How Did You Become A ColtsFan?

[Gramz]

I do not, Gramz. Would like to hear it.

My oldest son was a freshman at Tennessee when Peyton was a Senior. We watched him play his senior year, then followed him to Indy. We had season tickets for a few years when they were still in the RCA Dome, then the grandkids started coming along and priorities changed somewhat.

We still manage to make it to a few games in Indy each year, and have been to see Peyton at least one game a season since he's been with Denver.

[ColtRider]

My oldest son was a freshman at Tennessee when Peyton was a Senior. We watched him play his senior year, then followed him to Indy. We had season tickets for a few years when they were still in the RCA Dome, then the grandkids started coming along and priorities changed somewhat.

We still manage to make it to a few games in Indy each year, and have been to see Peyton at least one game a season since he's been with Denver.

That's great, Gramz! Outta likes. These are the threads where doubling down would be great.

[BullsColtsFan1]

Nice stories and awesome thread.  I became a big football fan my freshman year in High School (2000) and I loved playing NFL Gameday with the Colts and I loved Marvin Harrison and Peyton Manning.  I became a fan instantly. 

[Hammer]

I was a Colts fan ever since I first saw Unitas throwing deep from his own end zone but beating the dreaded cowboys in Super Bowl IV just cemented the my love for the team.

Unitas' double tipped TD pass to Mackey was in SB V.  ;) 

[JlynRN]

I moved to Fort Wayne in 1984 when I started Nursing School there.  I must admit I never watched a whole lot of football growing up, altho I remember my dad and my 2 brothers watching football.  Anyway, since the Colts games were shown on sundays when I was in school I started watching them, and was intrigued by the horseshoe on the helmet  LOL.  I watched the games when I could, in between studying, classes, clinicals and working.  I guess that was the year that cemented me being a Colts fan.

 

My bucket list was always to see at least 1 Colts game in person, since my health is now not good.  My wish came true when I won 2 pre-season tickets several years ago. My nephew went with me to that game (he is also a huge Colts fan),  then my brother and sister-in-law actually went with me to the season opener  when Peyton was still playing.  We played Jacksonville that game and won of course  LOL.  My brother and sis in law had never been to a NFL game either, so it was a treat for all of us. BTW, my brother is a big green bay fan, can't fault him for that  

 

So that's my story of how my Colts fandom started, and I've been a die hard Colts fan since !!!

[JlynRN]

I moved to Fort Wayne in 1984 when I started Nursing School there.  I must admit I never watched a whole lot of football growing up, altho I remember my dad and my 2 brothers watching football.  Anyway, since the Colts games were shown on sundays when I was in school I started watching them, and was intrigued by the horseshoe on the helmet  LOL.  I watched the games when I could, in between studying, classes, clinicals and working.  I guess that was the year that cemented me being a Colts fan.

 

My bucket list was always to see at least 1 Colts game in person, since my health is now not good.  My wish came true when I won 2 pre-season tickets several years ago. My nephew went with me to that game (he is also a huge Colts fan),  then my brother and sister-in-law actually went with me to the season opener  when Peyton was still playing.  We played Jacksonville that game and won of course  LOL.  My brother and sis in law had never been to a NFL game either, so it was a treat for all of us. BTW, my brother is a big green bay fan, can't fault him for that  

 

So that's my story of how my Colts fandom started, and I've been a die hard Colts fan since !!!

[12dalegend]

Born in Indianapolis in 1988, raised in Hawaii. My grandmother from Zionsville would always send me Colts memorabilia for my birthdays.

I was proud of my Hoosier roots and would watch the games with my family.

Loyal to the end.

Born and raised in Hawaii, living on the island of Kauai was born a Colt fan because my dad was a fan and use to talk about Unitas this and Unitas that and how he was the greatest but was a little disappointed when they left Baltimore and became a nomad of NFL until I found out the real story and I can relate to that, to have someone try and steal something out from under you....COLT4LIFE 

[ColtRider]

Born and raised in Hawaii, living on the island of Kauai was born a Colt fan because my dad was a fan and use to talk about Unitas this and Unitas that and how he was the greatest but was a little disappointed when they left Baltimore and became a nomad of NFL until I found out the real story and I can relate to that, to have someone try and steal something out from under you....COLT4LIFE

That is really cool. Love seeing ColtsFans from all over the world and reading their stories. One of my life goals is to visit the Hawaiian Islands and traverse as many historic landmarks as possible ... then chillin' on most of it's beautiful beaches afterwards.

[ColtRider]

Would love to see most of our moderators and admins who run this joint ( ) contribute to their Colts backgrounds, as well! Would be extremely interesting I'd think!

So, whatta say guys & gals? How 'bout it?

[derek]

Hated the patriots first and became a colts fan because of the rivalry

[bap1331]

W

The Colts drafted Andrew Luck, and I became a Colts fan.

It didn't hurt that I liked the GM and HC they hired before they even drafted Luck. An unexpected bonus.

Now that I'm a fan, I like the whole franchise, the city, the state and the community here....

Who was your team before? Lol

[NewColtsFan]

W

Who was your team before? Lol

 

I haven't had a favorite NFL team before the Colts in decades.

 

My interest in the NFL has been mostly....   broad and general...     I followed the league.

 

My specific interest in all that time has been.....    Stanford.     During the good year and the bad.

[Austin Leonard]

I'm From Florida but could give two well you know about the bucs,dont mind the fins,and dislike jags for obvious reasons,But growing up my best friend and his family were from Indianapolis so I would always be over there and catch the colts games, and watching one of the greatest do his thing always helped also.

[jimmy g]

Born in Baltimore in 54, raised in York County Pa (just north of Balt) so it was automatic, especially after the 58 game. My best friend's Dad had season tickets, and a team-signed ball from 62.

Married an Indy girl in 78, moved here in 80. My Mom mailed me anything/ everything in the papers about the Orioles and Colts several times a week so I kept up. (Its not like there was internet then)

Was preparing to buy a satelitte dish to watch Colts in Phoenix (one of the rumors) when they moved here instead...

[Hoosierdome93]

Whenever they came over on the Mayflower.

[coltsdan]

I saw this at work, but wanted to come home and write.  

 

I was new at my first base when joined the AF in 2001.  Worked in Comm, so the ultimate in the Chair Force, and it was right around draft day for fantasy and close to the season start.  Which I knew nothing about, since I mostly followed basketball when I was younger, and then later dropped interest in all sports.    So to try to fit in I started talking to the guys about what they were talking about and looking up online.  I was asked who my favorite team was, and felt dumb not even knowing if my home state of IN even had a team.  I told them, "I don't know, does IN even have a team", they said, "yes, the Colts", and I replied, "well then, that's my favorite team".  From that exact moment on I became one of the biggest colts fans I personally know.  Overseas I had to watch Colts games at sometimes 3 in the morning, and I was instantly hooked.  I made it a point to know everything about this team that I could and have been pleased to know this team only as a winner.  

[BOTT]

I reside in a City where the Majority of the population are either Patriot or Giants fans. As a little kid i would spend every weekend at my grandmothers house, and on Sundays i would watch football with my Grandad. He was a HUGE Colts fan so naturally i grew to love the team and organization.  I wouldn't change it for anything in the world. I cant wait to pass the Indy Culture down to my kids. 

You live in ESPN City?

[Coltsince4]

I think you guys know my story. A Colts fan because I grew up in Baltimore. Still a Colts fan of the 1953-1983 Colts. A Ravens fan since 1996. I respect the Indy Colts, but I follow the home town team.

Be careful up there Friend if you know what I mean??? 

[Coltsince4]

!958 Championship at 4 years old!! First game I ever remember seeing!! Been a fan since 4 that's why I'm Coltsince4!!!

[The Old Crow]

Be careful up there Friend if you know what I mean???

I do. I live in Harford County MD, which is 45 minutes north of Baltimore. This whole thing is a disgrace what is going on in Baltimore tonight. It will take this city a long time to recover from this on many levels. There is never an excuse for looting and violence. It's really a shame.

[Hammer]

From Ohio, but loved the Colts since Unitas, Matte, Bubba, etc. I guess I was a bit too young to remember the 58 team, but I'll never forget SB 3. I still think it was fixed...

I think it was fixed too, Smonroe. I'll believe that till the day I check out.

[ColtRider]

I do. I live in Harford County MD, which is 45 minutes north of Baltimore. This whole thing is a disgrace what is going on in Baltimore tonight. It will take this city a long time to recover from this on many levels. There is never an excuse for looting and violence. It's really a shame.

My heartfelt condolences to you and your city, TOC! ...sigh...

[The Old Crow]

My heartfelt condolences to you and your city, TOC! ...sigh...

Thanks. Just an ugly situation.

[COLTS449]

First up I live in Kentucky but have a lot of roots in Indiana. New Castle and Muncie mostly with a few family members in Nap town itself. As I was growing up I was, and still am really close with my grandpa. I was with my grandparents everyday growing up. He lived in New Castle back before I was born and became a big Colts fan later on when they moved to Indy. Growing up around Pa is what made me a Colts fan. It was kind of passed down you could say. Pa also made me an Atlanta Braves fan btw. He was always into sports big time and was always watching the NFL, MLB, NCAA basketball, NBA, etc when I was a kid. I started watching games with him every week when I was a little kid during football season, and we always watched the Braves at night in the summer time. But I don't remember all that much before Manning in 98.  I was just 8 years old his rookie year so yeah lol. But yeah, growing up around Pa is what made me a Colts fan, aside from also having roots in Indiana.

[Grigs build the lines plz.]

I grew up a Cowboys fan,  then while watching a Cowboys/Colts game

many years ago I found myself screaming at the TV over a call against the Colts.

I stood there for a few seconds wondering what I was doing?

Edit: During the Harbaugh years. AKA Captain Comeback.

[ColtsBTM12]

It started when Peyton Manning became my favorite football player, then I became a huge Colts fan. After he left, I was already way too big of a Colts fan to switch teams, and now I am a diehard Colts fan but I still root for Manning.

[buccolts]

Until this past year I'd lived my whole life in far North Chicago 'burbs, but I had always hated the Bears.

 

I was 10 when I watched the '65 Western Conference Championship game between the Packers & the Colts. I'd decided I was going to pick my favorite team from that game.

 

The Colts were big underdogs. Tom Matte, their HB, started at QB. On a late FG, that wasn't really good, the Pack forced OT, and the ended up winning 13 - 10, then went on to beat the Browns for the NFL Championship.

 

Despite the loss, I couldn't help but become a fan of the Colts.

[braveheartcolt]

Born and raised in Scotland I first got interested in the NFL in the mid 80's. Stayed up late to watch the Bears and Giants SB wins and it sparked my interest. I remember being impressed by Walter Payton and Lawrence Taylor.

I then moved with my young family to England, and mixed with sporadic coverage in the UK around that time, the game escaped me for a long spell. Then one day in 2004, my father called me, and we got talking about his bet he had on the Colts to win the Superbowl, on how they were doing pretty well, and they had a great QB. At that time I didn't even realise they showed 2 live games every Sunday. So I started watching the game all over again, took an interest in the Colts due to my father's bet, and became hooked. Pretty sure the first live game on TV I watched was a shoot-out in the Dome v Cinci. Something like a 45-35 win.

My first Forum was the Indy Star, and I remember a spoof Colts Poster called Mannings Army, and that got tedious, so I then found this one (or one of the previous iterations). Phil was the principle Mod back in those days, and I remember crossing swords with GoPats and Dynasty13 back then. Still a few of the old crowd still post here today. I was never a Polian fan back then, which didn't go down too well, but we can laugh about that now. Jskinnz used to give me a hard time back then!

Nearly met up with GoPats in Boston a few years ago, and just missed out on hooking up with Jskinnz, Gramz and Schwamm when I came over for the Seattle game in 2013, but my phone battery ran out as I got to the ground and it all fell apart! During the game, Jskinnz actually brought me a beer to my seat, but I was in the toilet, so he gave it to my mate to give to me and left!

That's all I have. Fan for life because of a £5 bet!

[braveheartcolt]

Note: Colts 45 Bengals 37. Nov 2005, at Cinci. Not my first game then. Getting old!

[Smonroe]

Until this past year I'd lived my whole life in far North Chicago 'burbs, but I had always hated the Bears.

 

I was 10 when I watched the '65 Western Conference Championship game between the Packers & the Colts. I'd decided I was going to pick my favorite team from that game.

 

The Colts were big underdogs. Tom Matte, their HB, started at QB. On a late FG, that wasn't really good, the Pack forced OT, and the ended up winning 13 - 10, then went on to beat the Browns for the NFL Championship.

 

Despite the loss, I couldn't help but become a fan of the Colts.

Yes! Wasn't that the game that caused them to make the goal posts bigger?

[New Zealands #1 Colts Fan]

Been a Colts fan since 1995 when my dad won a trip to go from new zealand to the usa and attend  the indy 500 and he bought me back all these colts clothes.

This coincided with our pay tv system introducing espn so i could watch some games.

Over the last 20 years playing fantasy and meeting other new zealand based fans plus with nfl gamepass/redzone i have become infatuated with the nfl and i now love it more then any other sport including our national sport rugby.

I even managed to make it to a 49ers saints game when i had a holiday to california a few years ago and one day hope i can visit Indiana and watch the mighty colts play at home.

[southwest1]

i was abducted & hypnotized by robert irsay in 1984 

Was it a kick caboose Bob Dyan cover, a Jimi Hendrix cover, a Stones cover, or did Jimmy's "and ums" lure you onto the mothership like an enchanting lullaby? Tom Cruise get the hades out of here man. 

 

Only teasing Mr. Irsay! I actually like your whackiness from time to time. It grows on me after awhile. All kidding aside, you're a good man Jim. 

[southwest1]

Born and raised in Scotland I first got interested in the NFL in the mid 80's. Stayed up late to watch the Bears and Giants SB wins and it sparked my interest. I remember being impressed by Walter Payton and Lawrence Taylor.

I then moved with my young family to England, and mixed with sporadic coverage in the UK around that time, the game escaped me for a long spell. Then one day in 2004, my father called me, and we got talking about his bet he had on the Colts to win the Superbowl, on how they were doing pretty well, and they had a great QB. At that time I didn't even realise they showed 2 live games every Sunday. So I started watching the game all over again, took an interest in the Colts due to my father's bet, and became hooked. Pretty sure the first live game on TV I watched was a shoot-out in the Dome v Cinci. Something like a 45-35 win.

My first Forum was the Indy Star, and I remember a spoof Colts Poster called Mannings Army, and that got tedious, so I then found this one (or one of the previous iterations). Phil was the principle Mod back in those days, and I remember crossing swords with GoPats and Dynasty13 back then. Still a few of the old crowd still post here today. I was never a Polian fan back then, which didn't go down too well, but we can laugh about that now. Jskinnz used to give me a hard time back then!

Nearly met up with GoPats in Boston a few years ago, and just missed out on hooking up with Jskinnz, Gramz and Schwamm when I came over for the Seattle game in 2013, but my phone battery ran out as I got to the ground and it all fell apart! During the game, Jskinnz actually brought me a beer to my seat, but I was in the toilet, so he gave it to my mate to give to me and left!

That's all I have. Fan for life because of a £5 bet!

Sweet story there BHC. Yeah, I could see how winning a bet could spawn some INDY loyalty & devotion. Too bad about your cell phone problems. It's a shame you weren't able to cross paths with GP, Gramz, & other regular posters on here face to face. You seem like an interesting fella to me with a multitude of enthralling tales to tell. I feel bad for any fans overseas trying to watch Colts football at ungodly hour. I've known a few Scots in my travels. All great chaps BTW. I've never been fond of bagpipes perse just not my favorite instrument I guess. I apologize if I offended your family crest in any way, shape, or form. Please don't send your avatar William Wallace after me. Thanks. LOL! 

 

You're alright by me man & a cool cat if I do say so myself. If you travel to another INDY game this season, I hope you get a chance to successfully rendezvous with these same fans the 2nd time around. 

[southwest1]

I grew up a Cowboys fan,  then while watching a Cowboys/Colts game

many years ago I found myself screaming at the TV over a call against the Colts.

I stood there for a few seconds wondering what I was doing?

Edit: During the Harbaugh years. AKA Captain Comeback.

Talk about coming full circle. To go from being tainted by the Cowboys to finally seeing the light in INDY. Hallelujah! Being a former Cowboys fan must feel like a cross between recovering from a severe illness & surviving a demonic possession. For my own safety, you will never see me at an AT&T Stadium game vs the Colts in Dallas. I never give the Cowboys credit for anything until they force me to grit my teeth & admit reluctantly that they played a decent game.

 

In any case, glad to have you on board the blue horseshoe express GBTLP.   

[southwest1]

My oldest son was a freshman at Tennessee when Peyton was a Senior. We watched him play his senior year, then followed him to Indy. We had season tickets for a few years when they were still in the RCA Dome, then the grandkids started coming along and priorities changed somewhat.

We still manage to make it to a few games in Indy each year, and have been to see Peyton at least one game a season since he's been with Denver.

I always wondered what sparked your interest in #18 initially Gramz. Thanks for enlightening me. Nice! 

[southwest1]

I can't say it was a particular game or even a specific year. I tend to flock to no nonsense personalities. Jim Mora's unvarnished candor. "Playoffs?! Playoffs?! I just wanna win a darn game." 

 

Peyton Manning's boldness pre-draft to Bill Polian "If you don't take me, I'm gonna kick your caboose for the next 10-15 years in this league." 

 

Bill Polian's truthfulness about the situation: "I thought QB Curtis Painter could carry the load in Manning's absence. I was wrong about that." 

 

Tony Dungy's approach to our defensive woes in 2006: "We are gonna do less; not more." No need to panic. Just relax & focus on finetuning some football fundamentals of blocking, tackling, alignment, & assignment duties.

 

Chuck Pagano/Ryan Grigson toughness motiff: Roll up our sleeves, find gym rat guys, let's hunt, why do you put on a jersey everyday? To strive for a common purpose & win a Championship. No also rans here. 

 

Jim Caldwell taught me the dangers in not making timely sideline adjustments & in knowing what not to do; there is a valuable lesson to be learned. 

[southwest1]

I moved to Fort Wayne in 1984 when I started Nursing School there.  I must admit I never watched a whole lot of football growing up, altho I remember my dad and my 2 brothers watching football.  Anyway, since the Colts games were shown on sundays when I was in school I started watching them, and was intrigued by the horseshoe on the helmet  LOL.  I watched the games when I could, in between studying, classes, clinicals and working.  I guess that was the year that cemented me being a Colts fan.

 

My bucket list was always to see at least 1 Colts game in person, since my health is now not good.  My wish came true when I won 2 pre-season tickets several years ago. My nephew went with me to that game (he is also a huge Colts fan),  then my brother and sister-in-law actually went with me to the season opener  when Peyton was still playing.  We played Jacksonville that game and won of course  LOL.  My brother and sis in law had never been to a NFL game either, so it was a treat for all of us. BTW, my brother is a big green bay fan, can't fault him for that  

 

So that's my story of how my Colts fandom started, and I've been a die hard Colts fan since !!!

Sorry to hear that your health is not good right now JlyRN. While getting my 1st Master's degree in American History, I knew a lot of students getting their advanced degrees in nursing since that university had a top notch medical program there. I won't pretend to know what all your requirements were, but they would vent to me about their coursework & professors & they would listen to me as I complained about mine. Very cathartic on both fronts actually. [i am referring to a college in Wisconsin BTW not Indiana just in case you were wondering.]

 

It's cool you won 2 tickets to a Colts preseason game & that you took your nephew along. Yeah, playing Jacksonville is always a nice victory isn't it? But Bortles is legit & that D is nothing to dismiss anymore. Anyway, I'm glad you had fun seeing INDY play live. Are we talking the RCA Dome or Lucas Oil Stadium or both? 

 

Congratulations on becoming an RN JLyRN since organic chemistry is a tough nut to crack or class to pass for some students. Bravo my friend! 

[Hammer]

Yes! Wasn't that the game that caused them to make the goal posts bigger?

It certainly was, Smonroe. Chandler's kick was wide by a foot. I've looked at the still photos of that kick a hundred times and it still ticks me off. The Colts are celebrating. The Packers look dejected. In fact, one of them is even kicking the ground....and there stands the ref, signaling the kick was good....They not only lengthened the uprights after that, I think they added a ref to stand at each upright as well.

[ruksak]

You all know my story.

If I remember right, it was you and Brian Williams trapped in the Nakatomi Plaza fighting terrorists. 

 

It was a great story indeed. 

[teganslaw]

I became interested in football through my father, but didn't have a favorite team at first. When I moved to Indiana, I started watching Colts games, since that was the closest team. I liked the way the organization was run, and the talent on the team. Then Peyton Manning was drafted, and that settled things: I became a Colts fan. Loved watching him play and setting records with his receivers.

 

When Manning went to Denver, there was no choice but to stay with the Colts. I couldn't leave my Indy team, though I wished Manning well. I had gotten too involved with the Colts to consider otherwise..With Andrew Luck, Hilton and the others, Indy has been an interesting team to watch, especially in the rebuilding years.