | 49 TD | 26 Int | 856 Rush Yds | 3 Rush TD | Led League in Yds/A 1995 (8.2) | Led League in QB Rating 1995 (100.7) | 1x Pro-Bowl (95) | 1995 Comeback Player of the Year
Andrew Luck (2012-2018) | Record: 53-33 | 60.8 Cmp% | 23,671 Yds | 171 TD | 83 Int | 1,590 Rush Yds | 14 Rush TD | Led League in TD 2014 (40) | 4x Pro-Bowl (12, 13, 14, 18) | 2018 Comeback Player of the Year

RB: Edgerrin James (1999-2005)

Manning's long-time teammate, Edgerrin James gets the first spot at running back for the All-Time Colts. James spent seven seasons in Indianapolis, rushing for over 1,000 yards in five of them, including leading the league twice. He also led the league in yards from scrimmage once and combined rushing and receiving touchdowns once. His best season was 2000, when he had 1,700 yards rushing and 13 touchdowns. James is the franchise leader in yards and touchdowns and was named to four Pro-Bowls and the 1999 All-Pro Team. He was the 1999 Offensive Rookie of the Year, named to the Hall of Fame All-2000s Team and inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2020.

RB: Lenny Moore (1956-1967)

The next running back for the All-Time Colts is Lenny Moore. Moore may be the best dual threat running back in NFL history. He spent 12 seasons with the Colts, racking up over 5,000 yards rushing and 6,000 yards receiving. Moore led the league in rushing touchdowns once, yards per attempt four times, yards per touch six times, yards from scrimmage once and combined rushing and receiving touchdowns twice. He was named to seven Pro-Bowls and five All-Pro Teams. Moore was named to the Hall of Fame All-1950s Team and inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1975. Marshall Faulk and Eric Dickerson surprisingly spent some great seasons with the Colts, although they are both more remembered for their years with the Rams.

Honorable Mentions

Alan Ameche (1955-1960) | 4.2 Yds/A | 4,045 Yds | 40 TD | 101 Rec | 733 Rec Yds | 4 Rec TD | Led League in Yds 1955 (961) | Led League in TD 1955 (9) | Led League in YScm 1955 (1,102) | Led League RRTD 1955 (9) | 4x Pro-Bowl (55, 56, 57, 58) | 1x All-Pro (55) | Hall of Fame All-1950s Team
Jerry Hill (1961-1970) | 3.8 Yds/A | 2,668 Yds | 22 TD | 117 Rec | 970 Rec Yds | 3 Rec TD
Tom Matte (1961-1972) | 3.9 Yds/A | 4,646 Yds | 45 TD | 249 Rec | 2,869 Rec Yds | 12 Rec TD | Led League in TD 1969 (11) | Led League in YScm 1969 (1,422) | Led League in RRTD 1969 (13) | 2x Pro-Bowl (68, 69) | 1x All-Pro (69)
Don McCauley (1971-1981) | 3.4 Yds/A | 2,627 Yds | 40 TD | 333 Rec | 3,026 Rec Yds | 17 Rec TD
Lydell Mitchell (1972-1977) | 3.9 Yds/A | 5,487 Yds | 27 TD | 298 Rec | 2,523 Rec Yds | 14 Rec TD | Led League in Rec 1974 and 1977 (72, 71) | 3x Pro-Bowl (75, 76, 77)
Eric Dickerson (1987-1991) | 4.1 Yds/A | 5,194 Yds | 32 TD | 138 Rec | 1,082 Rec Yds | 3 Rec TD | Led League in Yds 1988 (1,659) | Led League in Yds/G 1988 (103.7) | Led League in YScm 1988 (2,036) | 3x Pro-Bowl (87, 88, 89) | 2x All-Pro (87, 88) | Hall of Fame All-1980s Team | Hall of Fame Class 1999
Marshall Faulk (1994-1998) | 3.8 Yds/A | 5,320 Yds | 42 TD | 297 Rec | 2,804 Rec Yds | 9 Rec TD | Led League in YScm 1998 (2,227) | 3x Pro-Bowl (94, 95, 98) | 1994 Offensive Rookie of the Year | Hall of Fame Class 2011
Joseph Addai (2006-2011) | 4.1 Yds/A | 4,453 Yds | 39 TD | 191 Rec | 1,448 Rec Yds | 9 Rec TD | 1x Pro-Bowl (07)
Jonathan Taylor (2020-Present) | 5.3 Yds/A | 2,980 Yds | 29 TD | 76 Rec | 659 Rec Yds | 3 Rec TD | Led League in Yds 2021 (1,811) | Led League in TD 2021 (18) | Led League in Yds/G 2021 (106.5) | Led League in YScm 2021 (2,171) | Led League in RRTD 2021 (20) | 1x Pro-Bowl (21) | 1x All-Pro (21)

WR: Marvin Harrison (1996-2008)

Marvin Harrison and Peyton Manning made the greatest quarterback to wide receiver duo in NFL history, so it's no surprise to see Harrison here. He had at least 1,100 yards and 10 touchdowns in eight different seasons, including leading the league in yards twice, receptions twice, and touchdowns once. Harrison is the franchise leader in receptions, yards and touchdowns. He was voted to eight Pro-Bowls and three All-Pro Teams. Harrison currently ranks fifth all time in receptions, ninth all time in yards and fifth all time in touchdowns in NFL history. He was named to the Hall of Fame All-2000s Team and inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2016.

WR: Raymond Berry (1955-1967)

Before Manning to Harrison, there was Unitas to Berry. Raymond Berry was one of the greatest wide receivers of his era, leading the league in receptions three times, yards three times, touchdowns twice, yards per game twice and combined rushing and receiving touchdowns once. Berry had at least 600 yards in 11 seasons and had at least 10 touchdowns twice. His best season came in 1960 when he had 74 receptions for 1,298 yards and 10 touchdowns. At retirement he was first all time in receptions and yards and fourth all time in touchdowns. Berry won two championships with colts and was selected to six Pro-Bowls and three All-Pro Teams. He was named to the Hall of Fame All-1950s Team and inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1973.

WR: Reggie Wayne (2001-2014)

1,070 Rec | 14,345 Yds | 82 TD | Led League in Yds 2007 (1,510) | Led League in Yds/Touch 2007 and 2010 (14.4, 12.2) | 6x Pro-Bowl (06, 07, 08, 09, 10, 12) | 1x All-Pro (10)

Rounding out the wide receivers is Reggie Wayne. Wayne and Harrison combined to make the most prolific pass catching duo in NFL history. From 2001-2014, Wayne racked up over 1,000 receptions, 14,000 yards and 80 touchdowns. He led the league in yards in 2007 and in yards per touch in 2007 and 2010. He currently ranks 10th in receptions and yards in NFL history. Wayne was also voted to six Pro-Bowls and one All-Pro Team.

Honorable Mentions

Jim Mutscheller (1954-1961) | 220 Rec | 3,684 Yds | 40 TD | Led League in TD 1957 (8) | 1x Pro-Bowl (57)
Jimmy Orr (1961-1970) | 303 Rec | 5,859 Yds | 50 TD | Led League in Yds/Rec 1964 and 1968 (21.7, 25.6) | 1x Pro-Bowl (65) | 1x All-Pro (65)
Willie Richardson (1963-1969) | 188 Rec | 2,883 Yds | 24 TD | 1x Pro-Bowl (67) | 1x All-Pro (67)
Glenn Doughty (1972-1979) | 219 Rec | 3,547 Yds | 24 TD
Roger Carr (1974-1981) | 254 Rec | 4,770 Yds | 29 TD | Led League in Yds 1976 (1,112) | Led League in Yds/Rec 1976 (25.9) | Led League in Yds/G 1976 (79.4) | 1x Pro-Bowl (76)
Bill Brooks (1986-1992) | 411 Rec | 5,818 Yds | 28 TD
T.Y. Hilton (2012-Present) | 631 Rec | 9,691 Yds | 53 TD | Led League in Yds 2016 (1,448) | 4x Pro-Bowl (14, 15, 16, 17)

TE: John Mackey (1963-1971)

320 Rec | 5,126 Yds | 38 TD | 5x Pro-Bowl (63, 65, 66, 67, 68) | 3x All-Pro (66, 67, 68) | Hall of Fame All-1960s Team | Hall of Fame Class 1992

John Mackey makes this maybe the best set of pass catchers of all of the All-Time Teams. Mackey had over 5,000 yards and just under 40 touchdowns in his nine seasons with the Colts. Look up some highlights of John Mackey and you'll see one of the most powerful runners of all time, this guy refused to go down. He was voted to five Pro-Bowls, three All-Pro Teams and the Hall of Fame All-1960s Team. Mackey was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1992, cementing himself as one of the greatest tight ends to ever live.

Honorable Mentions

Ken Digler (1995-2001) | 261 Rec | 3,181 Yds | 18 TD | 1x Pro-Bowl (01)
Marcus Pollard (1995-2004) | 263 Rec | 3,391 Yds | 35 TD
Dallas Clark (2003-2011) | 427 Rec | 4,887 Yds | 46 TD | 1x Pro-Bowl (09) | 1x All-Pro (09)
Jack Doyle (2013-Present) | 295 Rec | 2,729 Yds | 24 TD | 2x Pro-Bowl (17, 19)

OT: Jim Parker (1957-1967)

Started 133 of 135 Games | 8x Pro-Bowl (58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65) | 8x All-Pro (58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65) | Hall of Fame All-1950s Team | Hall of Fame Class 1973

First up on the offensive line is Hall of Famer Jim Parker. Parker started in over 130 games with the Colts, including starting every game in nine seasons. He was a key member on the offensive line for two championship winning teams and was voted to eight Pro-Bowls and eight All-Pro Teams. Parker was also named to the Hall of Fame All-1950s Team and inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1973.

OT: Bob Vogel (1963-1972)

Started 140 of 140 Games | 5x Pro-Bowl (64, 65, 67, 68, 71) | 1x All-Pro (69)

Bob Vogel gets the nod for the other offensive tackle position. He never missed a game in his 10 seasons with the Colts, starting 140 straight games. Vogel was named to five Pro-Bowls and one All-Pro Team as well as winning one NFL Championship and one Super Bowl. He deserves more consideration from the Hall of Fame. Chris Hinton is a close second for this spot, making six Pro-Bowls, but he only started every game in two seasons.

Honorable Mentions

George Preas (1955-1965) | Started 126 of 140 Games
George Kunz (1975-1980) | Started 47 of 50 Games | 3x Pro-Bowl (75, 76, 77) | 1x All-Pro (75)
Chris Hinton (1983-1989) | Started 92 of 94 Games | 6x Pro-Bowl (83, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89)
Kevin Call (1984-1993) | Started 87 of 130 Games
Adam Meadows (1997-2003) | Started 96 of 103 Games
Tarik Glenn (1997-2006) | Started 154 of 154 Games | 3x Pro-Bowl (04, 05, 06)
Ryan Diem (2001-2011) | Started 150 of 157 Games
Anthony Castonzo (2011-2020) | Started 144 of 144 Games

OG: Quenton Nelson (2018-Present)

Started 61 of 61 Games | 4x Pro-Bowl (18, 19, 20, 21) | 3x All-Pro (18, 19, 20)

The Colts don't have many players at the offensive guard position that have made it to a Pro-Bowl or All-Pro Team so it should be no surprise that I'm going with Quenton Nelson, even though he's only played in three seasons. Nelson has started every game of his career and been voted to the Pro-Bowl and All-Pro Team in all three seasons. He's consistently been the best offensive lineman in the league and is well on his way to a Hall of Fame career.

OG: Alex Sandusky (1954-1966)

Started 165 of 166 Games

Alex Sandusky never made a Pro-Bowl or All-Pro Team, but he gets the nod over a few players who did for his longevity. Sandusky started over 160 games with the Colts, including starting every game in 10 seasons. He also won two championships with the Colts. Art Spinney and Ron Solt each made at least one Pro-Bowl, but they started and played in far fewer games.

Honorable Mentions

Art Spinney (1953-1960) | Started 91 of 93 Games | 2x Pro-Bowl (59, 60)
Dan Sullivan (1962-1972) | Started 90 of 140 Games
Glen Ressler (1965-1974) | Started 98 of 125 Games
Robert Pratt (1974-1981) | Started 99 of 118 Games
Ken Huff (1975-1982) | Started 79 of 102 Games
Ben Utt (1982-1989) | Started 95 of 110 Games
Ron Solt (1984-1988, 1992) | Started 71 of 72 Games | 1x Pro-Bowl (87)
Randy Dixon (1987-1995) | Started 110 of 118 Games

C: Jeff Saturday (1999-2011)

Started 188 of 197 Games | 5x Pro-Bowl (05, 06, 07, 09, 10) | 2x All-Pro (05, 07)

Jeff Saturday is clear choice at center for the All-Time Colts. He started almost 190 games with the Colts from 1999-2011, being named to five Pro-Bowls and two All-Pro Teams. Saturday started every game in 10 seasons and won a Super Bowl with the Colts in 2006. I expect Saturday to one day make the Hall of Fame. Dick Szymanski and Ray Donaldson also had great careers with the Colts.

Honorable Mentions

Buzz Nutter (1954-1960, 1965) | Started 79 of 97 Games
Dick Szymanski (1955-1968) | Started 128 of 157 Games | 3x Pro-Bowl (55, 62, 64)
Bill Curry (1967-1972) | Started 70 of 81 Games | 2x Pro-Bowl (71, 72)
Ken Mendenhall (1971-1980) | Started 117 of 143 Games
Ray Donaldson (1980-1992) | Started 168 of 184 Games | 4x Pro-Bowl (86, 87, 88, 89)
Ryan Kelly (2016-Present) | Started 80 of 80 Games | 2x Pro-Bowl (19, 20)

DE: Gino Marchetti (1953-1966)

First up on the defensive side of the ball is defensive end Gino Marchetti. Marchetti is one of the greatest defensive ends in NFL history. He played with the Colts from 1953-1966, racking up 56 sacks. In reality Marchetti has many more sacks, due to Pro-Football-Reference only counting sacks since 1960. Marchetti led the league in sacks in 1960 with 11 and was voted to 11 straight Pro-Bowls from 1954-1964. He was also named All-Pro seven times and was the leader on defense for two NFL Championship winning teams. He was named to the Hall of Fame All-1950s Team and inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1972.

DE: Dwight Freeney (2002-2012)

The other defensive end is Dwight Freeney. Freeney spent 11 seasons with the Colts, racking up over 40 forced fumbles and 100 sacks. He had at least 10 sacks in seven seasons, including leading the league in 2004. He also led the league in forced fumbles and tackles for loss one time each as well. Freeney was named to seven Pro-Bowls, three All-Pro Teams and the Hall of Fame All-2000s Team. I expect Freeney to be inducted into the Hall of Fame one day.

Honorable Mentions

Don Joyce (1954-1960) | 1 Int | 5 FR | 1x Pro-Bowl (58)
Ordell Braase (1957-1968) | 7 FR | 79 Sk | 2x Pro-Bowl (66, 67)
Roy Hilton (1965-1973) | 1 Int | 6 FR | 34 Sk
Bubba Smith (1967-1971) | 3 FR | 43 Sk | 2x Pro-Bowl (70, 71) | 1x All-Pro (71)
John Dutton (1974-1978) | 6 FR | 46.5 Sk | Led League in Sk 1975 (17) | 3x Pro-Bowl (75, 76, 77) | 1x All-Pro (76)
Fred Cook (1974-1980) | 2 Int | 14 FR | 56 Sk
Donnell Thompson (1981-1991) | 8 FR | 41 Sk
Jon Hand (1986-1994) | 1 Int | 1 FF | 7 FR | 35.5 Sk | 539 Tackles
Raheem Brock (2002-2009) | 12 FF | 15 FR | 28.5 Sk | 303 Tackles | 45 TFL

DT: Art Donovan (1953-1961)

Art Donovan is the next Hall of Famer on the defensive line for the All-Time Colts. Donovan started every game in seven seasons with the Colts, winning two NFL Championships. We don't have many defensive stats since he played mostly in the 1950s, but he was voted to five Pro-Bowls, four All-Pro Teams and the Hall of Fame All-1950s Team, so it's safe to say he was dominant. Donovan was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1968.

DT: Fred Miller (1963-1972)

10 FR | 52 Sk | 3x Pro-Bowl (67, 68, 69)

Fred Miller was a solid defensive tackle for the Colts for 10 seasons. He had at least five sacks in six seasons and had a career high 10 sacks in 1964. Miller was voted to three straight Pro-Bowls from 1967-1969 and won a Super Bowl with the Colts in 1970. Gene "Big Daddy" Lipscomb was great with the Colts, but he only played five seasons with them, so I gave Miller the edge.

Honorable Mentions

Gene Lipscomb (1956-1960) | 1 Int | 4 FR | 6 Sk | 2x Pro-Bowl (58, 59) | 2x All-Pro (58, 59)
Billy Ray Smith (1961-1970) | 1 Int | 13 FR | 61 Sk
Joe Ehrmann (1973-1980) | 1 Int | 2 FR | 38.5 Sk
Mike Barnes (1973-1981) | 4 FR | 44.5 Sk | 1x Pro-Bowl (77)
Tony McCoy (1992-1999) | 3 FF | 3 FR | 23 Sk | 312 Tackles
Tony Siragusa (1990-1996) | 4 FF | 5 FR | 16.5 Sk | 405 Tackles
Ellis Johnson (1995-2001) | 2 Int | 4 FF | 3 FR | 33 Sk | 270 Tackles | 20 TFL

LB: Robert Mathis (2003-2016)

1 Int | 54 FF | 17 FR | 123 Sk | 408 Tackles | 108 TFL | Led League in FF 2004, 2005 and 2013 (6, 8, 10) | Led League in Sk 2013 (19.5) | 5x Pro-Bowl (08, 09, 10, 12, 13) | 1x All-Pro (13)

The first linebacker for the All-Time Colts is Robert Mathis. Mathis was great during his career, and I believe deserves to be a Hall of Famer. He played both the defensive end and linebacker positions, but his best seasons came at linebacker. Mathis is the franchise leader in sacks and forced fumbles. He led the league in forced fumbles three different times and led the league in sacks in 2013. Mathis had at least five forced fumbles and 10 sacks in five seasons and was voted to five Pro-Bowls and one All-Pro Team. His 54 forced fumbles are the most in NFL history and he also won a Super Bowl in 2006. Sounds like a Hall of Fame resume.

LB: Darius Leonard (2018-Present)

11 Int | 17 FF | 7 FR | 15 Sk | 538 Tackles | 30 TFL | Led League in FF 2021 (8) | Led League in Tackles 2018 (163) | Led League in Solo Tackles 2018 (111) | 3x Pro-Bowl (19, 20, 21) | 4x All-Pro (18, 19, 20, 21) | 2018 Defensive Rookie of the Year

Darius Leonard has already established himself as one of the best linebackers in Colt's history in just three seasons of play. Leonard already has over 400 tackles and led the league in the category in 2018 with 163. He also led the league in solo tackles that same season with 111. Leonard was voted to the Pro-Bowl in 2019, 2020 and 2021 and the All-Pro Team from 2018-2021, as well as being named the Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2018. If he can stay healthy throughout his career, he'll end up with a gold jacket.

LB: Mike Curtis (1965-1975)

21 Int | 8 FR | 16.5 Sk | 4x Pro-Bowl (68, 70, 71, 74) | 2x All-Pro (68, 69)

Rounding out the linebackers is Mike Curtis. Curtis spent 11 seasons with the Colts, intercepting 21 passes and sacking the quarterback over 15 times. He was named to the Pro-Bowl four times and the All-Pro Team two times. Ted Hendricks, like Faulk and Dickerson, had great years with the Colts, but is better remembered for his play with another team.

Honorable Mentions

Bill Pellington (1953-1964) | 21 Int | 14 FR | 9.5 Sk
Don Shinnick (1957-1969) | 37 Int | 9 FR | Led League in Int 1959 (7) | 12.5 Sk
Ted Hendricks (1969-1973) | 11 Int | 5 FR | 18 Sk | 3x Pro-Bowl (71, 72, 73) | 1x All-Pro (71) | Hall of Fame All-1970s Team | Hall of Fame Class 1990
Stan White (1972-1979) | 25 Int | 12 FR | 25.5 Sk
Barry Krauss (1979-1988) | 6 Int | 16 FR | 9 Sk
Duane Bickett (1985-1993) | 9 Int | 8 FF | 14 FR | 50 Sk | 1,052 Tackles | 1x Pro-Bowl (87) | 1985 Defensive Rookie of the Year
Jeff Herrod (1988-1996, 1998) | 5 Int | 6 FF | 4 FR | 14.5 Sk | 1,149 Tackles
Gary Brackett (2003-2011) | 12 Int | 5 FF | 3 FR | 4 Sk | 712 Tackles | 21 TFL

CB: Bobby Boyd (1960-1968)

Starting off the secondary is Bobby Boyd. Boyd is the franchise leader in interceptions with a whopping 57. He led the league in interceptions in 1965 with nine and had at least six interceptions in seven seasons. Boyd was named to two Pro-Bowls and three All-Pro Teams, as well as the Hall of Fame All-1960s Team. He also won a championship, so I'm not really sure what Hall of Fame voters are waiting on.

CB: Milt Davis (1957-1960)

27 Int | 4 FR | Led League in Int 1957 and 1959 (10, 7) | 1x All-Pro (57)

Milt Davis only played for four seasons, but he was dominant to say the least. He intercepted 27 passes in those four seasons, including leading the league in both 1957 and 1959. He was also voted to the All-Pro Team in 1957 and won two NFL Championships. He had a careers worth of stats and accolades in just four seasons. The Colts are not especially deep at the position, so those great four seasons are enough to make the All-Time Team.

Honorable Mentions

Lenny Lyles (1958, 1961-1969) | 16 Int | 11 FR | 1x Pro-Bowl (66)
Eugene Daniel (1984-1996) | 35 Int | 2 FF | 6 FR | 2 Sk | 744 Tackles
Vontae Davis (2012-2017) | 13 Int | 2 FF | 1 FR | 1 Sk | 245 Tackles | 5 TFL | 2x Pro-Bowl (14, 15)

S: Bob Sanders (2004-2010)

6 Int | 2 FF | 4 FR | 3.5 Sk | 295 Tackles | 10 TFL | 2x Pro-Bowl (05, 07) | 2x All-Pro (05, 07) | 2007 Defensive Player of the Year

Bob Sanders could have been an all-time great if it wasn't for injuries. He played for the Colts for seven seasons, but only managed to play in over 10 games twice. Though, in those two seasons he was the best safety in the league, being named to the Pro-Bowl and All-Pro Teams in both seasons and the Defensive Player of the Year in 2007.

S: Rick Volk (1967-1975)

31 Int | 12 FR | 1 Sk | 3x Pro-Bowl (67, 69, 71) | 1x All-Pro (71)

The last member of the Colts secondary is Rick Volk. Volk spent nine seasons with the Colts, intercepting 31 passes and recovering 12 fumbles. He had at least four interceptions in six seasons and was voted three Pro-Bowls and the 1971 All-Pro Team. Volk also won a Super Bowl in 1970. Bert Rechichar, Andy Nelson, Jerry Logan and Antoine Bethea all great years with the Colts as well.

Honorable Mentions

Bert Rechichar (1953-1959) | 24 Int | 8 FR | 3x Pro-Bowl (55, 56, 57)
Andy Nelson (1957-1963) | 32 Int | 3 FR | 1 Sk | 1x Pro-Bowl (60) | 1x All-Pro (59)
Jerry Logan (1963-1972) | 34 Int | 13 FR | 2 Sk | 3x Pro-Bowl (65, 70, 71)
Bruce Lairdi (1972-1981) | 19 Int | 17 FR | 4 Sk | 1x Pro-Bowl (72)
Nesby Glasgow (1979-1987) | 12 Int | 10 FR | 4.5 Sk
Jason Belser (1992-2000) | 13 Int | 7 FF | 10 FR | 9 Sk | 785 Tackles
Antoine Bethea (2006-2013) | 14 Int | 5 FF | 4 FR | 3.5 Sk | 805 Tackles | 16 TFL | 2x Pro-Bowl (07, 09)

K: Adam Vinatieri (2006-2019)

How is Adam Vinatieri the All-Time Colts kicker and not the All-Time Patriots!? Hear me out. Vinatieri spent four more seasons in Indianapolis than New England, has a better field goal percentage with the Colts and is the franchise leader in points, which he isn't in New England. I know, I know, but the Super Bowls! Well, I'm looking at a player's whole career with a team and Stephen Gostkowski actually has better stats and accolades which will be explained more in the Patriots All-Time Team article. Vinatieri was named to one Pro-Bowl and one All-Pro Team with the Colts and named to the Hall of Fame All-2000s Team. He will surely be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Side note, Mike Vanderjagt arguably had the best single season ever for a kicker when he made 37 of 37 field goals in 2003.

Honorable Mentions

Toni Linhart (1974-1979) | 60.3 FG% | 45 Long | 394 Points | Led League in Points 1976 (109) | 2x Pro-Bowl (76, 77)
Dean Biasucci (1984-1994) | 70.4 FG% | 56 Long | 783 Points | Led League in FG% 1987 (88.9%) | Led League in Long 1988 (53)
Mike Vanderjagt (1998-2005) | 87.5 FG% | 54 Long | 995 Points | Led League FG% 2003 (100%) | Led League in Points 1999 (145) | 1x Pro-Bowl (03) | 1x All-Pro (03)

P: Rohn Stark (1982-1994)

Rohn Stark is one of the greatest punters to ever play the game. He spent 13 seasons with the Colts from 1982-1994, leading the league in punt yards once and yards per punt three times. He was named to four Pro-Bowls and the 1983 All-Pro Team. Pat McAfee was also great with the Colts and is maybe the best tackling punter ever.

Honorable Mentions

David Lee (1966-1978) | 34,019 Punt Yds | 76 Long | 40.6 Yds/Punt | Led League in Long 1971 (76) | Led League in Yds/Punt 1966 and 1969 (45.6, 45.3)
Hunter Smith (1999-2008) | 25,038 Punt Yds | 69 Long | 43.4 Yds/Punt
Pat McAfee (2009-2016) | 26,653 Punt Yds | 74 Long | 46.4 Yds/Punt | Led League in Yds/Punt 2016 (49.3) | 2x Pro-Bowl (14, 16) | 1x All-Pro (14)

Returner: Clarence Verdin (1988-1993)

Clarence Verdin is somewhat forgotten in NFL history, but he was a great returner for the Colts for six seasons. He led the league in punt return touchdowns twice, in yards per punt return once, in kick return yards once and kick return touchdowns once. He was also voted to the Pro-Bowl in both 1990 and 1992.

Honorable Mentions

Terrence Wilkins (1999-2001, 2003, 2006) | 1,062 Punt Rt Yds | 3 Punt Rt TD | 8.9 Yds/Punt Rt | 4,017 Kick Rt Yds | 1 Kick Rt TD | 22.8 Yds/Kick Rt

Head Coach: Tony Dungy (2002-2008)

Regular Season: 85-27 | 75.9 W-L% | Playoffs: 7-6 | 2006 Super Bowl Champion | Hall of Fame Class 2016

Finally at the head coach position is Tony Dungy. Dungy is the franchise leader in wins with 85 and won over 75% of his games. His "worst" season with the Colts was his first when he went 10-6 and made the playoffs. After that season he won at least 12 games every year. He never missed the playoffs and won the Super Bowl in 2006. Like so many other players on this team, Weeb Ewbank and Don Shula had great years with the Colts, but are better remembered for their times with other teams.

Honorable Mentions

Weeb Ewbank (1954-1962) | Regular Season: 59-52-1 | 53.2 W-L% | Playoffs: 2-0 | 1958 Coach of the Year | 1958 and 1959 NFL Champion | Hall of Fame Class 1978
Don Shula (1963-1969) | Regular Season: 71-23-4 | 75.5 W-L% | Playoffs: 2-3 | 1964, 1967 and 1968 Coach of the Year | 1968 NFL Champion | 1964 NFL Championship Appearance | Hall of Fame Class 1997
Don McCafferty (1970-1972) | Regular Season: 22-10-1 | 68.8 W-L% | Playoffs: 4-1 | 1970 Super Bowl Champion
Ted Marchibroda (1975-1979, 1992-1995) | Regular Season: 71-67 | 51.4 W-L% | Playoffs: 2-4 | 1975 Coach of the Year
Jim Caldwell (2009-2011) | Regular Season: 26-22 | 54.2 W-L% | Playoffs: 2-2 | 2009 AFC Champion
Chuck Pagano (2012-2017) | Regular Season: 53-43 | 55.2 W-L% | Playoffs: 3-3

All-Time Teams: Indianapolis Colts

Indianapolis Colts All-Time Team

QB: Peyton Manning (1998-2010)

RB: Edgerrin James (1999-2005)

RB: Lenny Moore (1956-1967)

WR: Marvin Harrison (1996-2008)

WR: Raymond Berry (1955-1967)

WR: Reggie Wayne (2001-2014)

TE: John Mackey (1963-1971)

OT: Jim Parker (1957-1967)

OT: Bob Vogel (1963-1972)

OG: Quenton Nelson (2018-Present)

OG: Alex Sandusky (1954-1966)

C: Jeff Saturday (1999-2011)

DE: Gino Marchetti (1953-1966)

DE: Dwight Freeney (2002-2012)

DT: Art Donovan (1953-1961)

DT: Fred Miller (1963-1972)

LB: Robert Mathis (2003-2016)

LB: Darius Leonard (2018-Present)

LB: Mike Curtis (1965-1975)

CB: Bobby Boyd (1960-1968)

CB: Milt Davis (1957-1960)

S: Bob Sanders (2004-2010)

S: Rick Volk (1967-1975)

K: Adam Vinatieri (2006-2019)

P: Rohn Stark (1982-1994)

Returner: Clarence Verdin (1988-1993)

Head Coach: Tony Dungy (2002-2008)

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