Legends of the Horseshoe: Top 10 Indianapolis Colts of All Time
If you’re a fan of the Indianapolis Colts, you know their storied history is filled with standout players who have made significant contributions on the field. Consider the legendary quarterbacks Peyton Manning and Johnny Unitas, whose leadership and talents are undeniable.
Wide receivers like Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne lit up the field, and Edgerrin James left a trail of rushing records. But it’s not just about offensive power—defensive stalwarts like Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis played pivotal roles. As you unpack the Top 10 Indianapolis Colts of all time, you’ll surely find surprises and perhaps some familiar names. But who rounds out this exclusive list?
Table of Contents
1. Peyton Manning
- Years Played for Team: 1998-2011
- Position: Quarterback
- Height/Weight: 6’5″, 230 lbs
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Peyton Manning, famously known as “The Sheriff,” spent 13 prolific seasons with the Indianapolis Colts. As a quarterback, Manning revolutionized the position with his unmatched ability to read defenses and execute precise plays at the line of scrimmage.
His playing style was characterized by quick releases, pinpoint accuracy, and mental agility, making him a nightmare for defensive coordinators.
Manning’s leadership on and off the field revitalized the Colts, leading them to two Super Bowl appearances and securing a championship victory in Super Bowl XLI. His legacy is cemented as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history.
- Accolades:
- Super Bowl Champion (XLI)
- 4x NFL Most Valuable Player (2003, 2004, 2008, 2009)
- 11x Pro Bowl selection
- 5x First-team All-Pro
- NFL Offensive Player of the Year (2004)
- NFL’s All-Decade Team (2000s)
- Most passing touchdowns in a season (2004, NFL record at the time)
- Indianapolis Colts Ring of Honor inductee
- Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee (2021)
2. Johnny Unitas
- Years Played for Indianapolis Colts: 1956–1972
- Position: Quarterback
- Height/Weight: 6’1″ / 194 lbs
Johnny Unitas is often considered one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, renowned for his innovation and leadership on the field. Playing with the Indianapolis Colts for 17 seasons, Unitas revolutionized the passing game with his precise throws and cerebral approach.
His signature moment came in the 1958 NFL Championship Game, famously dubbed “The Greatest Game Ever Played,” where he led the Colts to victory in the first-ever sudden-death overtime. Unitas’ legacy is etched in his impact on the quarterback position, laying the groundwork for future generations of signal-callers with his poise and skill.
- Accolades:
- Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1979)
- 3× NFL MVP (1959, 1964, 1967)
- 10× Pro Bowl selection
- NFL Champion (1958, 1959)
- Member of the NFL 75th and 100th Anniversary All-Time Teams
- Held the record for consecutive games with a touchdown pass (47) until 2012
3. Marvin Harrison
- Years Played for the Team: 1996-2008
- Position: Wide Receiver
- Height/Weight: 6’0″, 185 lbs
Marvin Harrison established himself as one of the most prolific wide receivers in Indianapolis Colts history. Playing alongside quarterback Peyton Manning, Harrison’s precise route-running and dependable hands made him a formidable threat.
Known for his quiet demeanor off the field and explosive performance on it, Harrison broke records with his ability to make difficult catches seem effortless.
His 2002 season was especially remarkable, with a record-breaking 143 receptions, setting a standard for future wide receivers. Harrison’s legacy with the Colts is cemented as a key player who contributed considerably to their offensive success during his tenure.
- Accolades:
- Super Bowl XLI Champion (2007)
- 8× Pro Bowl selection (1999-2006)
- 3× First-team All-Pro (1999, 2002, 2006)
- NFL 2000s All-Decade Team
- Indianapolis Colts Ring of Honor
- Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (2016)
- 1,102 career receptions
- 14,580 receiving yards
- 128 receiving touchdowns
4. Reggie Wayne
- Years Played for Team: 2001-2014
- Position: Wide Receiver
- Height/Weight: 6 ft 0 in, 203 lbs
Reggie Wayne carved out a remarkable career with the Indianapolis Colts, becoming one of the most reliable wide receivers in the NFL. Known for his precise route running and secure hands, Wayne was a favorite target for quarterback Peyton Manning.
His consistency and ability to perform in high-pressure situations earned him a reputation as a clutch performer.
With over 14,000 receiving yards and 82 touchdowns, Wayne was essential in the Colts’ offensive dominance during the 2000s. His number 87 has become iconic among Colts fans as a symbol of excellence and dedication.
- Accolades:
- Super Bowl XLI Champion
- 6× Pro Bowl selection (2006-2010, 2012)
- 1× First-team All-Pro (2010)
- 2× Second-team All-Pro (2007, 2009)
- Indianapolis Colts Ring of Honor inductee
- Over 14,345 receiving yards and 82 touchdowns
- Ranked 10th all-time in NFL receiving yards at retirement
5. Edgerrin James
- Years Played for Team: 1999-2005
- Position: Running Back
- Height/Weight: 6’0″, 219 lbs
Edgerrin James made an indelible mark on the Indianapolis Colts with his dynamic blend of power and agility as a running back. Drafted in 1999, James immediately became a key offensive weapon, contributing both in rushing and receiving.
Known for his elusive running style and ability to break tackles, he energized the team’s offense and complemented quarterback Peyton Manning beautifully.
His tenure with the Colts saw him achieving numerous impressive milestones, including leading the NFL in rushing his first two seasons. James was pivotal in helping the Colts become perennial playoff contenders, solidifying his legacy as one of the franchise’s all-time greats.
- Accolades:
- 4x Pro Bowl selection (1999, 2000, 2004, 2005)
- 2x NFL rushing yards leader (1999, 2000)
- NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year (1999)
- Colts’ all-time leading rusher by the time of his departure
- Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2020
6. Raymond Berry
- Years played for said team: 1955-1967
- Position: Wide Receiver
- Height/Weight: 6’2″, 187 lbs
Raymond Berry was a cornerstone of the Baltimore Colts franchise (which later became the Indianapolis Colts) during his 13-year career. Known for his precise route-running and exceptional hands, Berry was an indispensable target for quarterback Johnny Unitas.
A meticulous student of the game, Berry transformed from a lightly regarded college player into a Hall of Famer, mastering the artistry of receiving.
A key figure in the 1958 NFL Championship, often dubbed “The Greatest Game Ever Played,” Berry recorded 12 catches for 178 yards and a touchdown. His attention to detail and professionalism set a standard for future generations of wide receivers.
- Accolades:
- 2× NFL Champion (1958, 1959)
- 6× Pro Bowl selection
- 3× First-team All-Pro
- NFL receiving yards leader (1957, 1959, 1960)
- Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (1973)
- NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
7. Lenny Moore
- Years played for the team: 1956-1967
- Position: Halfback/Wide Receiver
- Height/Weight: 6’1″, 191 lbs
Lenny Moore was an exceptionally versatile athlete who played primarily as a halfback and wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts during a career spanning 12 seasons. Renowned for his agility and speed, Moore revolutionized the role of the running back with his ability to excel as a receiver, amassing considerable yardage both on the ground and through the air.
His unique dual-threat capability was instrumental in the Colts’ offensive success through the late 1950s and early 1960s. Moore’s record-setting 18-game touchdown streak stands as a proof of his scoring prowess. Embodying excellence and consistency, Moore remains a cherished figure in Colts’ history.
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- Accolades:
- Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1975)
- NFL MVP (1964)
- 7× Pro Bowl selection
- 5× First-team All-Pro
- 2× NFL Champion (1958, 1959)
8. Dwight Freeney
- Years played for Indianapolis Colts: 2002-2012
- Position: Defensive End
- Height/Weight: 6’1″, 268 lbs
Dwight Freeney was a dominant force on the Indianapolis Colts’ defensive line, known for his exceptional speed and agility. Joining the team as a first-round draft pick in 2002, Freeney quickly established himself as one of the premier pass rushers in the NFL.
His signature spin move baffled offensive linemen and became a defining aspect of his playing style.
Freeney’s ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks was instrumental in the Colts’ 2006 Super Bowl victory. With a relentless pursuit and high-energy play, he left an indelible mark on the franchise, becoming an iconic figure in Colts history.
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- Accolades:
- 3× First-team All-Pro (2004, 2005, 2009)
- 7× Pro Bowl selection (2003-2005, 2008-2011)
- NFL sacks leader in 2004
- Member of the Indianapolis Colts Ring of Honor
- Super Bowl XLI Champion
9. Robert Mathis
- Years played for Indianapolis Colts: 2003-2016
- Position: Defensive End/Outside Linebacker
- Height/Weight: 6’2″ / 245 lbs
Robert Mathis was a dominant force on the Colts’ defensive line, renowned for his relentless pursuit of quarterbacks and his prowess in creating turnovers. Playing his entire 14-season career with Indianapolis, Mathis became the franchise’s all-time leader in sacks, epitomizing consistency and tenacity.
His playing style was characterized by explosive speed off the edge and an ability to strip the ball, leading the league in forced fumbles numerous times.
Key moments include his contributions to the Colts’ Super Bowl XLI victory and being named the AFC Defensive Player of the Year in 2013. Mathis’s legacy is marked by his indelible impact on the Colts’ defense over a decade, earning admiration for his work ethic and leadership.
- Accolades:
- All-Pro selection
- AFC Defensive Player of the Year (2013)
- NFL sacks leader (2013)
- Pro Bowl appearances
- Indianapolis Colts all-time leader in sacks
10. Art Donovan
- Years Played for Team: 1953-1961
- Position: Defensive Tackle
- Height/Weight: 6’2″/263 lbs
Art Donovan was one of the most dominant defensive tackles in the NFL during his time with the Indianapolis Colts, known then as the Baltimore Colts. A key figure in the team’s defensive line, Donovan’s sheer power and relentless pursuit made him a terror for opposing offenses.
His charismatic personality and larger-than-life presence off the field complemented his tenacity on it.
Donovan played an instrumental role in helping the Colts win two NFL Championships in 1958 and 1959. His legacy is that of a pioneering defensive force whose techniques and tenacity set a standard for future generations.
- Accolades:
- Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1968)
- NFL Champion (1958, 1959)
- 5-time Pro Bowl selection (1953-1957)
- 4-time First-team All-Pro (1954-1957)
