Legendary Quarterbacks of the Indianapolis Colts: A Historical Overview

By Jason Bolton September 05, 2024 05:16

Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

In the eyes of many, there isn't a more important position in all of football than the quarterback. From the days of Johnny Unitas on through to Peyton Manning and Andrew Luck, not only have these players built one memorable moment after another for Colts' lore, but their footprints lines have impacted the entire realm of the NFL. Here is a complete look at these greats, including their careers, playing styles, and what they meant to the Colts and league.

Johnny Unitas

A member of the Colts from 1956 on, Unitas began to draw accolades as a passer almost immediately for his trademark downfield heaves and leadership.

Career Achievements

NFL Championships: Unitas helped the Colts win three NFL championships in 1958, 1959, and 1968.
Most Valuable Player (MVP): He won the MVP award in 1959, 1964, and 1967.
Pro Bowl Appearances: 10

Playing Style and Impact

With his quick release, strong arm, and uncanny ability to read defenses, Unitas was the first of the modern quarterbacks. He also set a precedent for other generations of quarterbacks, calling more audibles and having a greater command at the line than ever before.

Peyton Manning

The Colts drafted Peyton Manning with the first overall in 1998, and he is considered an all-time great. His stint with the Colts turned them into a perennial powerhouse and set new standards for quarterbacks.

Career Achievements

Victory in Super Bowl: The signal-caller led Indianapolis to a 2007 win over the Chicago Bears (29-17), earning MVP honors for his efforts.
He was also the league's MVP five times, which is an NFL record.
Career Pro Bowl: 14

Playing Style and Impact

The way Manning dissected defenses with his mind, spending long hours in the film room and reaching new levels of communication on-field by barking out audibles during plays, led to a transformation at quarterback. He had a mind that could slice defenses and arms to deliver accurate passes, and his playmaking ability made Colt's offense among the most prolific in NFL history.

The Colts became one of the more successful franchises in the NFL during Manning's tenure, as they made eight division championships and two Super Bowl appearances. He holds the Indianapolis Colts' career records for passing yards 54,828 and touchdowns thrown with 399. That's the effect Manning had on the game, and we can see it in how today's quarterbacks manage the mental side of their position.

Andrew Luck

Andrew Luck was drafted first overall in 2012, a year after Peyton Manning's departure from Indy. Though injuries stunted his career, Luck still left an indelible impact on the Colts and the league.

Career Achievements

Pro Bowl: Luck was a 4X Pro Bowler in his career.
NFL Comeback Player Of The Year in 2018

Playing Style and Impact

The amazing throws and unbelievable TDs that defined Andrew Luck's career. Obviously, he had the leadership and resiliency, as noted by his countless fourth-quarter come-from-behind victories, game-winning drives, etc.

While his career was cut short, Luck will forever be remembered in Indy. He took the team to the playoffs four times in his seven seasons, including a trip to the AFC Championship Game in 2014. He threw for 23,671 yards and 171 touchdowns across his entire career, showing his talent.

The Transformation of the Quarterback Position in Colts Culture

One of the first teams to adapt to this evolutionary quarterback process in the NFL, though on a non-exclusive basis, has been witnessed where the Indianapolis Colts are concerned. From Unitas' indomitable spirit to Manning's cerebral mastery and Luck's multi-dimensional athleticism, idealism within this spot has always drawn closer.

Influence on Team Success

The team became a powerhouse under Unitas in the late 1950s and 1960s, while the Colts arguably were the best franchise in the 2000s and won it all during Manning's tenure. Luck's stint was brief but in the tradition of good quarterbacking translating into team success.

Broader Impact on the NFL

The influence of the Colts' quarterbacks has even stretched across the greater NFL landscape. Although the league had relied heavily on running for so many years, Unitas' emphasis on the passing game largely changed that trend in favor of a more balanced offensive approach. Manning's pre-snap adjustments and audibles have become evident among quarterbacks in the league. At the same time, Luck has shown us what may be a glimpse into what is deemed more of a modern dual-threat quarterback.

The Colts have been fortunate to be blessed with franchise QBs such as Johnny Unitas, Peyton Manning, and most recently, Andrew Luck, each unique in their skill sets but all three great leaders both on and off the field. Their respective paths of success pave the way for future generations and ensure that quarterback remains a tradition at the highest level of excellence.