Pagel bounced in and out of the starting quarterback job for the Colts in his four seasons with the team, alternating with Schlichter, Matt Kofler, and Mark Herrmann. He was the last Colt to wear #18 before Peyton Manning.
During his four years with the Colts, Pagel shared the starting quarterback role with Schlichter, Kofler, and Herrmann. He was the final player to wear number 18 for the team before Peyton Manning took over.