John Constantine Unitas, fondly known as “Johnny U,” left an indelible mark on American football, etching his name into the annals of NFL history. Born in Pittsburgh on May 7, 1933, to Francis J. Unitas and Helen Superfisky, Johnny’s Lithuanian heritage was reflected in his unique last name, which was a phonetic transliteration of the common Lithuanian surname Jonaitis.
Unitas’ early life was marked by adversity. When he was just five years old, his father’s untimely death from cardiovascular renal disease compounded by pneumonia left his mother to raise him and his siblings while working two jobs to support the family. Despite the challenges, Johnny Unitas emerged as a football prodigy.
His high school years at St. Justin’s in Pittsburgh saw him excel as both a halfback and a quarterback, setting the stage for a promising future in the sport. A dream of playing for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish was dashed when Coach Frank Leahy deemed him too slender for the gridiron, fearing he’d be overpowered. Instead, Johnny Unitas found his home at the University of Louisville.
At Louisville, Unitas’s star began to shine. Standing at 6 feet 1 inch and weighing a mere 145 pounds when he first joined the team, he quickly proved doubters wrong. His first start in 1951, against St. Bonaventure, showcased his potential, throwing 11 consecutive passes and three touchdowns, albeit in a losing effort.
As his college career progressed, Unitas’s talents became increasingly evident. In the 1952 season, he embraced the challenge of playing two-way football, taking on defensive roles and excelling on special teams. Despite the team’s struggles, Johnny Unitas’s performances continued to stand out, demonstrating his versatility and determination.
The subsequent years brought both triumphs and challenges for the young quarterback. By 1953, Unitas had been named captain of the team, though injuries limited his playing time. In 1954, plagued by injuries once again, he faced a challenging season, yet his dedication to the game remained unwavering.
Though his college career may have had its ups and downs, Johnny Unitas had proven himself as a true football talent by the time he left the University of Louisville. Little did the world know that this slender young quarterback would go on to become one of the greatest legends the NFL has ever seen.
A Quarterback’s Journey Through NFL History
After an impressive college career, Johnny Unitas was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the ninth round of the NFL draft. However, his time with the Steelers would be short-lived. Despite his potential, he was released before the season even began. Steelers’ head coach Walt Kiesling had his doubts about Unitas, doubting his ability to lead an NFL team. This setback led Johnny to take up construction work in Pittsburgh to support his family. On weekends, he played for the semi-professional Bloomfield Rams for a meager $6 a game.
In 1956, Unitas received a second chance when he joined the Baltimore Colts under the guidance of legendary coach Weeb Ewbank. His entry into the Colts was a story of determination and serendipity. He was invited to try out for the Colts at the last minute, alongside a friend from the Bloomfield Rams, Jim Deglau. The pair borrowed money from friends to make the trip, defying the odds stacked against them. The Colts saw potential in Unitas, signing him to their roster and leaving the Cleveland Browns in disappointment.
Unitas made his NFL debut with a less-than-ideal performance against Detroit, but it wasn’t long before he showcased his potential. His rookie year saw him throw nine touchdown passes, including one that marked the beginning of a record-breaking streak of 47 consecutive games with a touchdown pass. This remarkable feat solidified his reputation as one of the NFL’s brightest stars.
The 1958 season would become legendary in NFL history. Unitas continued to shine, leading the Colts to the NFL championship game. On December 28, 1958, in what is famously known as “The Greatest Game Ever Played,” the Colts emerged victorious in sudden death overtime against the New York Giants. This thrilling victory, the first overtime game in NFL history, played a pivotal role in popularizing professional football in the 1960s.
In 1959, Unitas earned his first NFL Most Valuable Player award. He led the league in passing yards, touchdown passes, and completions, showcasing his mastery of the quarterback position. Unitas guided the Colts to a repeat championship, solidifying his status as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history.
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