Baltimore Colts
1979 - 1983
The first horseshoe logo appeared in 1979. The logo is a blue horseshoe with seven small white holes.
Colts Wordmark Logo
The Baltimore Colts wordmark logo has been a part of the city’s history since its inception in 1953. The original design was created by then-owner Carroll Rosenbloom and featured an interlocking “B” and “C,” which stood for Baltimore Colts. This classic design remained unchanged for over thirty years until 1984, when it was revised to include a white outline surrounding the letters and two stars on either side of the lettering to represent Maryland state flag colors.
In 1996, following owner Robert Irsay's relocation of the team from Baltimore to Indianapolis, new owner Art Modell changed the logo once again. He removed one star from each side and replaced them with horseshoes meant to evoke memories of former Colt great Johnny Unitas, who had recently passed away. These changes also made room for Modell's initials "AM" between both sets of letters; this addition is considered controversial among many fans who remain loyal to their beloved team in its original hometown despite its physical absence today.
Today's version features yet another alteration: a navy blue background behind all elements except stars which have remained gold ever since they were first added back in 1984; this change brings balance back into what had become an overly busy composition due largely because some felt previous iterations lacked enough spirit or energy associated with professional sports teams' logos typically do nowadays (elements such as motion lines). In conclusion, although much has changed throughout nearly seven decades worth designing/redesigning efforts by various ownership groups, the heart & soul remain intact even if only symbolically through iconic imagery like these five letters: B-A-L-T-I!
Baltimore Colts
1972 - 1983
Single-lined wordmark “COLTS” written in blue.
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