The Baltimore Colts were the premiere team in the National Football League from 1957 through 1971, winning more games than any other franchise during that era. But they were great not just because they won the most games. It was because of their style, their personality. They were as tough as tough could be, but with a flair for the dramatic.
John Mackey personified that style. Sitting in Memorial Stadium, we fans knew that he would knock over any defender foolish enough to stand in his way, but that he also had hands as true as Raymond Berry.
Mackey had it all. He could catch, run, break tackles and block. He was a team leader, both on and off the gridiron. He was, and remains, the greatest tight end in NFL history.
John Mackey, Baltimore Colt.