Johnny Unitas

The greatest NFL quarterback of his generation honed his skills in Kentucky.

Johnny Unitas, born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, played both quarterback and safety at St. Justin’s High School. Though considered undersized and overlooked by most major college programs, Unitas earned a scholarship to the University of Louisville. From 1951 to 1954, he threw for 3,007 yards and 27 touchdowns for the Cardinals—solid numbers for the time—but his college career drew little attention from NFL scouts.

In the 1955 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers selected Unitas in the 9th round (102nd overall). However, they released him during training camp, questioning his arm strength and his potential to succeed at the pro level.

Unitas didn’t quit. He returned to Pittsburgh, took a construction job, and played semi-pro football for the Bloomfield Rams, earning just six dollars a game. In 1956, he got a second chance—a tryout with the Baltimore Colts, a struggling team in search of talent. Head coach Weeb Ewbank saw something special in Unitas and signed him as a backup. When starter George Shaw was injured early in the season, Unitas stepped in—and never stepped out.

By 1957, Unitas led the league in touchdown passes and was quickly becoming known for his calm demeanor and knack for fourth-quarter comebacks. In 1958, he and the Colts made history.

That year’s NFL Championship Game, held at Yankee Stadium against the New York Giants, became one of the most iconic games in league history. It was the first NFL game ever decided in sudden-death overtime and was watched by millions on national television. With under two minutes left in regulation, Unitas led a drive to tie the game. In overtime, he marched the Colts 80 yards for the winning touchdown. The game is widely credited with propelling the NFL into the national spotlight—and with making Johnny Unitas a household name.

Over the next twelve seasons, Unitas was a dominant force. He led the Colts to another NFL Championship in 1959 and a Super Bowl title in 1971. Known for his lightning-quick release, pinpoint accuracy, and fearlessness under pressure, he redefined the quarterback position. He was named NFL MVP three times, selected to 10 Pro Bowls, and was a five-time First-Team All-Pro. In 1960, he began a record-breaking streak of 47 consecutive games with a touchdown pass—a mark that stood for more than 50 years.

After hanging up his cleats, Unitas remained active in the sport as a businessman, television commentator, and frequent NFL guest. In 1979, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility.

Johnny Unitas wasn’t just admired for what he did on the field—he was revered for how he did it. Humble, tough, and relentlessly driven, he became a symbol of grit and determination, especially in Baltimore, where he remains a legend.

His legacy lives on not only in the record books but in the very fabric of the game. Unitas helped usher in the modern passing era and set the standard for what a quarterback could—and should—be: smart, fearless, clutch. His black high-top cleats and no-frills approach are still instantly recognizable symbols of football greatness.

Images licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Gallery images are licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.