Date of Birth: May 7, 1933
Zodiac Sign: Taurus
Date of Death: September 11, 2002
Biography
Johnny Unitas, born John Constantine Unitas, was an American football quarterback who is widely regarded as one of the greatest to ever play the sport. He was born on May 7, 1933, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Unitas began his professional career in 1955 with the Baltimore Colts after being cut by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Known for his strong arm, quick release, and leadership, Unitas revolutionized the quarterback position and set numerous records during his career. Unitas played 18 seasons in the NFL, primarily with the Baltimore Colts, and briefly with the San Diego Chargers. He led the Colts to three NFL championships, including the famous 1958 NFL Championship Game, often referred to as “The Greatest Game Ever Played.” Unitas was named the NFL Most Valuable Player (MVP) three times and was selected to ten Pro Bowls. He retired with 40,239 passing yards and 290 touchdown passes. After retiring from football, Unitas remained involved in the sport through various business ventures and media appearances. He passed away on September 11, 2002, in Timonium, Maryland, but his legacy in the NFL and sports history endures.
5 Interesting Facts about Johnny Unitas
1. Johnny Unitas was initially cut from the Pittsburgh Steelers and worked construction before being signed by the Baltimore Colts.
2. He led the Colts to victory in the 1958 NFL Championship Game, which is often dubbed “The Greatest Game Ever Played.”
3. Unitas held the record for most consecutive games with a touchdown pass (47 games) for 52 years, until it was broken by Drew Brees in 2012.
4. He wore the number 19 jersey throughout his career, and it has since been retired by the Baltimore Colts.
5. Unitas was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Johnny Unitas
1. “There is a difference between conceit and confidence. Conceit is bragging about yourself. Confidence means you believe you can get the job done.”
2. “If you’re not going all the way, why go at all?”
3. “Concentration and mental toughness are the margins of victory.”
4. “You have to be able to take criticism if you want to be anything worthwhile.”
5. “I never looked at the consequences of missing a big shot… when you think about the consequences you always think of a negative result.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Johnny Unitas had an estimated net worth of around $4 million.
Children
Johnny Unitas had five children: three sons, John Jr., Joe, and Chad, and two daughters, Janice and Karen.
Relevant Links
1. [Pro Football Hall of Fame Profile](https://www.profootballhof.com/players/johnny-unitas/
2. [NFL Profile](https://www.nfl.com/players/johnny-unitas/
3. [Biography on Biography.com](https://www.biography.com/athlete/johnny-unitas
4. [Johnny Unitas’s Legacy](https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/johnny-unitas-legacy
