Probably one of - if not the - best know quarterback from the Golden Age of Football. Played 18 years in the NFL and was selected to 10 Pro Bowls. Led the Colts to a 16-13 win over the Cowboys in Super Bowl V.
His name is almost synonymous with the Golden Age of Professional Football. The league MVP in 1957 he led the Colts to 3 NFL Titles in his 18-year career.
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Classic photograph of two Baltimore Colt greats. Center Dick Szymanski provides pass protection for Quarterback Johnny Unitas while he passes
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Ranked No. 5 in 1999 on The Sporting News list of the 100 Greatest Football Players. Only Joe Montana ranked higher among quarterbacks.
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Old photo of Hall of Fame NFL Quarterback Johnny Unitas of the Baltimore Colts 1956-1972. Considered by many to be greatest quarterback of his time.
NFL Hall of Fame Quarterback Johnny Unitas
One of the most productive scoring tandems in the history of the NFL - Baltimore Colts Johnny Unitas and Raymond Berry
The Detroit defense against Baltimore Great Johnny Unitas
Dick Butkus and others of Bears pressure Colts QB Johnny Unitas
Johnny Unitas with the San Diego Chargers
Baltimore Quarterback Johnny Unitas made a brief and ineffective appearance in the 1968 Super Bowl Loss to the New York Jets Jets
A happy Johnny Unitas is interviewed in the locker room after the Colts 16-13 victory over the Dallas Cowboys.
Up close photo of the Baltimore Colts Line of Scrimmage with Hall of Fame Quarterback Johnny Unitas as the signal caller. Taken sometime during the early 60s, pictured - from left to right - #88 Tight End John McKay, #60 Tackle George Preas, #68 Guard Alex Sandusky, #52 Center Dick Szymanski and #77 Guard Jim Parker. And while you can't see #72 Left Tackle Bob Vogel is probably present at the far end.
Baltimore Colts Hall of Fame Quarterback Johnny Unitas played in the NFL for 17 years and retired as the undisputed #1 Quarterback of his time.
Baltimore Colts legend Johnny Unitas is forced to flee under the pressure of Los Angeles Ram defenders Jack Pardee (#32) and Deacon Jones (#75).
The Hall of Fame Quarterback enjoys an RC Cola!
One of the icons of the NFL in the 1960s - Hall of Fame quarterback Johnny Unitas.
Leading the Lions defense in a sack of Colts Hall of Fame quarterback Johnny Unitas. While there's no official record of defensive sacks for NFL seasons before 1982 historians feel Alex Karras should be credited with about 100 sacks for his 12-year year. Also pictured above are #53 Mike Lucci, #59 Charlie Weaver and #74 Larry Hand.
Passed for over 40,000 yards in his 18-year career. Set the NFL record of 47 consecutive games with a touchdown pass. Those games spanned from the finale game of the 1956 season to week 11 of 1960.
The Hall of Fame quarterback is brought down by Rams legend Deacon Jones as Rosey Grier comes in to support.
One of the photos from Sports Photographer Bob Riger's Man in Sport Photo Exhibit. This one is taken from the 1958 NFL Championship game between the Baltimore Colts and the New York Giants. The Giants rush appears halted as the Colts signal caller sets to throw downfield.
Other Colts pictured along with Unitas are #63 - Art Spinney, #50 - Buzz Nutter, #60 - George Prias and #35 - Alan Ameche. For New York #77 - Dick Modzelewski looks on as Jim Katcavage leaps with out stretched arms.
The Hall of Famer poses for a picture posted in an Exhibition Game program from a preseason game between the Packers and Cardinals played at Tulane Stadium in New Orleans before the 1964 NFL season. Unitas would make his 8th consecutive Pro Bowl that year as the Colts would advance all the way to the NFL Championship game against the Browns. The Browns would come out on top though with a dominating 27-0 thrashing of the Colts.
1966 Colts and Vikings. After taking a handoff from Johnny Unitas (#19) Colts ball carrier Tom Matte (#41) gets behind blocker Dan Sullivan (#71). Vikings great Jim Marshall (#70) gives pursuit.
Early 1960s NFL action between Cleveland and Baltimore - Hall of Famer Johnny Unitas gets a pass of center Dick Szymanski (#52) and guard Palmer Pyle (#62) keep Browns defender Jim Houston (#82) at bay.
Now That's a Pretty Face!
1973 - Here the former Colt and future Hall of Fame quarterback has just completed a 25-yard pass to former Chief Mike Garrett to become the first player to throw for over 40,000 yards in a career.
Some classic old school NFL. Bears and Colts. Doug Atkins and another unidentifiable Bear defender assail Colts QB Johnny Unitas. Fullback Alan Ameche along with the great Jim Parker (#77) keep them at bay.
49ers defensive lineman Charlie Krueger is held up by Colts offensive lineman Alex Sandusky as Johnny Unitas gets the pass off in this action from the mid-60s NFL.
Colts quarterback Johnny Unitas (#19) squares up on Bears safety Dave Whitsell (#23). Also identifiable in this picture from 1964 are Bears lineman Stan Jones (#78) and Doug Atkins (#81). Colts center Dick Szymanski (#52) can be seen as well.
Down goes Colts quarterback Johnny Unitas (#19) under the weight of Rams lineman Merlin Olsen (#74) and Rosey Grier (#76)
Johnny Unitas (#19) out runs Giant defenders Dick Modzelewski (#77) & Andy Robustelli (#81) in the 1958 NFL Championship game between Baltimore and New York.
A hurting Jonny Unitas (#19) comes off the bench in Super Bowl III to an effort to turn the tide against the Jets. Defensive End Verlon Biggs (#86) applies pressure. Other players noted above are Bill Curry (#50), Paul Rochester (Jets, #72), Jerry Hill (#45) and Bob Vogel (Colts, #72).
A young Colts quarterback, Johnny Unitas (#19) in 1957 tries to out maneuver 49ers defender Dickie Moegle (#47).
Moegle, in this, his 3rd season, led San Francisco with 8 interceptions. While Unitas, in just his 2nd year in the NFL led the league with 2250 yards and 24 touchdown passes.
1960s NFL action - Johnny Unitas hands off to Colts runningback Lenny Moore as Rams great Deacon Jones moves in to disrupt their intentions.
With half of the Rams Fearsome Foursome (Merlin Olsen (#74) & Deacon Jones (#75)) descending upon him Johnny Unitas has no where else to go but down to the turf.
Colts field general Johnny Unitas launches a pass while under pressure from that outstanding Rams defense of the late 1960s. How many of these players can you name?
Colts Hall of Fame quarterback Johnny Unitas (#19) under the rush of Buffalo Bill legends Ron McDole (#72) and Jim Dunaway (#78).
Colts Hall of Fame quarterback Johnny Unitas (#19) under the rush of Buffalo Bill legends Ron McDole (#72) and Jim Dunaway (#78).
Colts runner Tom Matte (#41) takes a handoff from QB JOhnny Unitas (#19) in 1969 action against the Eagles. Matte scored twice as the Colts won 24-20 during this week 4 games. Making the Pro bowl in 1969, Matte ended up having one of the best seasons of his career numbers-wise as he rushed for 909 yards and a league-high 11 touchdowns. We think The Eagle in the picture, #57, is rookie Ernie Calloway.
1961 Baltimore Colts - Johnny Unitas turns to give the ball to rookie fullback Mark Smolenski from Wyoming. A back-up, Smolenski played with the Colts until 1962. In 1963 he joined the Jets and stayed with them through 1968.
The Colts Hall of Fame quarterback on one of the covers of the 1965 Seasonal issue of Street and Smith's Pro Football Yearbook. Another release of the same magazine featured the 1964 NFL Champion Cleveland Browns quarterback Frank Ryan.
Rams linebacker Myron Pottios (#66) returns an interception of Johnny Unitas (#19) in the 1969 season opener between the Colts and Rams. The Rams won 27-20. The diving Colt in the center is Preston Pearson (#26).
Packers Willie Davis (#87) & Ron Kostelnik (#77) burst through as Colts quarterback Johnny Unitas (#19) tries to set up to pass. #60 is Colts longtime verteran lineman George Preas.
Baltimore Colts workhorse Alan Ameche (#35) gets excellent blocking from his offense in this 1959 showdown with San Francisco. 49ers here are #63, Monte Clark and #73- Hall of Famer Leo Nomellini. NFL Legend Johnny Unitas (#19) is in the background.
Nice pic of Colts Hall of Fame quarterback Johnny Unitas (#18) dropping back to pass. We think #50 is veteran lineman Buzz Nutter.
Colts quarterbacks Johnny Unitas and Earl Morrall chatting in the Locker Room before Super Bowl V. After being upset in Super Bowl III the Colts returned to the NFL Championship game 2 seasons later to defeat the Cowboys in Super Bowl V.
Johnny Unitas was originally a 10th round draft pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1955. When Unitas was released, rumor has it Art Rooney's son begged Rooney to keep him.
A nice pic of Colt greats Lenny Moore and Johnny Unitas in 1963. Unitas had the most passing yards that year, 3481. Unfortunately Moore saw his playing time limited with injuries.
Rams and Colts - 1964. Rosey Grier (#76) moves in to stop fullback Jerry Hill (#45) as Hill takes a handoff from quarterback Johnny Unitas (#19). Colt #52 is center Dick Szymanski and the Ram to the far right, #89 is linebacker Cliff Livingston.
To many he defined the role of the NFL quarterback during the 1960s. When Johnny Unitas retired in 1973 he held literally every passing record in the book including pass completions - 2830, passing yards - 40,239 and touchdown passes -290.
49er great Leo Nomellini come crashing down on the Colts Johnny Unitas.
Detroit and Baltimore, mid-1960s. Johnny Unitas gets the pass away while Lions defensive tackle Sam Williams can be seen rushing. Colts veteran center Dick Szymanski, #52 is directly behind Unitas.
Early 1960s NFL - Colts & Bears. Bears linebacker Bill George (#61) along with Richie Petitbon (#17), and possibly Doug Atkins take down Baltimore QB Johnny Unitas. Colt #85 is End Dee Mackey.
Colts legend Johnny Unitas gets a moment of protection as tackle George Preas works to keep Lions threat Alex Karras away form his quarterback. Fullback Jerry Hill can be seen guarding the left side.
The great Johnny Unitas fires off a pass in the 1968 NFL Pro Bowl game. In all Unitas went to 10 Pro Bowls during his 18-year career.
Colts runner Alan Ameche hits the line of scrimmage to score during the 1958 NFL Title game against the Giants. Lots of great names here - Rosey Grier (#76) and Jim Parker (#77) battle to the far left as Buzz Nutter (#50) holds off Sam Huff (#70). Rosey Brown (#79) in the center, normally on offense looks like he's on the Giant's goal-line defense. Hall of Famer Emlen Tunnell (#45) can be seen in the back beyond Ameche. Unitas (#19) is there of course and behind him is linebacker Cliff Livingston (#89).
Johnny Unitas comes under a heavy Detroit Lions rush in this Rob Riger photo. At left Lenny Moore does what he can to keep Wayne Walker away but Joe Schmidt and Darris McCord are coming in hot.
The 1959 Title game between the Giants and Colts as Johnny Unitas hands off the fullback Billy Pricer with Colts blockers Jim Parker, Art Spinney and Buzz Nutter in front. It appears only Giant Rosey Grier is on hand to defend.
Unitas, the league's top passer in 1959, had an excellent day leading his Colts to a win passing for 264 yards and 2 touchdowns while rushing for another. Final score Colts 31 Giants 16.
Colts action from the 1960s (1961 maybe?) - Johnny Unitas turns to hand to his rookie runner Tom Matte. The other Colt in the backfield may be JW Lockett.
Baltimore Colts legend Johnny Unitas
Johnny Unitas takes off in this game against the 49ers in 1961. In his career Unitas had a total of 1777 rushing yards. Other players here are Colts # 62 - Palmer Pyle and 49ers - Bob Harrison (#54), Charlie Krueger (#70) & rookie Roland Lakes (#60).
George Andrie gets a big hit on Johnny Unitas during the second quarter of Super Bowl V. The collision sent Unitas to the sideline for the rest of the game - but all this was after he had connected with tight end John Mackey for a 75-yard strike.
NFL showdown between the Colts and Rams in 1960. Johnny Unitas gets the pass away while under some pressure from the Rams Lamar Lundy and Lou Michaels. Hall of Famer Jim Parker is seen blocking Lundy. The other Colts are #60, George Preas and veteran Art Spinny, #63.
Baltimore Colts Hall of Fame quarterback Johnny Unitas.
The Great Johnny Unitas throws as an on-coming hoard of Cowboys applies the pressure. Colt #52 is veteran center Dick Szymanski.
Baltimore Colts - late 1960s. Tom Matte gets a hand off from quarterback Johnny Unitas. Matte made 2 Pro Bowls during his playing time, in 1968 & 1969.
Colts Great Johnny Unitas takes off on the run against the 49er defense sometime in the early 1960s.
The Colts Johnny Unitas gets ample protection from blockers Glenn Ressler (#62), Dan Sullivan (#71) and Tony Lorick (#33) against the Falcons in 1967.
Colts Greats Johnny Unitas & Glenn Ressler. Unitas played 17 seasons in Baltimore and started 190 total Regular and Post Season games there. Ressler started 107 total games in 10 years.
With LG Dupree leading the way, Colts quarterback Johnny Unitas picks up 16 yards against Giants Dick Modzelewski and Andy Robustelli during the 1958 NFL Title Game. The Colts would win in overtime 23-17.
Johnny Unitas gets the pass away under the pressure of Packers 1960s era Great Henry Jordan. Both Jordan and Unitas made 5 All-Pro Teams each during their career in the NFL.
The great Johnny Unitas fires over the Colts O-Line. In 1960 Unitas, a Pro Bowl selection, led the NFL in Passing attempts, completions, touchdowns and his 3099 passing yards set an new NFL record.
The Colts offensive players, from left to right - Mike Sommer (#26), Buzz Nutter (#50), Alex Sandusky (#68), Unitas (#19) and George Preas (#60).
Johnny Unitas in some early 1970s action against the Giants. By this time Unitas was nearing the end of his 18-year NFL career. At this time he had passed for almost 39,000 yards, 280 touchdowns, made 10 Pro Bowls, 8 All Pro selections and named NFL MVP 3 times. He also had 4 NFL Championships too.
The Giant in the picture is Bowling Green product Joe Green, the other, not Mean Joe.
Not only a great, great quarterback but one of the nicest, kindest men ever to play the game. He was truly loved by every Baltimorean and my husband and I were lucky enough to have season tickets. He was a joy to watch every week and was Wes taken from us much too young.