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.
Johnny Unitas & Glenn Ressler - Baltimore Colts
The Colts Johnny Unitas gets ample protection from blockers Glenn Ressler (#62), Dan Sullivan (#71) and Tony Lorick (#33) against the Falcons in 1967.
Johnny Unitas gets Protection against the Falcons in 1967
Colts Great Johnny Unitas takes off on the run against the 49er defense sometime in the early 1960s.
Johnny Unitas vs San Francisco Defense - Early 1960s NFL
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.
Tom Matte gets hand off from Johnny Unitas - 1969 Baltimore Colts
The Great Johnny Unitas throws as an on-coming hoard of Cowboys applies the pressure. Colt #52 is veteran center Dick Szymanski.
Johnny Unitas, Baltimore Colts, passes over the Dallas Cowboys Defense, 1960s NFL
Baltimore Colts Hall of Fame quarterback Johnny Unitas.
Johnny Unitas NFL Hall of Fame Quarterback
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.
Johnny Unitas passing over Lamar Lundy and Lou Michaels - 1960 Colts vs Rams
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.
George Andrie hits Johnny Unitas in Super Bowl V
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).
Johnny Unitas runs against the San Francisco 49er defense in 1961
Baltimore Colts legend Johnny Unitas
Johnny Unitas, Colts Quarterback
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.
Johnny Unitas turns to hand off to Tom Matte
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.
Johnny Unitas hands off to Bill Pricer against Rosey Grier and the New York Giants in the 1959 NFL Championship Game
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.
Joe Schmidt, Detroit Lions, Rushing Johnny Unitas - A Rob Riger Photo
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).
Alan Ameche and Johnny Unitas score in the 1958 NFL Championship Game
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.
Johnny Unitas, 1968 NFL Pro Bowl Game
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 Colts Johnny Unitas as Alex Karras of the Lions with Rushing
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.
Johnny Unitas is sacked By Chicago Bears Bill George, Doug Atkins and Richie Petitbon
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.
Johnny Unitas passing against the Detroit Lions in 1964
49er great Leo Nomellini come crashing down on the Colts Johnny Unitas.
Leo Nomellini sacks Johnny Unitas, 49ers & Colts
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.
Johnny Unitas, Baltimore Colts Hall of Fame Quarterback
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.
Rosey Grier of the Rams steps up to stop Jerry Hill and Johnny Unitas of the Colts in 1965
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.
Johnny Unitas and Lenny Moore | The 1963 Baltimore Colts
Johnny Unitas, Baltimore Colts
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.
Johnny Unitas during the 1955 Pittsburgh Steelers Training Camp
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 and Earl Morrall in the Locker Room before Super Bowl V
Nice pic of Colts Hall of Fame quarterback Johnny Unitas (#18) dropping back to pass. We think #50 is veteran lineman Buzz Nutter.
Johnny Unitas and Buzz Nutter of the Baltimore Colts
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.
Alan Ameche carries against the 49ers Leo Nomellini & Monte Clark in 1959
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.
Johnny Unitas under pressure from Willie Davis & Ron Kostelnik
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).
Myron Pottios intercepts Johnny Unitas of the Colts in 1969
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.
Johnny Unitas on the Cover of Street and Smith's Issue from 1965
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.
Johnny Unitas hands off to Mark Smolenski Baltimore Colts 1961
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.
Tom Matte, Colts vs Eagles in 1969
Colts Hall of Fame quarterback Johnny Unitas (#19) under the rush of Buffalo Bill legends Ron McDole (#72) and Jim Dunaway (#78).
Johnny Unitas throws over Jim Dunaway & Ron McDole
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?
Johnny Unitas of the Colts passes against Deacon Jones, Maxie Baughan and Roger Brown of the Rams
With half of the Rams Fearsome Foursome descending upon him Johnny Unitas has no where elwe to go but down to the turf.
Merlin Olsen & Deacon Jones take down Johnny Unitas
1960s NFL action - Johnny Unitas hands off to Colts runningback Lenny Moore as Rams great Deacon Jones moves in to disrupt their intentions.
Johnny Unitas, Lenny Moore and Deacon Jones - Colts vs Rams, 1960s NFL
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.
Johnny Unitas and Dickie Moegle in 1957
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).
Verlon Biggs rushing Johnny Unitas | Jets & Colts, Super Bowl III
Johnny Unitas (#19) out runs Giant defenders Dick Modzelewski (#77) & Andy Robustelli (#81) in the 1958 NFL Championship game between Baltimore and New York.
Johnny Unitas in the 1958 NFL Championship Game Against the New York Giants
Down goes Colts quarterback Johnny Unitas (#19) under the weight of Rams lineman Merlin Olsen (#74) and Rosey Grier (#76)
Johnny Unitas is sacked by Merlin Olsen & Rosey Grier
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.
Johnny Unitas blocking Dave Whitsell
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.
Johnny Unitas under pressure from the 49ers Charlie Krueger
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.
Classic Old School NFL - Colts & Bears. Johnny Unitas, Doug Atkins, Jim Parker and Alan Ameche
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.
Johnny Unitas goes over 40,000 passing yards
Now That's a Pretty Face!
Johnny Unitas Close Up
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.
The Colts Johnny Unitas gets a Pass Off with Jim Houston of Cleveland Rushing
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.
Tom Matte Runs Behind Dan Sullivan in 1966 Colts vs Vikings
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.
Johnny Unitas from a 1964 Tulane Stadium Exhibition Game
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.
Photo from the Man in Sport Photo Exhibit | Johnny Unitas going against the Giants in the 1958 NFL Championship
The Hall of Fame quarterback is brought down by Rams legend Deacon Jones as Rosey Grier comes in to support.
Johnny Unitas Sacked by Deacon Jones and Rosey Grier in 1966
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.
Johnny Unitas NFL Great
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.
Detroit Lions Defense Sacks Johnny Unitas
One of the icons of the NFL in the 1960s - Hall of Fame quarterback Johnny Unitas.
Colts QB Johnny Unitas
The Hall of Fame Quarterback enjoys an RC Cola!
Johnny Unitas RC Cola Ad
Baltimore Colts legend Johnny Unitas is forced to flee under the pressure of Los Angeles Ram defenders Jack Pardee (#32) and Deacon Jones (#75).
Jack Pardee and Deacon Jones Chase Colts QB Johnny Unitas
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.
Colts Hall of Fame Quarterback Johnny Unitas
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.
Johnny Unitas and the Baltimore Colts Offense of the Early 60s
A happy Johnny Unitas is interviewed in the locker room after the Colts 16-13 victory over the Dallas Cowboys.
Johnny Unitas after the Win in Super Bowl V.
Johnny Unitas NFL Colts Quarterback
Baltimore Quarterback Johnny Unitas made a brief and ineffective appearance in the 1968 Super Bowl Loss to the New York Jets Jets
Johnny Unitas Super Bowl III
Johnny Unitas with the San Diego Chargers
Dick Butkus and others of Bears pressure Colts QB Johnny Unitas
Johnny Unitas under Pressure from Bears Linebacker Dick Butkus
Johnny Unitas Baltimore Colt Great
The Detroit defense against Baltimore Great Johnny Unitas
Johnny Unitas Passes Against the Detroit Lion Defense
One of the most productive scoring tandems in the history of the NFL - Baltimore Colts Johnny Unitas and Raymond Berry
Baltimore Colts Scoring Duo Johnny Unitas and Raymond Berry
NFL Hall of Fame Quarterback Johnny Unitas
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.
Johnny Unitas of the Baltimore Colts 1956-1972
Ranked No. 5 in 1999 on The Sporting News list of the 100 Greatest Football Players. Only Joe Montana ranked higher among quarterbacks.
Johnny Unitas
Johnny Unitas
Classic photograph of two Baltimore Colt greats. Center Dick Szymanski provides pass protection for Quarterback Johnny Unitas while he passes
Dick Szymanski Blocks for Johnny Unitas
Johnny Unitas
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.
Johnny Unitas
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.
Johnny Unitas NFL Legend
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.