Johnny Unitas
Inducted:
1979

Player Stats
6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
194 lb (88 kg)
Born:
May 7, 1933
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Died:
September 11, 2002
Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
Position:
Quarterback
College:
Louisville (1951–1954)
Johnny Unitas is widely regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history and a defining figure in the modern passing game. After beginning his career with the Baltimore Colts in 1956, he quickly became known for his poise, accuracy, and ability to lead late-game drives. Unitas revolutionized quarterback play with his strong arm, sharp field vision, and mastery of timing routes.
He guided the Colts to NFL Championships in 1958, 1959, and 1968, including the legendary 1958 title game often called “The Greatest Game Ever Played.” Over his long career, he set numerous passing marks and established the model of a true franchise quarterback. His record streak of 47 consecutive games with a touchdown pass lasted more than half a century.
Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979, Unitas remains a benchmark for leadership, toughness, and excellence at the position.
Unitas' Awards and Honors
- Super Bowl champion (V)
- 3× NFL champion (1958, 1959, 1968)
- 3× NFL Most Valuable Player (1959, 1964, 1967)
- 5× First-team All-Pro (1958, 1959, 1964, 1965, 1967)
- 3× Second-team All-Pro (1957, 1960, 1963)
- 10× Pro Bowl (1957–1964, 1966, 1967)
- 4× NFL passing yards leader (1957, 1959, 1960, 1963)
- 4× NFL passing touchdowns leader (1957–1960)
- 2× NFL passer rating leader (1958, 1965)
NFL Records
- NFL Man of the Year (1970)
- First quarterback to surpass 40,000 passing yards
- 47 consecutive games with a passing touchdown for 52 years
- Key leader of the 1958 “Greatest Game Ever Played”
NFL Teams
Pittsburgh Steelers (1955)
Baltimore Colts (1956–1972)
San Diego Chargers (1973)
NFL Draft:
1955: 9th round, 102nd overall pick
Pittsburgh Steelers
Number Worn:
19
NFL Stats
Seasons:
18 (1930–1940, 1944–1945)
Games Played:
211
Game Started:
185
Passing attempts:
5,186
Passing completions:
2,830
Completion percentage:
54.6%
TD–INT:
290–253
Passing yards:
40,239
Passer rating:
78.2
Rushing yards:
1,777
Rushing touchdowns:
13
