AFC Championship Game Appearances (6)
From Baltimore to Indianapolis, a legacy of championships.
The Indianapolis Colts are a professional American football team based in Indianapolis. The Colts compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the American Football Conference (AFC) South division.
Quick Facts
- Total appearances
- 5
- First appearance
- 1970 Season (as Baltimore Colts)
- Most recent appearance
- 2014 Season
Lore & Background
The Colts have competed as a member club of the NFL since their founding in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1953. They were one of three NFL teams to join those of the American Football League (AFL) to form the AFC after the 1970 merger. The Colts moved to Indianapolis in 1984 and have since appeared in the playoffs eighteen times, won two conference championships, and played in two Super Bowl games; they defeated the Chicago Bears in Super Bowl XLI, and lost to the New Orleans Saints in Super Bowl XLIV.
Reader's Guide
The Colts' AFC Championship Game appearances are 1970, 1971, 2006, 2009, and 2014.
Did You Know?
- The Colts won NFL Championship games in 1958, 1959, and 1968 while in Baltimore.
- The Colts defeated the Dallas Cowboys in Super Bowl V.
- Since 1987, the Colts have served as the host team for the NFL Scouting Combine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the AFC Championship Game Appearances record signify?
This statistic counts every instance the franchise advanced to the final conference hurdle required to reach the Super Bowl. It reflects a sustained period of competitiveness across both the Baltimore and Indianapolis eras.
Which quarterbacks led the team during these six appearances?
Legendary leaders like Johnny Unitas and Peyton Manning guided the Colts through high-stakes playoff games to earn these bids. Their performances defined some of the most memorable seasons in franchise history.
Did every appearance result in a Super Bowl victory for the Colts?
No, while the team secured several championship wins from this stage, they also suffered defeats that ended their season. The record includes both successful runs and heartbreaking losses against top conference rivals.
Which specific seasons are included in this record?
The Colts reached this milestone during the 1970 season and frequently between 2006 and 2014. These dates encompass the team's most successful playoff runs under different leadership.
More in Honours & Records
Elsewhere in Indianapolis Colts
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced