Baltimore Colts (1947-50)

The original incarnation of the Baltimore Colts started in the All-America Football Conference in 1946 as the Miami Seahawks. After a 3-11 season, they moved to Baltimore in 1947. In 1950, they joined the National Football League along with the Cleveland Browns and San Francisco 49ers. They were a surprise addition to the league, being considerably weaker financially than several of the AAFC teams left out of the merger. They played only one season in the NFL, with a record of 1 – 11.

Due financial difficulties after the 1-11 losing season, Colts owner Abraham Watner gave his team and its player contracts back to the NFL for $50,000. But many Baltimore fans protested the loss of their team. Supporting groups such as its marching band (the second in professional football, after that of the Washington Redskins and fan club, remained in operation and worked for the team's revival. Three years later a new team was given to Baltimore, which is now known as the Indianapolis Colts located in Indianapolis, Indiana. The supporting groups, including the fan club and marching band remained, however, again working to revive a team in Baltimore. They were ultimately successful and are now part of the Baltimore Ravens located in Baltimore, Maryland.

[edit] Season-by-season