Johnny Unitas, often hailed as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, had a career brimming with remarkable accomplishments. Overcoming early setbacks, he forever impacted football through his grit, precision, and leadership. These 15 cherished moments capture the essence of his legendary career, one unforgettable highlight at a time.
The Birth of an Underdog Legend
In 1955, the Pittsburgh Steelers cut Unitas, a setback that could have ended his career. After being drafted in the ninth round by the Pittsburgh Steelers, he was released before ever playing a game. However, the Baltimore Colts signed him in 1956, giving him a second chance that Unitas immediately seized.
Rookie Year Resilience
Facing a rocky rookie season, Unitas began with a shaky debut against Detroit, where he went 0–2 with an interception. After starting quarterback George Shaw’s injury, the player stepped in and rebounded. He led the Colts to notable victories and finished with nine touchdowns and a 55.6% completion rate.
The Iconic 1958 NFL Championship Game
The 1958 NFL Championship Game against the New York Giants is famously known as “The Greatest Game Ever Played.” Trailing 17-14 with just two minutes remaining, Johnny Unitas orchestrated a stunning comeback. Unitas scored a touchdown that clinched a historic overtime victory and helped catapult professional football into the national spotlight.
MVP Season of 1959
In 1959, Johnny Unitas made history by throwing 32 touchdown passes and becoming the first quarterback to surpass the 30-touchdown mark in a season. His remarkable performance led the Colts to back-to-back championships, highlighted by a thrilling fourth-quarter comeback against the Giants in the title game, securing a 31–16 victory.
47-Game Touchdown Streak
From 1956 to 1960, he achieved an astonishing feat by throwing a touchdown pass in 47 consecutive games, a record many considered unbreakable. Although the streak ended against the Los Angeles Rams in 1960, Unitas still surpassed 3,000 passing yards and led the league that season in touchdown passes.
The 1967 Season
1967 saw Unitas accumulate 3,428 passing yards and 20 touchdowns while completing 58.5% of passes. This happened after the Colts finished second in the Western Conference in 1966 and rebounded to an impressive 11–1–2 record in 1967. They tied the Rams for the best in the NFL.
A Season of Redemption
The 1963 season marked a personal resurgence for Johnny Unitas, who led the NFL in passing yards with a career-high 3,481 and completions with 237. Under new head coach Don Shula, the Colts ended the season strong by winning their final three games and showing promise for the future.
NFL MVP Awards in 1959, 1964, and 1967
Unitas’ exceptional skills earned him the NFL Most Valuable Player award thrice (1959, 1964, 1967). 1959, he led the league with 2,899 passing yards and 32 touchdowns. By 1964, he averaged an impressive 9.26 yards per attempt, culminating in 3,428 yards and 20 touchdowns in 1967.
The Comeback Kid
After a severe elbow injury in the 1968 preseason, doubts loomed over Johnny Unitas’s ability to return. Sidelined for most of the season, he made a comeback in Super Bowl III, where he led the Colts to their only score and recorded more passing yards than starter Earl Morrall.
Guiding the Colts to Super Bowl V
In the 1970 season, Unitas guided the Colts to Super Bowl V, the first championship game under the NFL-AFL merger. Unitas threw a 75-yard touchdown pass to John Mackey, setting a then-Super Bowl record. However, after throwing two interceptions, he exited the game in the second quarter due to a rib injury.
First QB to Throw for 40,000 Yards
As the first quarterback to surpass 40,000 career passing yards, Johnny Unitas completed 2,830 passes out of 5,186 attempts and accumulated 40,239 yards, 290 touchdowns, and 253 interceptions over 18 seasons. At retirement, he held multiple NFL records.
Pro Bowl Appearances Across Decades
He had ten Pro Bowl appearances spanning the 1950s and 1960s and displayed sustained excellence across three decades. Unitas received five first-team All-Pro honors and led the Colts to four championship titles, including three pre-merger titles in 1958, 1959, and 1968, plus one in Super Bowl V.
NFL’s 50th Anniversary All-Time Team
In 1969, Johnny Unitas was named to the NFL’s 50th Anniversary All-Time Team, which solidified his status as one of the greatest quarterbacks. This prestigious recognition honored his significant contributions to the game and placed him among 16 legendary players, all of whom have since been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Becoming a Hall of Famer in 1979
Getting on the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979, Unitas was recognized as one of the best to ever play the game. His induction was a celebration of his unparalleled achievements and influence on football. Fans and analysts celebrated this well-deserved honor for the iconic quarterback.
The Unitas Golden Arm Award
After it was named in his honor, the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award recognizes the top senior quarterback in college football. This accolade continues Unitas’ legacy by celebrating those who display the leadership, skill, and character he represents. It’s a fitting tribute to a man who gave so much to the game.
15 Defining Moments from Johnny Unitas’ Legendary Career