Johnny Unitas
Questions about Johnny Unitas or the Colts?
Johnny Unitas Legacy
HEYTC AIJohnny Unitas Rating Breakdown
Johnny Unitas Career Stats via Wikipedia
Johnny Unitas Career Timeline
HEYTC AI1991 1
Number 19 Retired by Colts
The Indianapolis Colts retired Unitas's No. 19 jersey during a halftime ceremony, honoring his legacy despite the team's relocation from Baltimore.
1979 1
Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction
Johnny Unitas was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility, recognizing his three NFL championships, three MVPs, 10 Pro Bowls, and career records including 40,239 passing yards.
1973 1
Final NFL Season with Chargers
Unitas played his last NFL season with the San Diego Chargers, appearing in five games with limited action before retiring at age 40.
1972 1
Traded to San Diego Chargers
The Colts traded Unitas to the San Diego Chargers for a third-round draft pick after 17 seasons with Baltimore, marking the end of his long tenure with the franchise.
1970 1
Second Achilles Injury
Unitas tore his Achilles tendon again in Week 7 against the Buffalo Bills, causing him to miss the rest of the season and undergo surgery.
1968 2
Super Bowl III Appearance
Unitas started the Colts in Super Bowl III but was injured early; backup Earl Morrall led them to a 16-7 loss against the New York Jets.
NFL Player of the Year
Returning from injury, Unitas was named NFL Player of the Year (equivalent to MVP) after passing for 2,773 yards and 27 touchdowns, earning First-Team All-Pro honors.
1967 1
First Achilles Injury
Unitas suffered a torn Achilles tendon in Week 14 against the Los Angeles Rams, sidelining him for the remainder of the season and the Colts' Super Bowl run.
1964 1
Third NFL Championship Win
Unitas led the Colts to a 20-17 victory over the Cleveland Browns in the NFL Championship Game despite playing with an injured ribs, throwing for 191 yards and a touchdown.
1959 2
Second NFL Championship Appearance
Unitas guided the Colts to the NFL Championship Game but lost 31-16 to the New York Giants, completing 12 of 26 passes for 114 yards.
NFL MVP Award
Unitas won the NFL Most Valuable Player Award after throwing for 2,894 yards and 31 touchdowns, leading the Colts to a 9-3 record and another championship appearance.
1958 2
NFL Championship Win vs. Giants
Unitas led the Baltimore Colts to a dramatic 23-17 overtime victory over the New York Giants in the NFL Championship Game, known as 'The Greatest Game Ever Played,' completing 26 of 40 passes for 349 yards.
First Pro Bowl Selection
Unitas earned his first of 10 career Pro Bowl selections after leading the Colts to an 9-3 record and helping establish himself as one of the league's elite quarterbacks.
1956 1
Signed by Baltimore Colts
After being cut by the Steelers, Unitas signed with the Baltimore Colts as a rookie free agent and began his professional career, taking over as the starting quarterback midway through the season.
1955 1
Drafted by Pittsburgh Steelers
Johnny Unitas was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the ninth round (102nd overall) of the 1955 NFL Draft but was released before the season started.
Frequently Asked Questions About Johnny Unitas
How does Daniel Jones compare to Johnny Unitas?
Daniel Jones stepping in as Colts starter? That's like handing the keys to a '72 Plymouth Duster and asking it to outrun Unitas's souped-up '58 Chevy that won three titles and Super Bowl V. Johnny owned 40,239 yards, 290 TDs, and that 47-game TD streak—Jones is still chasing fumbles while Unitas invented the deep ball legacy.
Is Johnny Unitas in the Pro Football Hall of Fame?
Damn right Johnny Unitas is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Class of '79, where he belongs with the immortals who turned the NFL into must-see TV. Those black high-tops carried him to three NFL crowns, a Super Bowl, and 10 Pro Bowls—rags-to-riches from Steelers cut to gridiron god.
How would Johnny Unitas perform in today's NFL?
Unitas in today's NFL? He'd carve it up like a hot knife through butter—modern pass-happy rules with no face masks pounding his ribs would let that cannon arm and no-huddle brain rack up Marino numbers. Those 80-yard title game drives? Imagine 'em with 17 personnel spreads. 47 straight TD games might still stand.
How does Johnny Unitas compare to Peyton Manning?
Unitas vs. Peyton? Both Colts kings, but Johnny's 78.2 rating edges Peyton's 55.59 in raw era-adjusted grit—think no domes, just mud and broken ribs for three NFL titles to Peyton's Super Bowls. Unitas called his own plays like a street-smart wizard; Manning audited the defense. Closest QB duel in Indy lore.