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Johnny Unitas
Leading Baltimore’s sudden-death victory in the 1958 NFL Championship.
NFL Championship · MVP awards
- Born
- 7 May 1933
- Birthplace
- Pittsburgh, United States
- Died
- 11 September 2002
More people
Johnny Unitas
Johnny Unitas was an American quarterback whose passing and late-game command helped popularise professional football.
Early life
Pittsburgh family
His mother raised four children after his father died.
School football
Played quarterback at St. Justin’s High School before attending Louisville.
Career
- 1956
Baltimore opportunity
Joined the Colts after being released by Pittsburgh.
- 1958–1967
Championship quarterback
Won NFL titles and three league MVP awards.
- 1973
Final season
Ended his NFL career with San Diego.
Achievements
NFL Championship
Directed Baltimore’s overtime victory against the New York Giants.
MVP awards
Was named the NFL’s most valuable player three times.
Touchdown streak
Threw a touchdown pass in 47 consecutive games.
Beyond American football
University support
Raised funds for Towson University, which named its stadium after him.
Player welfare
Spoke publicly about the lasting physical disabilities suffered by retired players.
Sources & photo credit
Life, career and references ↗Photo: See source. Public domain · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
