Johnny Unitas Biography

John Constantine Unitas was an American professional football quarterback who played in the National Football League for 18 seasons, primarily with the Baltimore Colts. Johnny Unitas, known as Johnny U and the Golden Arm, was recognized as a foundational figure in the modern NFL quarterback role and ranked among the top players in league history. Johnny Unitas earned three NFL Most Valuable Player awards in 1959, 1964, and 1967, and received 10 Pro Bowl selections and five first-team All-Pro honors during his career from 1956 to 1973. From 1956 to 1960, he achieved a streak of 47 consecutive games with a touchdown pass, a record that remained unbroken for 52 years. Unitas is one of only six players to be named to the NFL's 50th, 75th and 100th Anniversary All-Time Teams. In 1952, when Crimmins took the head coaching position at Indiana University, he tried to persuade Unitas to transfer from Louisville, but Unitas remained committed to his current team. Gitschier instructed Unitas in fundamental quarterback techniques and later delivered remarks at his 1979 Hall of Fame ceremony and at his 2002 funeral.