Ameche, nicknamed The Horse, won the Heisman Trophy after a college career at Wisconsin, where he rushed for 3,212 yards, at the time a National Collegiate Athletic Association record. He was one of two first-round draft choices by the Colts in 1955. He played for the Colts from 1955-60 and was named an All-Pro from 1955-58.

He is most remembered for beating the Giants on Dec. 28, 1958, in what has been called the greatest football game ever played. In overtime, Ameche ran 1 yard to complete an 80-yard drive for a 23-17 victory.