Unitas, Johnny (1933-2002), was one of the greatest quarterbacks in National Football League (NFL) history. He was noted for his daring play selection and passing accuracy. During his 18 seasons in the NFL, Unitas completed 2,830 passes in 5,186 attempts for 40,239 yards and 290 touchdowns. He passed for more than 300 yards in 26 games. In 1960, Unitas set an NFL record by throwing at least one touchdown pass in 47 consecutive games. Drew Brees of the New Orleans Saints broke the record in 2012.
John Constantine Unitas was born on May 7, 1933, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He attended the University of Louisville and, after graduating in 1955, was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the ninth round. The Steelers released him before the football season began. Unitas played semiprofessional football for a season before he signed with the Baltimore Colts in 1956. He became the starting quarterback in the fourth game that season after the regular quarterback was injured. He played for the Colts through the 1972-1973 season, leading them to the league championship in 1958 and 1959 and to victory in the 1971 Super Bowl. Unitas played the 1973-1974 season with the San Diego Chargers (now the Los Angeles Chargers) before retiring in 1974.
During his career, Unitas was the NFL Player of the Year three times and was selected to the Pro Bowl 10 times. He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979. Unitas died on Sept. 11, 2002.
