Old Time Colts Players

In 1953, the NFL’s Dallas Texans moved to Baltimore and became the Colts. The Colts played in Baltimore from 1953 through 1983, and then moved to Indianapolis, where they remain today. Though they’ve changed many players and even cities, some of the old-time players remain locked in Colts history.

When fans think of the old-time Colts players, the first name that comes to mind is Johnny Unitas. Unitas was drafted out of Louisville in 1955 and became the starting quarterback for the Colts in 1957. The Unitas legend is deep with Colt fans, since he led the team to the 1958 NFL championship over the New York Giants in sudden death overtime, in what was to be called the “Greatest Game Ever Played.” He also led the Colts to two Super Bowls, winning one.

When one thinks of old-time Colts players, who can forget the gutsy running of Tom Matte and Lenny Moore? Both backs helped the Colts win championships and though both were often overlooked by NFL All-Pro selections, their hard-running style leaves a lasting legacy in Colts history.

Art Donovan is an old-time player deep in Colts lore. He started his professional career with the Colts in 1950 and was named All-Pro for five straight years, starting in 1953. During his tenure with the Colts he was part of two championship teams.

Raymond Berry is one old-time player that fans can’t ignore. The receiver out of SMU played 12 seasons with the Colts and was named All-Pro six times. Berry’s greatest game was in the 1958 NFL championship against the New York Giants, in which he caught 12 passes for 178 yards and was instrumental in the final drive in overtime to beat the Giants.