Johnny Unitas as No. 19 of the Indianapolis Colts
2301 S 3rd St, Louisville, KY 40292, United States
Johnny Unitas studied at the University of Louisville from 1951 to 1954.
1958
1 E 161 St, The Bronx, NY 10451, United States
Johnny Unitas, a quarterback of the Baltimore Colts, drops back to pass during the NFL Championship Game against the New York Giants at Yankee Stadium in New York City. Photo by Diamond Images.
1958
(From left to right) Baltimore Colts' quarterback Johnny Unitas, coach Webb Ewbank and end Raymond Berry watch the films of the Cleveland-Giants Pro Football game.
1958
Johnny Unitas (left), quarterback of the Baltimore Colts, and Weeb Ewbank, the World Champion Colts' coach, shake hands before leaving for the west coast to appear at a sports award dinner in Los Angeles. Photo by Bettmann Archive.
1959
Coach Weeb Ewbank (left) explains the diagram of play to Baltimore Colts' quarterback Johnny Unitas (second from right) and end Dave Sherer during skull session.
1961
Quarterbacks of the NFL (back, from left to right) Milt Plum, Bobby Layne, Sam Etcheverry, Bill Wade, Bart Starr, Johnny Unitas, Norm Snead & Zeke Bratkowski, (front, from left to right) Jim Ninowski, Fran Tarkenton, Don Meredith, John Brodie, Sonny Jergensen & Y. A. Tittle. Photo by Ralph Morse/Life Magazine/The LIFE Picture Collection.
1961
Los Angeles, California, United States
Johnny Unitas (#19) in action against Los Angeles Rams' Bob Long (#84), Los Angeles, California. Photo by Marvin E. Newman/Sports Illustrated.
1962
Los Angeles, California, United States
Baltimore Colts' coach Weeb Ewbank goes over pass plays during skull session with quarterbacks Johnny Unitas (center) and Raymond Berry (right), Los Angeles.
1963
Baltimore, Maryland, United States
Johnny Unitas (#19) of the Baltimore Colts in action during a game, Baltimore, Maryland. Photo by Walter Iooss Jr./Sports Illustrated.
1969
Miami, Florida, United States
Johnny Unitas #19 of the Baltimore Colts drops back to pass against the New York Jets during Super Bowl III at the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida. Photo by Focus on Sport.
1969
Johnny Unitas, a quarterback for the Baltimore Colts, in action
1970
285 Dodge Street, Buffalo, New York, United States
Johnny Unitas of the Baltimore Colts watches the action from the sidelines during a game against the Buffalo Bills at War Memorial Stadium in Buffalo, New York. Photo by Tony Tomsic.
1970
Johnny Unitas exercising. Photo by Barry Staver/The Denver Post.
1970
(From left to right) Kansas City Chiefs' quarterback Lew Dawson, Howard Cosell, and Johnny Unitas. Photo by Walt Disney Television.
1971
1085 West 3rd Street; Cleveland, Ohio 44114, United States
Quarterback Johnny Unitas #19 of the Baltimore Colts drops back to pass against the Cleveland Browns during an NFL football game at Cleveland Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio. Photo by Focus on Sport.
1971
Miami, Florida, United States
Johnny Unitas, a quarterback for the Baltimore Colts, throws a pass during Super Bowl V against the Dallas Cowboys at the Orange Bowl, Miami, Florida. Photo by Focus on Sport.
1971
Baltimore, Maryland, United States
Johnny Unitas of the Baltimore Colts in Baltimore, Maryland. Photo by Russ Reed/Sporting News.
1971
Baltimore, Maryland, United States
Johnny Unitas of the Baltimore Colts looks on from the bench during an NFL football game at Memorial Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland. Photo by Focus on Sport.
1971
Miami, Florida, United States
Johnny Unitas and Earl Morrall, quarterbacks for the Baltimore Colts, talk during Super Bowl V against the Dallas Cowboys at the Orange Bowl, Miami, Florida. Photo by Focus on Sport.
1971
Baltimore, Maryland, United States
Johnny Unitas of the Baltimore Colts rolls out to pass against the Miami Dolphins during an NFL football game at Memorial Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland. Photo by Focus on Sport.
1971
Baltimore Colts' quarterbacks John Unitas (left) and Earl Morrall share a light moment at their practice field, where the Colts are preparing for their Super Bowl clash with the Dallas Cowboys. Photo by Bettmann Archive.
1972
Miami, Florida, United States
Johnny Unitas (right), the Baltimore Colts' quarterback, jokes with Sam Havrilak, a wide receiver, prior to the NFL game with the Miami Dolphins in the Orange Bowl Stadium, Miami, Florida. Photo by Ross Lewis.
Johnny Unitas, a quarterback for the Baltimore Colts, holding the ball in his left hand during practice on a field, about 1955. Photo by Hulton Archive.
Johnny Unitas in the uniform of the Baltimore Colts while holding a ball in passing stance. Photo by Yale Joel/The LIFE Picture Collection.
Johnny Unitas (#19), a quarterback for the Baltimore Colts, cocks his arm to throw the ball from the midst of a tangle of players during a game against the Chicago Bears, about the 1960s. Photo by Robert Riger.
Johnny Unitas, a quarterback for the Baltimore Colts, walks on the field, with a ball in his hand, about the 1960s. Photo by Robert Riger.
Johnny Unitas (#19), a quarterback for the Baltimore Colts, hands the ball off to an American football player and Colts' running back Lenny Moore (#24) during a game with the Chicago Bears, the mid-1950s to mid-1960s. Photo by Robert Riger.
900 E 33rd St, Baltimore, MD 21218, United States
Johnny Unitas (#19), a quarterback of the Baltimore Colts, turns to hand the ball off against the Cleveland Browns during a late NFL football game at Memorial Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland, the 1960s. Photo by Focus on Sport.
Johnny Unitas of the Baltimore Colts dresses in the locker room before a game, the mid-1960s. Photo by Robert Riger.
Johnny Unitas wearing the uniform of the Baltimore Colts.
Trainer Ed Block (left) adjusts the special protective gear on Johnny Unitas, injured Baltimore Colts' quarterback. Photo by Bettmann Archive.
Baltimore Colts' quarterback Johnny Unitas. Photo by Bettmann Archive.
Johnny Unitas #19 of the Baltimore Colts throws a pass during a game, about the 1960s. Photo by Focus on Sport.
285 Dodge Street, Buffalo, New York, United States
Johnny Unitas of the Baltimore Colts signing a couple of autographs after a game at Memorial Stadium. Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire.
1973
9449 Friars Rd, San Diego, CA 92108, United States
Quarterback Johnny Unitas #19 of the San Diego Chargers drops back to pass against the Los Angeles Rams during a preseason NFL football game at Jack Murphy Stadium (later SDCCU Stadium) in San Diego, California. Photo by Focus on Sport.
1973
9449 Friars Rd, San Diego, CA 92108, United States
Johnny Unitas (#19), San Diego Chargers' quarterback, fires a pass during a 20-13 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals at San Diego Stadium (later SDCCU Stadium) in San Diego, California. Photo by Charles Aqua Viva.
1973
9449 Friars Rd, San Diego, CA 92108, United States
Johnny Unitas of the San Diego Chargers in action during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at San Diego Stadium (later SDCCU Stadium), California. Photo by James Flores.
1973
9449 Friars Rd, San Diego, CA 92108, United States
Johnny Unitas #19 of the San Diego Chargers in action against the Cincinnati Bengals during an NFL football game at Jack Murphy Stadium (later SDCCU Stadium) in San Diego, California. Photo by Focus on Sport.
2003
1101 Russell St, Baltimore, MD 21230, United States
A statue of Johnny Unitas sits outside M&T Bank Stadium before the game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, Baltimore, Maryland. Photo by Jerry Driendl.
1959
Johnny Unitas, the Baltimore Colts' quarterback, holds his Jim Thorpe Trophy (National Football League Most Valuable Player Award).
1959
John Unitas (right), coach Weeb Ewbank (left) and Carroll Rosenbloom after receiving the Touchdown Club award as Outstanding Pro-Football Player of the Year.
Johnny Unitas was honored with the Bert Bell Award three times, in 1959, 1964, and 1967.
1958
1 E 161 St, The Bronx, NY 10451, United States
Johnny Unitas, a quarterback of the Baltimore Colts, drops back to pass during the NFL Championship Game against the New York Giants at Yankee Stadium in New York City. Photo by Diamond Images.
1958
(From left to right) Baltimore Colts' quarterback Johnny Unitas, coach Webb Ewbank and end Raymond Berry watch the films of the Cleveland-Giants Pro Football game.
1958
Johnny Unitas (left), quarterback of the Baltimore Colts, and Weeb Ewbank, the World Champion Colts' coach, shake hands before leaving for the west coast to appear at a sports award dinner in Los Angeles. Photo by Bettmann Archive.
1958
45 East 45th Street, Midtown Manhattan, New York City, New York, United States
Holding their silver tray awards, John Unitas (left) of the Baltimore Colts and Pete Dawkins, Army's All-American halfback, smile happily at the Roosevelt Hotel. Photo by Bettmann Archive.
1959
Johnny Unitas looks at his reflection in his SO Grauley Memorial Award for America's Outstanding Athlete. Photo by Jack Tinney.
1959
Johnny Unitas, the Baltimore Colts' quarterback, holds his Jim Thorpe Trophy (National Football League Most Valuable Player Award).
1959
Coach Weeb Ewbank (left) explains the diagram of play to Baltimore Colts' quarterback Johnny Unitas (second from right) and end Dave Sherer during skull session.
1959
Johnny Unitas with his wife and children
1959
Baltimore Colts' quarterback Johnny Unitas, accompanied by his wife, Dorothy, sits behind the wheel and waves after receiving a new auto.
1959
Competing on the court instead of the gridiron, Baltimore Colts' quarterback Johnny Unitas (right) blocks a shot attempted by Tom Scott of the Philadelphia Eagles in a basketball exhibition game. Photo by Bettmann Archive.
1959
John Unitas (right), coach Weeb Ewbank (left) and Carroll Rosenbloom after receiving the Touchdown Club award as Outstanding Pro-Football Player of the Year.
1959
Baltimore Colts' quarterback, Johnny Unitas, reads the UPI story announcing that he has been named the Outstanding NFL Player of 1959 in the United International Poll. Photo by Bettmann Archive.
1960
Clowning Jerry Lewis previews the presentation of the Time Corporation's first annual professional football Player of the Year award to Johnny Unitas, quarterback of the Baltimore Colts. Photo by Los Angeles Examiner/USC Libraries/Corbis.
1960
Johnny Unitas, Baltimore Colts' quarterback, shows the Denver Post account of the game to Janelle Ellis, May-D&F's secretary. Photo by Denver Post.
1961
Quarterbacks of the NFL (back, from left to right) Milt Plum, Bobby Layne, Sam Etcheverry, Bill Wade, Bart Starr, Johnny Unitas, Norm Snead & Zeke Bratkowski, (front, from left to right) Jim Ninowski, Fran Tarkenton, Don Meredith, John Brodie, Sonny Jergensen & Y. A. Tittle. Photo by Ralph Morse/Life Magazine/The LIFE Picture Collection.
1961
Los Angeles, California, United States
Johnny Unitas (#19) in action against Los Angeles Rams' Bob Long (#84), Los Angeles, California. Photo by Marvin E. Newman/Sports Illustrated.
1962
Johnny Unitas (left) holds TV entertainer Art Linkletter, seated, while Tommy McDonald (center) of Philadelphia Eagles, and Jim Taylor of the Green Bay Packers, try to induce Linkletter to put his head into the helmet at the opening session of National Sporting Goods Association Annual Conference.
1962
Los Angeles, California, United States
Baltimore Colts' coach Weeb Ewbank goes over pass plays during skull session with quarterbacks Johnny Unitas (center) and Raymond Berry (right), Los Angeles.
1963
Baltimore, Maryland, United States
Johnny Unitas (#19) of the Baltimore Colts in action during a game, Baltimore, Maryland. Photo by Walter Iooss Jr./Sports Illustrated.
1964
Pariser Platz, 10117 Berlin, Germany
Baltimore Colts' stars, Johnny Unitas and Gino Marchetti, play catch in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin. Photo by Bettmann Archive.
1965
1265 Lombardi Ave, Green Bay, WI 54304, United States
Johnny Unitas (left) of the Baltimore Colts speaks with team owner Carroll Rosenbloom during the Western Conference Playoff game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin. Photo by Robert Riger.
1969
Miami, Florida, United States
Johnny Unitas #19 of the Baltimore Colts drops back to pass against the New York Jets during Super Bowl III at the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida. Photo by Focus on Sport.
1969
Johnny Unitas, a quarterback for the Baltimore Colts, in action
1970
285 Dodge Street, Buffalo, New York, United States
Johnny Unitas of the Baltimore Colts watches the action from the sidelines during a game against the Buffalo Bills at War Memorial Stadium in Buffalo, New York. Photo by Tony Tomsic.
1970
Johnny Unitas exercising. Photo by Barry Staver/The Denver Post.
1970
(From left to right) Kansas City Chiefs' quarterback Lew Dawson, Howard Cosell, and Johnny Unitas. Photo by Walt Disney Television.
1971
1085 West 3rd Street; Cleveland, Ohio 44114, United States
Quarterback Johnny Unitas #19 of the Baltimore Colts drops back to pass against the Cleveland Browns during an NFL football game at Cleveland Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio. Photo by Focus on Sport.
1971
Miami, Florida, United States
Johnny Unitas' helmet sits on top of his locker following Super Bowl V against the Dallas Cowboys at the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida. Photo by Kidwiler Collection/Diamond Images.
1971
Miami, Florida, United States
Johnny Unitas, a quarterback for the Baltimore Colts, throws a pass during Super Bowl V against the Dallas Cowboys at the Orange Bowl, Miami, Florida. Photo by Focus on Sport.
1971
Baltimore, Maryland, United States
Johnny Unitas of the Baltimore Colts in Baltimore, Maryland. Photo by Russ Reed/Sporting News.
1971
Baltimore, Maryland, United States
Johnny Unitas of the Baltimore Colts looks on from the bench during an NFL football game at Memorial Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland. Photo by Focus on Sport.
1971
Miami, Florida, United States
Johnny Unitas and Earl Morrall, quarterbacks for the Baltimore Colts, talk during Super Bowl V against the Dallas Cowboys at the Orange Bowl, Miami, Florida. Photo by Focus on Sport.
1971
Baltimore, Maryland, United States
Johnny Unitas of the Baltimore Colts rolls out to pass against the Miami Dolphins during an NFL football game at Memorial Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland. Photo by Focus on Sport.
1971
Baltimore Colts' quarterbacks John Unitas (left) and Earl Morrall share a light moment at their practice field, where the Colts are preparing for their Super Bowl clash with the Dallas Cowboys. Photo by Bettmann Archive.
1971
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20500, United States
Baltimore Colts' quarterback Johnny Unitas and the 37th president of the United States Richard Nixon enjoy a laugh together during a White House picture session with a group concerning the upcoming White House Conference on Aging.
1972
Miami, Florida, United States
Johnny Unitas (right), the Baltimore Colts' quarterback, jokes with Sam Havrilak, a wide receiver, prior to the NFL game with the Miami Dolphins in the Orange Bowl Stadium, Miami, Florida. Photo by Ross Lewis.
1973
9449 Friars Rd, San Diego, CA 92108, United States
Quarterback Johnny Unitas #19 of the San Diego Chargers drops back to pass against the Los Angeles Rams during a preseason NFL football game at Jack Murphy Stadium (later SDCCU Stadium) in San Diego, California. Photo by Focus on Sport.
1973
9449 Friars Rd, San Diego, CA 92108, United States
Johnny Unitas (#19), San Diego Chargers' quarterback, fires a pass during a 20-13 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals at San Diego Stadium (later SDCCU Stadium) in San Diego, California. Photo by Charles Aqua Viva.
1973
5201 Park Heights Ave, Baltimore, MD 21215, United States
Johnny Unitas waving to the crowd as he is being driven down the main track in tribute to him at Pimlico Race Course. Photo by Neil Leifer/Sports Illustrated.
1973
9449 Friars Rd, San Diego, CA 92108, United States
Johnny Unitas of the San Diego Chargers in action during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at San Diego Stadium (later SDCCU Stadium), California. Photo by James Flores.
1973
9449 Friars Rd, San Diego, CA 92108, United States
Johnny Unitas #19 of the San Diego Chargers in action against the Cincinnati Bengals during an NFL football game at Jack Murphy Stadium (later SDCCU Stadium) in San Diego, California. Photo by Focus on Sport.
1974
Basketball great Oscar Robertson (center) is flanked by Johnny Unitas (left) and Robert Wussler, Vice-President of CBS Sports as Robertson announced his retirement as a player to join Unitas as a sportscaster for CBS television. Photo by Bettmann Archive.
1977
Canton, Ohio, United States
The Johnny Unitas of the Baltimore Colts Pro Football Hall of Fame display commemorating Unitas' exceptional string of 47 straight games in which he threw a touchdown pass, Canton, Ohio. Photo by Sporting News.
1979
2121 George Halas Dr NW, Canton, OH 44708, United States
Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees pose on the steps of the Hall of Fame. (From left to right) They are Dick Butkus, Yale Lary, Ron Mix and Johnny Unitas.
1984
Denver, Colorado, United States
Johnny Unitas in Denver. Photo by Susan Biddle/The Denver Post.
1985
Baltimore, Maryland, United States
Johnny Unitas receives an honorary jersey from USFL Baltimore Stars (with his two sons), Baltimore, Maryland. Photo by Sporting News.
1988
(From left to right) Johnny Unitas, Earl Morrall and Joe Theismann appear at Miami Dolphins' game. Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Walt Disney Television.
1992
(Front row, from left to right): Al Michaels, Craig T. Nelson, Dick Butkus; (back row, from left to right): Johnny Unitas and Bubba Smith. Photo by Walt Disney Television.
1996
1101 Russell St, Baltimore, MD 21230, United States
Johnny Unitas as he smiles and looks on during the game between the New England Patriots and the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland. Photo by Jed Jacobsohn.
1998
Baltimore, Maryland, United States
Johnny Unitas at home, Baltimore, Maryland. Photo by Bill Frakes/Sports Illustrated.
2000
1101 Russell St, Baltimore, MD 21230, United States
Johnny Unitas is interviewed during an NFL game between the Tennessee Titans and Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland. Photo by Michael J. Minardi.
2002
1101 Russell St, Baltimore, MD 21230, United States
Detail of an onfield tribute to Hall of Fame quarterback Johnny Unitas with his signature black high tops in a glass case during halftime of the NFL game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland. Photo by Scott Halleran.
2003
1101 Russell St, Baltimore, MD 21230, United States
A statue of Johnny Unitas sits outside M&T Bank Stadium before the game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, Baltimore, Maryland. Photo by Jerry Driendl.
Louisville, Kentucky, United States
Johnny Unitas, No. 19 of the Baltimore Colts, playing ball, Louisville, Kentucky. Photo by Afro American Newspapers/Gado.
Johnny Unitas was honored with the Bert Bell Award three times, in 1959, 1964, and 1967.
Johnny Unitas, a quarterback for the Baltimore Colts, holding the ball in his left hand during practice on a field, about 1955. Photo by Hulton Archive.
Johnny Unitas in the uniform of the Baltimore Colts while holding a ball in passing stance. Photo by Yale Joel/The LIFE Picture Collection.
Johnny Unitas (#19), a quarterback for the Baltimore Colts, cocks his arm to throw the ball from the midst of a tangle of players during a game against the Chicago Bears, about the 1960s. Photo by Robert Riger.
Johnny Unitas, a quarterback for the Baltimore Colts, walks on the field, with a ball in his hand, about the 1960s. Photo by Robert Riger.
Johnny Unitas (#19), a quarterback for the Baltimore Colts, hands the ball off to an American football player and Colts' running back Lenny Moore (#24) during a game with the Chicago Bears, the mid-1950s to mid-1960s. Photo by Robert Riger.
900 E 33rd St, Baltimore, MD 21218, United States
Johnny Unitas (#19), a quarterback of the Baltimore Colts, turns to hand the ball off against the Cleveland Browns during a late NFL football game at Memorial Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland, the 1960s. Photo by Focus on Sport.
2800 S Floyd St, Louisville, KY 40209, United States
A group of Louisville Cardinals' players walk past a statue of football legend Johnny Unitas prior to the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium, Louisville, Kentucky. Photo by Joe Robbins.
Johnny Unitas (#19), a quarterback of the Baltimore Colts, on the sidelines during a game. Photo by Tony Tomsic/Sports Illustrated.
Johnny Unitas of the Baltimore Colts dresses in the locker room before a game, the mid-1960s. Photo by Robert Riger.
Johnny Unitas wearing the uniform of the Baltimore Colts.
Johnny Unitas, Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback, shows Sister M. Theresa Hung, of Shishi, China, how they play football in the United States; looking on is Sister M. Mercedes, of Philadelphia.
2301 S 3rd St, Louisville, KY 40292, United States
Johnny Unitas studied at the University of Louisville from 1951 to 1954.
Trainer Ed Block (left) adjusts the special protective gear on Johnny Unitas, injured Baltimore Colts' quarterback. Photo by Bettmann Archive.
Baltimore Colts' quarterback Johnny Unitas. Photo by Bettmann Archive.
Johnny Unitas. Photo by Bettmann Archive.
Johnny Unitas #19 of the Baltimore Colts throws a pass during a game, about the 1960s. Photo by Focus on Sport.
Johnny Unitas (#19) leaves the game after losing his third straight game to the Rams 10-7. Photo by Bettmann/Corbis.
Johnny Unitas with his kids
2 College Hill, Westminster, MD 21157, United States
Johnny Unitas is shown running during a training session at West Maryland College (now McDaniel College), Westminster, Maryland. Photo by Bettmann Archive.
285 Dodge Street, Buffalo, New York, United States
Johnny Unitas of the Baltimore Colts signing a couple of autographs after a game at Memorial Stadium. Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire.
Don Shula, who was head coach of the Miami Dolphins for 26 seasons and that of Baltimore Colts for 6 seasons
Weeb Ewbank, one of the coaches of the Baltimore Colts
(The book is cowritten with Harold Rosenthal.)
The book is cowritten with Harold Rosenthal.
https://www.amazon.com/Playing-Pro-Football-Johnny-Unitas/dp/B0006BVPOI/ref=sr_1_1
1968
(The book is cowritten with George Dintiman.)
The book is cowritten with George Dintiman.
https://www.amazon.com/athletes-handbook-How-champion-sport/dp/0130498580/ref=sr_1_1
1979
(The book is cowritten with George Dintiman.)
The book is cowritten with George Dintiman.
https://www.amazon.com/Improving-health-performance-athlete-Johnny/dp/0134526074/ref=sr_1_2
1979
restaurateur athlete American football player
John Constantine Unitas was born on May 7, 1933 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. He was the third child of four kids in a family of Francis J. Unitas, an owner of a small coal delivery business, and Helen Unitas Gibbs, a homemaker.
Johnny Unitas was raised in Mount Washington neighborhood of Pittsburgh. In 1938, his father died of cardiovascular renal disease, and Unitas' mother was obliged to support the family on her own since then. To help his mother, Johnny got involved in American football while studying at Saint Justin's High School.
He excelled on the field and won All-Catholic League honors as a quarterback. Despite his success, however, he wasn't sought after by most college recruiters because of his slight stature (he weighed only 66 kg). His dreams of joining the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team weren't meant to come true for that very reason.
After graduation in 1951, Unitas received the only scholarship offer from the University of Louisville. He grew to 1.85 meters and 88 kilograms at Louisville and played extensively. Elected a captain of the squad by his senior season of 1954, he led the Louisville Cardinals to a record of 7-2. With his 527 passing yards, Unitas finished the season second to Jim Houser who scored 560.
Johnny Unitas switched to professional football in 1955 when he was selected in the ninth round of the National Football League (NFL) draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Though, he was just one of four quarterbacks in training camp and wasn't given any opportunity to show himself on the field. Unitas was dismissed before the start of the regular season.
He then came back to his native Pittsburgh and worked as a pile driver on a construction crew. To keep athletic shape, Unitas played for the semiprofessional Bloomfield Rams of the Greater Pittsburgh League earning $6 per game. In the spring of 1956, he was offered a tryout by the Baltimore Colts and made the team as a backup to George Shaw.
Unitas got a chance to show what he was really capable of when Shaw injured his leg during the fourth game of the season. Unitas' debut with the Colts was a fail as he fumbled three times and threw an interception. Baltimore lost 58–27 in that game. Though, Unitas progressed and by 1957 he headed the NFL in passing yardage and touchdowns. Chosen for the first of 10 career Pro Bowls, Unitas started a series in which he would throw a touchdown pass in forty-seven straight games.
As time passed, Johnny Unitas became more and more well-liked by the audience. His performance in the 1958 championship game, in which he helped the Colts to win 23–17 in a game against the New York Giants strengthened his legendary status. The game was later named (and still is) as the turning point in the rise of the NFL's popularity.
Unitas' rise to stardom coincided with the formation of American football as the dominant televised game. Oil billionaire Lamar Hunt started the successful American Football League (AFL). The increased competition of rival leagues for players resulted in wage growth and made media celebrities of the stars. As the quarterback who led the Colts to the champion's title twice, in 1958 and a year later, Unitas was automatically expected to dominate the game during the subsequent decade.
He actually did dominate. Competing for the Colts as a starting quarterback throughout the 1960s, he helped the squad to make the playoffs in 1964 and 1965. Unitas missed the most part of only 1968 because of injuries and watched from the sidelines as the Baltimore Colts triumphed at the Super Bowl of that year. Two years later, Unitas led the squad to victory in Super Bowl V. The 1973 season for which he was traded to the San Diego Chargers became his last in active sport.
After retirement, Johnny Unitas served as a broadcaster for the Columbia Broadcasting System for a while. He tried himself as an author and was involved in a number of business ventures as well, including the Golden Arm Restaurant in Baltimore, the Unitas Management Corporation, a real estate development firm in Florida, and the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Educational Foundation. In 2002, before his death, Unitas became minority owner of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers of the Arena Football 2 (AF2) League.
By his retirement, Unitas had 40,239 passing yards and 290 touchdowns to his credit, which were both records at the time, the same as for the number of his completions. His streak of forty-seven straight games with a touchdown pass remained unequaled till 2012.
Selected the Most Valuable Player three times and given 10 Pro Bowl and five first-team All-Pro honors, Johnny Unitas was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979 and into the American Football Association's Semi-Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1987. His number 19 was retired by the Baltimore Colts to celebrate their eminent quarterback. On the fiftieth NFL anniversary, The Golden Arm was named the league's best player. In 1987, the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award was established in his honor to mark the best college quarterbacks in the United States.
(The book is cowritten with Harold Rosenthal.)
1968(The book is cowritten with George Dintiman.)
1979(The book is cowritten with George Dintiman.)
1979Johnny Unitas was born in a devout Catholic family.
Quotations:
"I want to be honest with you: the players I played with and the coaches I had... they were directly responsible for my being here. I want you all to remember that. I always will."
"I always thought I could play pro ball. I had confidence in my ability, you have to. If you don't who will?"
"There is a difference between conceit and confidence. Conceit is bragging about yourself. Confidence means you believe you can get the job done."
"Anything I do, I always have a reason for."
"Nothing's dangerous if you know what you're doing."
"In order to be successful at anything you choose to do, you must make a 100 percent commitment to what it is you are trying to do. If you put 50 percent of your ability into it, that is all that you will get out of it. You must discipline your body and your mind to work towards the goals you have set. Once you have made this decision, then the work begins."
"A man never gets to his station in life without being helped, aided, shoved, pushed and prodded to do better."
"Talk is cheap, let's go play."
Unitas' surname arose from a widespread Lithuanian last name Jonaitis through a phonetic transliteration.
Johnny Unitas had his distinct style. Old-fashioned high-top football shoes that he wore and hair styled in a crew cut became his hallmark. An epitome of team play, he didn't strive for attention or celebrity.
During his career, Johnny Unitas was regarded as one of the most intimidating players on the field. His most noted skill was the ability to understand defenses.
Physical Characteristics:
Johnny Unitas was 1.85 meters tall. He was right-handed.
Closer to the end of his life, Unitas almost couldn't use his right hand because of the consequences of the injuries he had received during his athletic career. In particular, his middle finger and thumb were deformed significantly.
Quotes from others about the person
Sid Luckman, American football quarterback: "He was better than me, better than Sammy Baugh, better than anyone."
Vince Lombardi, American football coach: "He is uncanny in his abilities, under the most violent pressure, to pick out the soft spot in a defense."
Johnny Sample, American football defensive back: "He scared grown men just by taking the snap and looking your way."
Johnny Unitas was married twice. On November 20, 1954, he tied the knot with his high school sweetheart, Dorothy Jean Hoelle. The family produced five children, Janice, John Constantine, Robert, Christopher, and Kenneth.
Johnny and Dorothy divorced in June 1972. Unitas remarried on June 26 of that same year - this time Sandra Lemon became his wife. She bore him three children, Francis Joseph, Chad Elliott, and Alicia Ann Paige. They lived together till Unitas' death.
(born January 6, 1901 – died October 10, 1938)
A Lithuanian by origin, Francis Joseph Unitas managed a small coal delivery business.
(née Superfisky Gibbs; born May 20, 1905 – died December 14, 1990)
After the death of her husband, Helen Unitas Gibbs briefly took over his business and then served at several odd jobs while attending night classes in bookkeeping. She eventually sold insurance as soon as she had found a job in her new profession.
(by marriage End; born December 10, 1935 – died April 27, 2004)
(née Hoelle)
(née Lemon)
(born January 4, 1930 – died May 4, 2020)
Don Shula, in full Donald Francis Shula, started his athletic career in 1951 when he was drafted out of the John Carroll University. He competed as a defensive back for Cleveland Browns, the Baltimore Colts, and the Washington Football Team.
Considered the best coach ever in the National Football League, he was head coach of the Miami Dolphins for 26 seasons. Under his leadership, the squad won two Super Bowl cups, including the 1972 impeccable season, the only such in the history of the league. He had also coached the Baltimore Colts, leading them to the triumph at the 1968 NFL Championship.
(born May 6, 1907 – died November 17, 1998)
Weeb Ewbank, born Wilbur Charles Ewbank, coached the Baltimore Colts (two victorious NFL championships) and the New York Jets (Super Bowl victory). Ewbank is the only coach whose teams triumphed at the National Football League and the American Football League.
