Indianapolis Colts · Franchise era 2 of 7
From upset to Super Bowl V: the Indianapolis Colts story
Franchise era
1963—1971
From upset to Super Bowl V
Indianapolis Colts
The story in one sentence
Baltimore's 1968 juggernaut suffered the league's most famous upset, then a veteran defense responded by winning Super Bowl V two years later.
A powerhouse absorbs one loss and wins another way
Johnny Unitas, John Mackey and Mike Curtis gave the era its recognizable core.
Its ending created the conditions for baltimore's final chapter.
Timeline
How it unfolded
Before 1963
What came before
Unitas's timing with Berry and a dominant defense won back-to-back championships, beginning with the 1958 overtime title game that helped popularize the NFL.
1969-01-12
Super Bowl: Baltimore Colts vs New York Jets
1971-01-03
Conference Championship: Oakland Raiders vs Baltimore Colts
1971-01-17
Super Bowl: Baltimore Colts vs Dallas Cowboys
After 1971
What came next
Jones's MVP-level peak produced three straight division titles before injuries, instability and stadium conflict preceded the move to Indianapolis.
The core