Baltimore Colts Era

[Pathogen-]

Its over now, right? 2 rings for the Baltimore RAVENS...can all the old heads let go of their useless, stubborn pride and stop proclaiming every chance they get how much of a Colts fan they are?
I'm on the Ravens site quite a bit, and I STILL see people saying "oh i'm a colts fan so i dislike the indy mayflowers" , and comments of that ilk.
Really? Has that REALLY been a factor in the last 10 years?
I can understand the loss that not having a football team can create...loss of city pride, community, something to escape into and route for when life is getting you down...or heck, just something to make you a little happier no matter how happy you are already.

But its over! The city has moved on, the players have moved on. We've come back, we're better than ever, our fan base is stronger and gaining traction. Revel in the present and future, don't spit sour grapes at the past. No one listens, no one cares anymore. Support your team, a team that will be here for years to come and will hopefully become one of the best of the "newer" franchises in an old football town.

Its time.

[Ravenslifer]

[quote name='Pathogen-' timestamp='1362075874' post='1372378']
Its over now, right? 2 rings for the Baltimore RAVENS...can all the old heads let go of their useless, stubborn pride and stop proclaiming every chance they get how much of a Colts fan they are?
I'm on the Ravens site quite a bit, and I STILL see people saying "oh i'm a colts fan so i dislike the indy mayflowers" , and comments of that ilk.
Really? Has that REALLY been a factor in the last 10 years?
I can understand the loss that not having a football team can create...loss of city pride, community, something to escape into and route for when life is getting you down...or heck, just something to make you a little happier no matter how happy you are already.

But its over! The city has moved on, the players have moved on. We've come back, we're better than ever, our fan base is stronger and gaining traction. Revel in the present and future, don't spit sour grapes at the past. No one listens, no one cares anymore. Support your team, a team that will be here for years to come and will hopefully become one of the best of the "newer" franchises in an old football town.

Its time.
[/quote]

It was over in 1996 - Johnny Unitas considered the Ravens the successors to the Baltimore Colts, as did many former Baltimore Colts greats, and that's good enough for me.

[Tank 92]

I'm still a Baltimore Colts fan. In fact, there is a BALTIMORE Colts pennant hanging right next to the Ravens stuff in my man cave. For me the "healing" came several years ago when Peyton came to town for the first time. He did an interview and basically threw Irsay under the bus saying it was wrong the way things went down.

To be frank, I haven't read or heard any of the stuff you speak of in a long time.

[PolishRifle]

The history of the Baltimore Colts is a significant part of the Baltimore Ravens tradition. There is no need to get over that. It's part of who the Ravens are. The only legitimate heirs to Colts football.

[jaege]

You may as well say the same thing to veterans of a war or to people who have experienced a death (not that I am saying death and war are even remotely akin to losing a football team). Emotional trauma is emotional trauma. Many people never "get over" an event that they consider traumatic.

I was never a Colts fan as I didn't live in Baltimore at the time, and I am reasonably sure that I would not have had the same strong feelings over the "Mayflower" situation regardless, but I can still allow that others may have strong feelings over such an incident. It is something called empathy. Most humans experience it.

And since you obviously do not understand or care about their grief, why do you care if they "let it go"?

[Moderator 3]

How do you "let go" of a whole generation losing the experience of home team football on Sundays? Yes, the Ravens are our team and I'm an original PSL holder, but I don't think I can ever forgive the NFL for the shabby way Baltimore got treated in the fixed expansion derbys. And I won't forgive the Irsay family until they return the "records" to Baltimore. Claiming Johnny U as one of theirs offends me every time.

[ravensdfan]

[quote name='Moderator 3' timestamp='1362079028' post='1372432']
How do you "let go" of a whole generation losing the experience of home team football on Sundays? Yes, the Ravens are our team and I'm an original PSL holder, but I don't think I can ever forgive the NFL for the shabby way Baltimore got treated in the fixed expansion derbys. And I won't forgive the Irsay family until they return the "records" to Baltimore. Claiming Johnny U as one of theirs offends me every time.
[/quote]

We were not only robbed of a team, but the NFL attempted to erase any evidence that we existed at all. Though I believe it has since been changed, they changed Unitas' bust in Canton to read "Indianapolis Colts" (which he loudly protested, threatening to have it removed altogether) and all record books did not have an asterick for the other players, but simply claimed them as Indianapolis Colts.

I'll tell you what OP. While I won't "get over it" I will agree to never mention it on these boards again, once the whiny butt bottom feeder Cleveland fans stop comparing their situation to ours (give me a break) and stop fighting Modell's induction into the HoF.

[RisingandConquering]

[quote name='ravensdfan' timestamp='1362079304' post='1372441']
We were not only robbed of a team, but the NFL attempted to erase any evidence that we existed at all. Though I believe it has since been changed, they changed Unitas' bust in Canton to read "Indianapolis Colts" (which he loudly protested, threatening to have it removed altogether) and all record books did not have an asterick for the other players, but simply claimed them as Indianapolis Colts.

I'll tell you what OP. While I won't "get over it" I will agree to never mention it on these boards again, once the whiny butt bottom feeder Cleveland fans stop comparing their situation to ours (give me a break) and stop fighting Modell's induction into the HoF.
[/quote]

This is what bothers me the most, is the removal of Baltimore Colts like they never existed. I get a similar feeling when I watch videos on NFL.com it it comes up with the fan quiz advertisement with Jeremy Piven naming different teams and when it says "First team with cheerleaders" behind him it feels like he is shouting "INDIANAPOLIS COLTS!" at me.

But the Ravens won a Super Bowl before Indy did and we now have one more than them.

[BMORElegacy]

You just don't throw away tradition. The Colts were a fixture of the town and its players were idolized the same way Ray and Ed are idolized now (even more so with the passage of time).

I was too young to grow up during the Colts Era of Greatness but I appreciate what they meant for this town. Respect your roots. Respect the pioneers that forged this great Baltimore football tradition. Johnny Unitas is my favorite athlete of all time and I hang his jersey up beside all my other Baltimore greats.

What happened in the 80's was borderline criminal. And the way Indy clings to our legends, and championships, and accomplishments turns my stomach. The fact that prior to Peyton people walked around Indy in Unitas jerseys was just pathetic, and an insult to the man and the city he called his home.

I will always hate the Irsays for what they did. I will always root against the Indianapolis Colts. And I will NEVER forget the Baltimore Colts.

[Tiz]

[quote name='Pathogen-' timestamp='1362075874' post='1372378']
Its over now, right? 2 rings for the Baltimore RAVENS...can all the old heads let go of their useless, stubborn pride and stop proclaiming every chance they get how much of a Colts fan they are?
I'm on the Ravens site quite a bit, and I STILL see people saying "oh i'm a colts fan so i dislike the indy mayflowers" , and comments of that ilk.
Really? Has that REALLY been a factor in the last 10 years?
I can understand the loss that not having a football team can create...loss of city pride, community, something to escape into and route for when life is getting you down...or heck, just something to make you a little happier no matter how happy you are already.

But its over! The city has moved on, the players have moved on. We've come back, we're better than ever, our fan base is stronger and gaining traction. Revel in the present and future, don't spit sour grapes at the past. No one listens, no one cares anymore. Support your team, a team that will be here for years to come and will hopefully become one of the best of the "newer" franchises in an old football town.

Its time.
[/quote]

I'm a ravens fan not a Baltimore fan so I don't have that conflict
I do respect the Baltimore fans/natives tho. The Baltimore colts were a home team so why shouldn't those people still respect that part of their cities history and that much of their youth.

They're proud of what the city of Baltimore has done indoor all and I have no problems with that.

[runamuk]

The only thing that still bothers me is the name should have stayed here . the browns kept there name colors etc. I know i'm going to get blasted for saying it. I'm a ravens fan now no looking back now ! i can honestly say i don't see ppl on these board reference it til now .

[BMORElegacy]

[quote name='runamuk' timestamp='1362080580' post='1372478']
The only thing that still bothers me is the name should have stayed here . the browns kept there name colors etc. I know i'm going to get blasted for saying it. I'm a ravens fan now no looking back now ! i can honestly say i don't see ppl on these board reference it til now .
[/quote]The Browns kept their name, colors, records, and history because Modell is a classy guy. Irsay tried ransoming ours back to us once he was up in Indianapolis...

The Colts honored MD's historic horse racing culture and The Ravens honor Baltimore's greatest literary mind. Either way, the team is intertwined into the very fabric of the city. Something that I absolutely love about our football team.

[RedFire]

[quote name='BMORElegacy' timestamp='1362080851' post='1372491']
The Browns kept their name, colors, records, and history because Modell is a classy guy. Irsay tried ransoming ours back to us once he was up in Indianapolis...

The Colts honored MD's historic horse racing culture and The Ravens honor Baltimore's greatest literary mind. Either way, the team is intertwined into the very fabric of the city. Something that I absolutely love about our football team.
[/quote]


it's the northeast....well mid-atlantic and pro sports and especially pro football is a big deal.

you go down south or into the midwest you see the towns truly painted. College park looks like a place you drive through on ya way to DC...never had that get away from it all college town feel IMO. Now penn state, clemson, ohio state, UGA seems like they take over the city with the flags, street with logo, etc.

[RedFire]

[quote name='BMORElegacy' timestamp='1362080851' post='1372491']
The Browns kept their name, colors, records, and history because Modell is a classy guy. Irsay tried ransoming ours back to us once he was up in Indianapolis...

The Colts honored MD's historic horse racing culture and The Ravens honor Baltimore's greatest literary mind. Either way, the team is intertwined into the very fabric of the city. Something that I absolutely love about our football team.
[/quote]


however, clevland thinks they got robbed of a superbowl in 2001 as we built upon their foundation.

[Guest llwillow1231]

I am on these boards allot and I don't see allot of folks mentioning the colts. Since the colts left my husband follows the redskins so yeah i hold a grudge that team was awful for so long it was unreal when the ravens came to baltimore i was so happy i was beside myself lol. it broke my fathers heart when they left he gave me the love of football so yeah i bet it stings .

[K-Dog]

Nope, still a wee bit bitter.

[JEEPercreepermd]

I understand completely how the Baltimore Colts fans feel. Just imagine how WE would feel if the Ravens were stolen from us with no warning.Then you have to see their new fans wearing Ray Lewis jerseys, claiming our Super Bowls as theirs, ect.. I'd be insane with anger. Now, there's no doubt that this has been the Ravens' town since 2000. The way I see it is that Baltimore is now being rewarded for what happened. We now have a team that is one of the super powers of the NFL, one of the best run and classiest organizations run by one of the best owners in all of sports..who was also devastated by the colts leaving and wants to give the city the best era of nfl football that it's ever seen. The Colts legends will live forever here Johnny U,Lenny Moore..all of them and hopefully our Ravens legends...Ray,ED,Sizzle,JO,Flacco can all share that with them.

[cobrajet]

[quote name='Pathogen-' timestamp='1362075874' post='1372378']
Its over now, right? 2 rings for the Baltimore RAVENS...can all the old heads let go of their useless, stubborn pride and stop proclaiming every chance they get how much of a Colts fan they are?
I'm on the Ravens site quite a bit, and I STILL see people saying "oh i'm a colts fan so i dislike the indy mayflowers" , and comments of that ilk.
Really? Has that REALLY been a factor in the last 10 years?
I can understand the loss that not having a football team can create...loss of city pride, community, something to escape into and route for when life is getting you down...or heck, just something to make you a little happier no matter how happy you are already.

But its over! The city has moved on, the players have moved on. We've come back, we're better than ever, our fan base is stronger and gaining traction. Revel in the present and future, don't spit sour grapes at the past. No one listens, no one cares anymore. Support your team, a team that will be here for years to come and will hopefully become one of the best of the "newer" franchises in an old football town.

Its time.
[/quote]
With all due respect, I absolutely love the Ravens, and in many ways I believe we have it better now that we have a classy owner and not an Irsay, but I grew up a "Baltimore Colts" fan. I feel calling us that still have fond memories of the Baltimore Colts "old heads" and telling us we are "stubborn" for wanting to hold onto those fond memories to be a little disrespectful. I personally don't see anyone on this site "proclaiming every chance they get how much of a Colts fan they are."

I am assuming you are too young to have ever been a "Baltimore Colts" fan or did not live in the city during the "Baltimore Colts" era. If this is true, I don't think you could ever put yourself in our shoes, therefore IMHO you should not be so judgemental.

[BMORElegacy]

[quote name='cobrajet' timestamp='1362155310' post='1373343']
With all due respect, I absolutely love the Ravens, and in many ways I believe we have it better now that we have a classy owner and not an Irsay, but I grew up a "Baltimore Colts" fan. I feel calling us that still have fond memories of the Baltimore Colts "old heads" and telling us we are "stubborn" for wanting to hold onto those fond memories to be a little disrespectful. I personally don't see anyone on this site "proclaiming every chance they get how much of a Colts fan they are."

I am assuming you are too young to have ever been a "Baltimore Colts" fan or did not live in the city during the "Baltimore Colts" era. If this is true, I don't think you could ever put yourself in our shoes, therefore IMHO you should not be so judgemental.
[/quote]Bravo to you good sir.

[YYZ66]

[quote name='Moderator 3' timestamp='1362079028' post='1372432']
How do you "let go" of a whole generation losing the experience of home team football on Sundays? Yes, the Ravens are our team and I'm an original PSL holder, but I don't think I can ever forgive the NFL for the shabby way Baltimore got treated in the fixed expansion derbys. And I won't forgive the Irsay family until they return the "records" to Baltimore. Claiming Johnny U as one of theirs offends me every time.
[/quote]
[quote name='cobrajet' timestamp='1362155310' post='1373343']
With all due respect, I absolutely love the Ravens, and in many ways I believe we have it better now that we have a classy owner and not an Irsay, but I grew up a "Baltimore Colts" fan. I feel calling us that still have fond memories of the Baltimore Colts "old heads" and telling us we are "stubborn" for wanting to hold onto those fond memories to be a little disrespectful. I personally don't see anyone on this site "proclaiming every chance they get how much of a Colts fan they are."

I am assuming you are too young to have ever been a "Baltimore Colts" fan or did not live in the city during the "Baltimore Colts" era. If this is true, I don't think you could ever put yourself in our shoes, therefore IMHO you should not be so judgemental.
[/quote]

Well said folks! As long as an Irsay owns that team, I will hate them. I have nothing against the city of Indianapolis, the fans, or the players. It's Irsay I have a problem with, even though the current Irsay wasn't who stole the team from us.

[bpytnjr58]

[quote name='Pathogen-' timestamp='1362075874' post='1372378']
Its over now, right? 2 rings for the Baltimore RAVENS...can all the old heads let go of their useless, stubborn pride and stop proclaiming every chance they get how much of a Colts fan they are?
I'm on the Ravens site quite a bit, and I STILL see people saying "oh i'm a colts fan so i dislike the indy mayflowers" , and comments of that ilk.
Really? Has that REALLY been a factor in the last 10 years?
I can understand the loss that not having a football team can create...loss of city pride, community, something to escape into and route for when life is getting you down...or heck, just something to make you a little happier no matter how happy you are already.

But its over! The city has moved on, the players have moved on. We've come back, we're better than ever, our fan base is stronger and gaining traction. Revel in the present and future, don't spit sour grapes at the past. No one listens, no one cares anymore. Support your team, a team that will be here for years to come and will hopefully become one of the best of the "newer" franchises in an old football town.

Its time.
[/quote] It appears that you were not around during the Colts era so it means nothing to you that the team slipped out in a snow storm. I am getting "Over it" gradually but i will never forget.

[Tank 92]

[quote name='BMORElegacy' timestamp='1362080851' post='1372491'].

The Colts honored MD's historic horse racing culture .
[/quote]

It's funny you mention this. For years I told anybody that would listen, "There's no horses in Indiana! Why keep that name?" LOL!

[baltravens]

A word or two on Modell bringing a team back to Baltimore. Being born in northeast Ohio, but have long since left the area, I know the hatred for Art Modell from Clevelanders as he took the Browns away from the city. My stance has always been that that was Modell's product, and if he felt that he was not being treated right, then he had every right to relocate.

Baltimore and Marylanders should feel fortunate to now have a successful and great franchise like the Ravens. By the way, I am still trying to find a factual account detailing why Art Modell left Cleveland. I have heard a few plausible reasons, but one day hope to read the truth discounting opinion and perspective.

Lastly, feel blessed Baltimore because many cities would love to have an NFL franchise to see and follow. I too hope that the Ravens can build on our Super Bowl victory and possibly build a dynasty, however, I understand that that is a bit idyllic.

[baltravens]

A word or two on Modell bringing a team back to Baltimore. Being born in northeast Ohio, but have long since left the area, I know the hatred for Art Modell from Clevelanders as he took the Browns away from the city. My stance has always been that that was Modell's product, and if he felt that he was not being treated right, then he had every right to relocate.

Baltimore and Marylanders should feel fortunate to now have a successful and great franchise like the Ravens. By the way, I am still trying to find a factual account detailing why Art Modell left Cleveland. I have heard a few plausible reasons, but one day hope to read the truth discounting opinion and perspective.

Lastly, feel blessed Baltimore because many cities would love to have an NFL franchise to see and follow. I too hope that the Ravens can build on our Super Bowl victory and possibly build a dynasty, however, I understand that that is a bit idyllic.

[ravensdfan]

[quote name='baltravens' timestamp='1362178665' post='1373727']
A word or two on Modell bringing a team back to Baltimore. Being born in northeast Ohio, but have long since left the area, I know the hatred for Art Modell from Clevelanders as he took the Browns away from the city. My stance has always been that that was Modell's product, and if he felt that he was not being treated right, then he had every right to relocate.

Baltimore and Marylanders should feel fortunate to now have a successful and great franchise like the Ravens. By the way, I am still trying to find a factual account detailing why Art Modell left Cleveland. I have heard a few plausible reasons, but one day hope to read the truth discounting opinion and perspective.

Lastly, feel blessed Baltimore because many cities would love to have an NFL franchise to see and follow. I too hope that the Ravens can build on our Super Bowl victory and possibly build a dynasty, however, I understand that that is a bit idyllic.
[/quote]

First, don't mistake a love for the Colts as being unappreciative of the Ravens. I LOVE the Ravens. I am so glad they are here, and that we have one of the best owners and organizations in football now.

Second, please, I beg of you, don't compare Cleveland's situation to our own. The NFL intervened to be certain they kept their history, colors, logo, etc. and granted them a team within 3 years even though it made the divisions unequal. Schedules were re-done, etc to accommodate them. We were told to build a museum, promised expansion teams, sold out when that time came and went without a team for thirteen long years. Their team owner didn't stand up and lie to them on the local news in a drunken tirade and then sneak out in the middle of the night. The situations do not compare.

[RedFire]

[quote name='awholelottahaloti' timestamp='1362176701' post='1373704']
It's funny you mention this. For years I told anybody that would listen, "There's no horses in Indiana! Why keep that name?" LOL!
[/quote]

indy 500. they got modern horsepower on the track so it does work :-)

but i get ya....

[baltravens]

[quote name='ravensdfan' timestamp='1362179023' post='1373731']
First, don't mistake a love for the Colts as being unappreciative of the Ravens. I LOVE the Ravens. I am so glad they are here, and that we have one of the best owners and organizations in football now.

Second, please, I beg of you, don't compare Cleveland's situation to our own. The NFL intervened to be certain they kept their history, colors, logo, etc. and granted them a team within 3 years even though it made the divisions unequal. Schedules were re-done, etc to accommodate them. We were told to build a museum, promised expansion teams, sold out when that time came and went without a team for thirteen long years. Their team owner didn't stand up and lie to them on the local news in a drunken tirade and then sneak out in the middle of the night. The situations do not compare.
[/quote]
My word was on the roots of the Ravens and its original owner. [b]I know very little about the Colts since I am not from nor have ever lived in the Northeast. [/b]Personally, I have roots in western PA, but I [b]HATE [/b]Squeeler Country PA.

[elliot]

I'm an OLD Colts fan. After they left, I could'nt even watch NFL on tv for years. I wished that Irsay's airplane would crash into Tagliabue's airplane and that the debris would fall on Jack Kent Cook. (is that wrong?) I wished evil things for the Colts and the city of Indianapolis. wn I heard we were getting Cleveland's team I had mixed emotions. I rationalized away my guilt by telling myself the Brown's fans did nothing for us when the Colts left. I bought season tickets for the Ravens and still have them.I started getting over the Indianapolis Colts thing when the Ravens won Superbowl xxxv. I have gradually completely gotten over the hate but still have a problem seeing the horseshoes on their uniforms. However I understand people who have'nt gotten over it as I've never gotten over Superbowl III.

[bmull]

The thing that bothers me the most is that they have all of our stats/records. When I went to Canton last Summer, it literally made me sick seeing Johnny Unitas associated with the Indianapolis Colts. At least Cleveland got to keep their records and got a new team fairly quickly.

[K-Dog]

[quote name='awholelottahaloti' timestamp='1362176701' post='1373704']


"There's no horses in Indiana!
[/quote]

you said that with a straight face ?