John Constantine Unitas

Born:

May 7, 1933, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA

Died:

September 11, 2002, Baltimore, Maryland, USA

Nationality:

American

Profession(s):

Professional Football Player (Quarterback), Television Analyst

Early Life and Education

• Born to Lithuanian immigrants in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
• Attended St. Justin's High School, where he played football, basketball, and baseball.
• Initially rejected by the University of Notre Dame.
• Attended the University of Louisville, playing quarterback for the Cardinals.

Career and Major Achievements

• Drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the ninth round of the 1955 NFL Draft but was cut before the season.
• Joined the Baltimore Colts in 1956.
• Led the Colts to four NFL championships (1958, 1959, 1968, 1970).
• Won Super Bowl V (1971).
• Three-time NFL Most Valuable Player (1957, 1964, 1967).
• 1967 Hickok Belt (Top Professional Athlete of the US)
• Ten-time Pro Bowl selection.
• Held numerous NFL passing records during his career, including consecutive games with a touchdown pass (47).
• Played for the San Diego Chargers in 1973 and retired after that season.

Notable Works

Legacy and Impact

Johnny Unitas is widely regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. His leadership, toughness, and clutch performances revolutionized the quarterback position and helped popularize professional football. As this brief 'johnny unitas biography quarterback' describes, he left an indelible mark on the sport.

Awards and Honors

• Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979.
• The NFL established the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, given annually to the nation's top college quarterback.

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