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Why Did the Colts Leave Baltimore? | Colts' Historian

Colts archivist Jon Scott shares stories from the 1984 move to Indy, the Manning era, and the 2006 Super Bowl season. A must-listen for Colts fans.

Podcast Summary

In this episode, I sat down with Jon Scott, the football archivist for the Indianapolis Colts, who has been with the team since 1979.

Jon shares his incredible experiences, from the secretive overnight move from Baltimore to Indianapolis in 1984 to the Colts' Super Bowl victory in 2006.

He also delves into the pivotal moments of the Colts' history, including the drafting of Peyton Manning, and reminisces about the special team dynamics and some memorable pranks.

You are going to learn about:

  • The untold story behind the Colts’ sudden move from Baltimore to Indianapolis

  • How meticulous attention to detail and teamwork contributed to Colts’ success

  • The emotional departure of Peyton Manning and its impact on the Colts' organization

Thank you to our partners: 
Sports Tech HQ
Keller & Keller

Check out these great clips from the show:
01:29 Interview with Jon Scott: Colts' History and Move to Indianapolis
03:34 The Secret Move from Baltimore to Indianapolis
05:23 Challenges of Moving a Football Team Overnight
09:06 Settling in Indianapolis and Early Struggles
25:42 The 1998 Draft: Peyton Manning's Arrival
36:25 Support and Disappointment in Indianapolis
37:02 The 2006 Season: A Special Year
37:15 Playoff Journey: Kansas City and Baltimore
38:24 AFC Championship: Facing the Patriots
43:41 Super Bowl Preparation and Challenges
51:53 Winning the Super Bowl: A Dream Come True
55:27 Peyton Manning's Departure and Legacy
58:15 Transition to Archivist: Preserving Colts History
01:02:21 Reflections and Future Aspirations

Guest(s)

Jon Scott

Date Published

June 4, 2025

This podcast is sponsored by

Sweetwater

Sweetwater, located in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is a large music store and online retailer that specializes in musical instruments and pro audio equipment. It's known for its extensive inventory, expert staff, and dedication to customer service.

Sweetwater, located in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is a large music store and online retailer that specializes in musical instruments and pro audio equipment. It's known for its extensive inventory, expert staff, and dedication to customer service.

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Share Your Indiana Podcast Guest

Know someone with a great Indiana story? Nominate them as a guest for the Get IN podcast and help us share real Hoosier voices.

Podcast

Share Your Indiana Podcast Guest

Know someone with a great Indiana story? Nominate them as a guest for the Get IN podcast and help us share real Hoosier voices.

A person in casual attire poses with a person in a vibrant red mascot costume wearing a baseball jersey that reads "Indians," both against a blue backdrop with text promoting "Get Indiana" with Nate Spangle.
A person in casual attire poses with a person in a vibrant red mascot costume wearing a baseball jersey that reads "Indians," both against a blue backdrop with text promoting "Get Indiana" with Nate Spangle.