There have been many legends to wear the horseshoe for the Indianapolis Colts, a legendary team that has been in the NFL for over 70 years. Trying to nail down the best players in Colts history is not easy, but there is oen group that fans can probably agree stands out above the rest.
Peyton Manning came to Indy in 1998, and completely rewrote franchise history. The actual GOAT may have struggled a bit in his rookie season, but he quickly helped make the Colts a dynasty in the NFL, culminating in a Super Bowl XLI win. And as amazing as Manning was, he wasn't the only all-star player on the roster; that team was stacked, filled with legends who fans will never forget. It's not hard to wonder who would make the cut when it comes to the best Colts team in franchise history.
Bryan DeArdo rated every franchise's best team in their individual histories, and the 2006 Colts were the pick for Indianapolis.
"After six disappointing playoff exits, Peyton Manning's Colts finally got over the hump in 2006, defeating the Bears 29-17 in Super Bowl XLI. It wasn't easy, however, as Indianapolis had to win four playoff games that included its dramatic, come-from-behind win over the Patriots in the AFC Championship Game. The Colts also needed five Adam Vinatieri field goals to beat the top-seeded Ravens in the divisional round.Bryan DeArdo
Along with Manning, the '06 Colts featured Hall of Fame receiver Marvin Harrison (1,366 yards, 12 touchdowns), Pro Bowl receiver Reggie Wayne (1,310 yards, nine touchdowns), running back Joseph Addai (1,406 all-purpose yards, eight touchdowns), tight end Dallas Clark, defensive end Dwight Freeney, linebackers Cato June and Gary Brackett, and safety Bob Sanders, who the following year would be tabbed as the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year. The '06 Colts were led by coach Tony Dungy, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2016. "
Just how good was this group of Colts? Well, many people (mistakenly) think that Tom Brady is the GOAT, and even he said this is the group that still gives him nightmares.
Before the Colts made it to Super Bow XLI, they had to beat Brady and the New England Patriots, and they defeated them in exhilarating fashion. The Colts managed to come from behind after falling to a 21-3 deficit, and won 38-34. The same thing happened during the big game itself, with the Colts falling behind in the first quarter, and then coming back to massively outscore the Chicago Bears in the next three.
There are already a few Hall-of-Famers in this group, and likely to be still more in the future. These guys are so good, that they aren't just the best Colts team of all time - they're one of the best football teams to ever play in the league, period.