American · Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania · Born 7 May 1933 · Died 2002-09-11American quarterback who revolutionized the passing game and led the Baltimore Colts to multiple championships in the 1950s and 1960s.
John Constantine Unitas was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1933. He was cut by the Pittsburgh Steelers without playing a game, worked construction and played semi-professional football for $6 per game before the Baltimore Colts signed him in 1956. His 18-season career produced 40,239 passing yards, 290 touchdowns and three NFL championships (1958, 1959, 1970). He is credited with setting the template for the modern quarterback — reading defences, calling plays at the line of scrimmage and making quick decisions under pressure. His record of 47 consecutive games with a touchdown pass stood from 1958 to 2012, when it was broken by Drew Brees. The 1958 NFL Championship Game — the overtime victory over the New York Giants broadcast nationally on television — is known as the Greatest Game Ever Played and is credited with launching the NFL's transformation into America's most popular sport. He was named the NFL's Player of the Decade for the 1960s. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979. He was the NFL MVP three times (1959, 1964, 1967).
Revolutionary passing accuracy, NFL record 47 consecutive games with touchdown pass, 1958 NFL Championship 'Greatest Game Ever Played'
How They Played
Precise pocket passer with exceptional accuracy, strong arm, excellent field vision and leadership
Lasting Impact
Transformed quarterback position from game manager to field general, set numerous passing records that stood for decades
Career Honours
- NFL Champion 3x
- Super Bowl V
- NFL MVP 3x
- Pro Bowl 10x
- AP NFL Player of the Year 1959
- AP NFL Player of the Year 1964
- AP NFL Player of the Year 1967
| Team | Period | Games |
|---|---|---|
| Baltimore Colts | 1956–1972 | 211 |
| San Diego Chargers | 1973–1973 | 5 |
American Athletes