American · Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania · Born 7 May 1933 · Died 2002-09-11Baltimore Colts quarterback and three-time NFL MVP considered one of the greatest quarterbacks in league history.
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).
Colts QB, NFL legend
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
- Pro Football Hall of Fame 1979
- 3x NFL MVP
- Super Bowl V champion
- 2x NFL champion (1958, 1959)
- 10x Pro Bowl
| Team | Period | Games |
|---|---|---|
| Baltimore Colts | 1956–1972 | 211 |
| San Diego Chargers | 1973–1973 | 5 |
American Athletes