Johnny Unitas

The Golden Arm Who Revolutionized Quarterback Play and Built the Modern NFL

In the vast and storied history of professional football, few names evoke the same reverence, admiration, and awe as Johnny Unitas. A three-time NFL MVP, four-time NFL Champion, and Hall of Fame quarterback, Unitas wasn’t just one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time—he was the man who helped shape modern football.

Before Joe Montana, before Tom Brady, and before Peyton Manning, there was Johnny U., the man who made the two-minute drill a work of art, the first quarterback to throw for 40,000 yards, and the player who helped transform the NFL from a run-heavy league into a passing-dominant sport. His combination of grit, intelligence, accuracy, and toughness made him the defining quarterback of his era, and his impact is still felt today in every modern passing offense.

Yet, Unitas’ story is one of humble beginnings, perseverance, and an unwavering belief in himself. Cut from his first NFL team and forced to play semi-pro football for $6 a game, Unitas never gave up, ultimately becoming the face of the Baltimore Colts, the architect of "The Greatest Game Ever Played," and one of the most influential figures in football history.

This is the epic story of Johnny Unitas—the quarterback who went from a cast-off nobody to an immortal legend and forever changed the way football is played.

The Early Years – From Pittsburgh Streets to Unwanted Prospect

Long before Unitas became the gold standard for quarterbacks, he was just a skinny kid from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, who had to fight for everything he earned.

Born to Overcome

John Constantine Unitas was born on May 7, 1933, in Pittsburgh, a blue-collar steel town that forged his toughness.
His father died when he was just five years old, leaving his mother to raise him and his three siblings alone.
He grew up in poverty, learning the value of hard work and resilience from his mother, who worked multiple jobs to support the family.

The Beginnings of a Football Genius

Despite being small and underweight in high school (just 145 pounds as a freshman), Unitas was determined to play quarterback.
He attended St. Justin’s High School, where he started to show flashes of brilliance, impressing with his quick decision-making, deep accuracy, and football IQ.
Though he lacked size, he made up for it with his unshakable confidence and leadership.

Snubbed by the Big Schools

Despite his talent, Unitas was overlooked by major college programs.
The University of Pittsburgh, his hometown school, rejected him for being too small.
Instead, he received one scholarship offer—from the University of Louisville, a small school that had little national football relevance.

Little did the world know, this scrawny quarterback from Pittsburgh would one day become the face of professional football.

College Years at Louisville – The First Signs of Greatness

At Louisville, Unitas started small but ended up proving he was one of the best quarterbacks in the country.

A Rocky Start

When Unitas arrived at Louisville in 1951, he was still only 145 pounds.
Many thought he would never be big enough to succeed, but he refused to give up.
After spending his freshman year on the bench, he worked tirelessly to add weight and improve his arm strength.

Emerging as a Star

By his sophomore year, he won the starting job and began showcasing his incredible field vision, poise, and leadership.
He became a true dual-threat QB, showing he could pass with precision and run when necessary.
Despite playing behind an awful offensive line, Unitas made miraculous plays with his quick release and ability to read defenses.

Senior Year & NFL Dreams

By his senior year, Unitas had become one of the most efficient passers in the country, but Louisville was a small, unheralded football program.
Though he finished his college career ranked among the best passers in school history, the NFL largely ignored him.

When the 1955 NFL Draft came around, Johnny Unitas’ name wasn’t called until the 9th round, when he was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers. It seemed like his dream had come true—but reality hit him harder than ever.

The NFL Rejection & Playing for $6 a Game

After being drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers, Unitas expected to compete for a backup job—but instead, he was cut before he even played a game.

The Steelers' Big Mistake

The Steelers had too many quarterbacks in camp, and Unitas—who still lacked size and wasn’t well-known—was seen as expendable.
Head coach Walt Kiesling didn’t even give him a real shot, believing he was too unpolished to play in the NFL.
Just like that, Unitas was out of football before his career even started.

The Semi-Pro Struggle

With no NFL team interested in him, Unitas had no choice but to play semi-pro football for the Bloomfield Rams.
He was paid just $6 per game, working construction jobs on the side to make ends meet.
Despite playing on dirt fields with makeshift uniforms, Unitas never lost faith in his ability.
He kept improving, refining his quick release, footwork, and deep passing ability.

His grit and determination caught the attention of the Baltimore Colts in 1956, who invited him to training camp for one last shot at the NFL.

The Baltimore Colts Years – From Backup to Superstar

The Breakthrough (1956)

Unitas made the Colts' roster as a backup, but in his rookie season, he was forced into action after an injury to starter George Shaw.
Though he struggled in his first few games, he quickly found his rhythm, showing poise, intelligence, and an uncanny ability to read defenses.

1958 – The Greatest Game Ever Played

By 1958, Unitas had fully taken over as the Colts’ starter, leading the team to the NFL Championship Game against the New York Giants.

In what became known as “The Greatest Game Ever Played,” Unitas led the first-ever sudden-death overtime victory, a 23-17 win that cemented the NFL’s popularity.
He completed 26 of 40 passes for 349 yards, orchestrating one of the most iconic game-winning drives in history.
The game drew unprecedented national attention, helping turn pro football into America’s favorite sport.

The MVP Years & Records Set

Unitas won three NFL MVP awards (1959, 1964, 1967).
He led the Colts to another NFL Championship in 1959.
He set the NFL record for most consecutive games with a touchdown pass (47), a record that stood for over 50 years.

Super Bowl V – The Final Triumph

In 1970, at age 37, Unitas led the Colts to Super Bowl V, defeating the Cowboys 16-13.
Though he was injured during the game, he helped lead Baltimore to its first Super Bowl victory.