By Darin High stakes and legendary moments define playoff football, but few games reach the mythical status of the 2013 AFC Wild Card clash. On January 4, 2014, the Indianapolis Colts found themselves staring down a devastating 28-point deficit against the Kansas City Chiefs. Trailing 38-10 early in the third quarter, the Lucas Oil Stadium crowd had gone silent. Yet, what unfolded next was not just a comeback—it was a miracle. This game didn’t just decide who moved on; it redefined what was possible in the NFL postseason.
Blog Post
The Kansas City Chiefs, under coach Andy Reid, looked unstoppable in the first half of the 2013 AFC Wild Card matchup. Quarterback Alex Smith and running back Jamaal Charles built a commanding lead, capitalizing on the Colts turnovers and defensive struggles. When the Chiefs scored again in the third quarter to make the score 38-10, the game seemed over.
But the Colts, led by young quarterback Andrew Luck, refused to quit. The momentum shifted with incredible speed. Luck found wide receiver T.Y. Hilton for a long touchdown, and moments later, running back Donald Brown punched in another score. The game’s pivotal moment, however, came in the fourth quarter.
Article from Jan 5, 2014 Journal and Courier (Lafayette, Indiana)
Down 44-35, Luck drove the Colts into Chiefs territory. After a controversial no-call on a potential fumble, Luck pushed for the end zone. He fumbled, but the ball bounced directly into his hands, allowing him to dive across the goal line for a touchdown. The bizarre, electrifying play cut the lead to 44-41.
With under five minutes remaining, Luck delivered the final, decisive blow. He launched a 64-yard bomb to T.Y. Hilton, who secured the ball and dashed into the end zone. The Colts took their first lead of the entire game, 45-44. The defense held fast, completing the second-largest comeback in NFL playoff history at the time, erasing a staggering 28-point hole on that unforgettable January 4th.
Conclusion
The 45-44 victory over the Chiefs on January 4, 2014, remains a cornerstone of Indianapolis Colts lore and is widely regarded as one of the most exciting playoff contests of the modern era. It showcased the unrelenting spirit of a championship contender and cemented Andrew Luck’s reputation as a quarterback capable of achieving the impossible under the greatest pressure. For football fans, it serves as a permanent reminder that in the playoffs, no lead is truly safe.
