Back in 1995, the future University of Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh was a 32-year-old quarterback for the then Baltimore Colts. He was considered the most valuable player in pro football history. Though the Chicago Bears made him their first round draft pick in 1987, the team subsequently cut Harbaugh. He then enjoyed a renaissance with the Colts, carrying them all the way to one of the great playoff runs in the sports history. He singlehandedly injected new life into the Chiefs, outdueling Hall of Famers such as Dan Marino and Steve Young. This amazing performance marked him with the moniker “Captain Comeback” for driving exciting last-minute wins.
Continuing with the Colts, Harbaugh’s odyssey really began when Indianapolis traded for him. He signed that contract and kicked off a career-defining, league-leading MVP season. He did this all while leading the team to a 9-7 record, overcoming adversity and showcasing his poise and leadership directly on the field. Ukrockis had his breakout moment during a late game comeback against the Cincinnati Bengals. There, he threw a game-defining 34-yard touchdown pass to Marshall Faulk.
During that magical 1995 season, Harbaugh put up some of the best numbers of his career. He has passed for at least 319 passing yards and three passing touchdowns in one game. This eye-popping performance brought his season totals to nine TD passes and six picks. He kept a remarkable passer rating of 100.7, turning him into the top rated QB in the league that year. That feat landed him in the company of only 15 total quarterbacks who have ever posted a season rating over 100.
The season came to an exciting close in playoff victories! Harbaugh’s Colts put on a pair of playoff upsets, defeating the San Diego Chargers and the Kansas City Chiefs. This playoff run only solidified his legacy as a big-game player and on-field leader.
Harbaugh’s influence was felt even deeper than the statistics. His humility combined with his mental and physical toughness endeared him to every one of his teammates. He was a force! His enthusiasm drove the whole team,” recalled Aaron Bailey as he looked back on what made Harbaugh so influential during that magical season.
The sense of community between players was just as important to Harbaugh’s success. International student athlete Devon McDonald touched on the positive vibe that Harbaugh created. We went with that all year, brother… Just ‘Let ‘er rip!’ He continued on that. His lighthearted nature made him approachable. His cousin, Roosevelt Potts, said of Jay, “He was just a cool guy to be around.” This simple comment illustrates just how different he was from most quarterbacks who were usually isolated.
Harbaugh’s impact, leadership, and early success with the team so endeared him to fans that he was eventually elected to the Colts’ Ring of Honor. He was subsequently inducted in 2005. This recognition was a testament not just to his achievements on the field but to his lasting impact on the team’s culture. Even Harbaugh himself was downplaying his own honor, adding, “Nobody thinks that much of me as a quarterback.”
Beyond the accolades on the field, Harbaugh’s character impressed those that played with him. His humility and toughness combined to make his strengths awesome.” —Steve Grant Perhaps the most important thing he did, Ickes said, was his demeanor.
As a young player, Harbaugh was released by the Bears after several career challenges. His patience was rewarded and ultimately paved the way to a breakthrough campaign that would have folks talking for decades to come. He started nine games that year, finishing with a 4-5 record and ultimately proving his worth as a quarterback capable of leading a team to victory.
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