Indianapolis Colts to honor teams from 1950s with throwback uniforms
NFL
Published on : 12/14/2023
The Indianapolis Colts will reach into the history books and honor the Colts teams of the late 1950s when they host the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday, Dec. 16, at Lucas Oil Stadium.
On social media, the team has specifically referenced the 1956 Baltimore Colts as the inspiration for the throwbacks. That team included seven future members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
WEEB EWBANK,(Opens in a new window) then in his third season at the helm of the Colts, coached the team to a 5-7 record in 1956. He later would lead the franchise to back-to-back NFL Championships in 1958 and 1959 (plus another title with the Jets – over the Colts – a decade later.)
The 1956 offense featured a trio of young talents, including two rookies in quarterback JOHNNY UNITAS(Opens in a new window) and flanker/running back LENNY MOORE,(Opens in a new window) and second-year end/wide receiver RAYMOND BERRY.(Opens in a new window) Moore’s season totals of 751 scrimmage yards and nine touchdowns earned him UPI Rookie of the Year.
On defense, ART DONOVAN(Opens in a new window) and GINO MARCHETTI(Opens in a new window) anchored the defensive line in Baltimore, with both earning All-Pro (Donovan first team, Marchetti second team) and Pro Bowl honors. Future Hall of Fame coach DON SHULA(Opens in a new window) played defensive back for the team in 1956, starting in 10 games.
The throwback uniforms will include the following elements:
On social media, the team has specifically referenced the 1956 Baltimore Colts as the inspiration for the throwbacks. That team included seven future members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Classic look for a classic matchup. 🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/oFRSjiIqiH
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) December 12, 2023
WEEB EWBANK,(Opens in a new window) then in his third season at the helm of the Colts, coached the team to a 5-7 record in 1956. He later would lead the franchise to back-to-back NFL Championships in 1958 and 1959 (plus another title with the Jets – over the Colts – a decade later.)
The 1956 offense featured a trio of young talents, including two rookies in quarterback JOHNNY UNITAS(Opens in a new window) and flanker/running back LENNY MOORE,(Opens in a new window) and second-year end/wide receiver RAYMOND BERRY.(Opens in a new window) Moore’s season totals of 751 scrimmage yards and nine touchdowns earned him UPI Rookie of the Year.
On defense, ART DONOVAN(Opens in a new window) and GINO MARCHETTI(Opens in a new window) anchored the defensive line in Baltimore, with both earning All-Pro (Donovan first team, Marchetti second team) and Pro Bowl honors. Future Hall of Fame coach DON SHULA(Opens in a new window) played defensive back for the team in 1956, starting in 10 games.
The throwback uniforms will include the following elements:
- “Bucking Horse” – A nod to the team's roots, the "Bucking Horse" is the team's official historic logo and will be featured on game day.
- Helmets – The now-iconic horseshoe logo originated on the back of the Colts helmet and will return there for this game.
- Player numbers – Numbers on the throwback jerseys will change slightly to mirror Colts uniforms from the 1950s. The numbers are also higher on the shoulder panel than the present-day uniform.
- Stripes – The shoulder panel on the throwback jersey, as well as player socks, will feature three classic stripes instead of the two used on the present-day uniform. The pants will sport a single stripe rather than the two used today.
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