Y.A. Tittle

The Gritty Gunslinger Who Revolutionized the Passing Game

Few quarterbacks in NFL history symbolize toughness, leadership, and offensive innovation like Y.A. Tittle. A Pro Football Hall of Famer, seven-time Pro Bowler, and two-time NFL MVP, Tittle was one of the first great modern passers, pioneering the deep passing game and the role of the quarterback as a true offensive commander.

Known for his quick release, fearless play, and ability to throw with pinpoint accuracy, Tittle’s legendary career spanned 17 seasons (1948–1964), with his greatest success coming late in his career with the New York Giants, where he set single-season touchdown records and led the team to three consecutive NFL Championship Games.

Though he never won an NFL Championship, Tittle’s legacy is undeniable—he helped shape the modern passing game, set multiple NFL records, and became an icon of perseverance and leadership.

This collection honors Y.A. Tittle, the quarterback who rewrote the record books, set the standard for pocket passers, and proved that greatness isn’t just about winning championships—it’s about revolutionizing the game.

Y.A. Tittle’s Legendary Career by the Numbers

Tittle’s career stats prove that he was one of the greatest passers of his era, setting records that stood for decades.

Career Statistics & Achievements (1948–1964)

Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1971)
Two-time NFL MVP (1963, 1962)
Four-time First-Team All-Pro (1957, 1961–1963)
Seven-time Pro Bowler (1953, 1954, 1957, 1959, 1961–1963)
NFL Passing Touchdown Leader (1955, 1962, 1963)
NFL 1960s All-Decade Team
Career Passing Yards: 33,070 (most at retirement)
Career Passing Touchdowns: 242 (most at retirement)
Career Passer Rating: 73.6 (elite for his era)
First QB to throw for 30+ TDs in back-to-back seasons (1962, 1963)
Holds the record for most TD passes in a single game (7, tied with others)

At the time of his retirement, Tittle was the NFL’s all-time leader in passing yards and touchdowns, cementing his place as one of the greatest quarterbacks ever.

The College Years – A Star at LSU

Before becoming an NFL legend, Tittle was already making waves as one of the best quarterbacks in college football.

Born in Marshall, Texas, in 1926, Tittle played high school football in Texas, where he first developed his elite passing skills.
He attended Louisiana State University (LSU), where he became one of the best quarterbacks in school history.
At LSU, he starred in the T-formation offense, leading the team to multiple winning seasons.
He finished his college career with 2,525 passing yards and 23 touchdowns, an impressive total for the run-heavy era of the 1940s.

Tittle’s talent as a passer and leader made him a top prospect, and in 1948, he was selected by the Baltimore Colts in the first-ever AAFC Draft.

The Early Years – The Colts and 49ers (1948–1960)

Tittle’s NFL journey wasn’t easy, as he spent years developing into an elite passer before reaching stardom.

The Baltimore Colts Years (1948–1950)

Tittle started his career in the All-America Football Conference (AAFC) with the Baltimore Colts, a team that would later merge into the NFL.
He became the Colts’ first starting quarterback, but the team struggled, folding in 1950.
After Baltimore disbanded, Tittle was sent to the San Francisco 49ers, where he would become a star.

The San Francisco 49ers Years (1951–1960)

In San Francisco, Tittle became one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks, leading the 49ers' high-powered offense.
He formed one of the most feared backfields in history, playing alongside Hugh McElhenny, Joe Perry, and John Henry Johnson—a group known as the "Million Dollar Backfield."
By 1957, he led the NFL in passing yards and won his first All-Pro honors, proving he was one of the league’s best quarterbacks.
He led the 49ers to multiple winning seasons, but never reached an NFL Championship Game, leading to a blockbuster trade in 1961.

At age 34, many thought Tittle’s career was winding down, but he was just getting started.

The Giants Years – Late-Career Greatness and MVP Dominance (1961–1964)

When the New York Giants acquired Y.A. Tittle in 1961, it was seen as a short-term move. Instead, it became one of the greatest late-career turnarounds in NFL history.

Tittle immediately transformed the Giants offense, throwing for 3,224 yards and 17 touchdowns in his first season.
In 1962, he had one of the greatest statistical seasons ever, setting the single-season record with 33 touchdown passes, earning NFL MVP honors.
In 1963, he broke his own record, throwing 36 touchdowns, leading the Giants to the NFL Championship Game again and winning his second MVP award.

During his final three seasons (1962–1964), Tittle:

Threw for 10,439 yards and 86 touchdowns.
Led the Giants to three straight NFL Championship Games (1961, 1962, 1963).
Became the NFL’s all-time leader in passing yards and touchdowns.

Although the Giants lost all three championship games, Tittle’s impact on the team and the league was undeniable.

The End of a Legendary Career

Tittle’s final season in 1964 was marked by injuries and a declining team, but one of his most iconic moments came in his final year.

The Iconic Photo – A Symbol of Perseverance

In a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1964, Tittle was viciously hit, leaving him bloodied, dazed, and kneeling on the ground.
The image of Tittle in pain, helmetless, and defeated became one of the most famous sports photographs ever taken, symbolizing the pain and sacrifice of football players.
It became a defining image of an NFL warrior who gave everything to the game.

After 17 seasons, Tittle retired as the all-time leading passer in NFL history.

Defining Moments of Tittle’s Career

1948 – Drafted by Baltimore Colts: Begins his journey in pro football.
1951 – Traded to the San Francisco 49ers: Becomes a star quarterback.
1957 – Wins First Passing Title: Establishes himself as one of the NFL’s elite QBs.
1961 – Traded to the New York Giants: Starts his greatest stretch of dominance.
1962 – Wins First MVP, Sets TD Record (33): Leads the Giants to the NFL Championship Game.
1963 – Wins Second MVP, Breaks Own TD Record (36): Becomes the best QB in the league.
1964 – The Iconic Kneeling Photo: Captures the toughness and sacrifice of his career.
1971 – Inducted into the Hall of Fame: Recognized as one of football’s all-time greats.

A Legacy That Shaped the Modern Passing Game

Y.A. Tittle wasn’t just a great quarterback—he was a pioneer.

He helped introduce the vertical passing attack, paving the way for modern deep-ball quarterbacks.
He was the first QB to throw for 30+ TDs in back-to-back seasons, setting records that lasted decades.
He proved that quarterbacks could still dominate well into their 30s, inspiring future greats like Tom Brady and Drew Brees.

An MVP, A Record-Setter, and One of the Greatest Quarterbacks of All Time.