The strength of three: The 30 greatest trios in NFL history
By Ian Cummings
46. . Tony Dungy, Peyton Manning, Marvin Harrison. Indianapolis Colts. Excellency in Indy . 11. player
From 1984 to 1998, the Indianapolis Colts had only made the playoffs three times and in only one of those instances did they win a game. With a fan base still reeling from the relocation from Baltimore, the Colts needed a change, and fast. They enlisted former Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Peyton Manning to bring about that change.
In the first four seasons of Manning’s career, his potential with All-Pro receiver Marvin Harrison was undeniable. The duo, under Jim E. Mora, made the playoffs twice, but after a stint that lacked sustained success, the Colts turned to former Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Tony Dungy, who unlocked the full promise of the Manning-Harrison connection.
With Dungy, Manning, and Harrison leading the way for a talented cast of players, the Colts turned the ship around quickly, earning a Super Bowl Championship in 2006. Manning won the MVP award three times with Dungy, twice in a row in 2003 and 2004, and then one more time in 2008.
The Colts never sunk below 10 wins a season with Dungy at the helm. With Manning leading their offense, they set the league standard for excellence for almost an entire decade.