Unitas biography, career milestones

The Associated Press
7:02 PM EDT, September 11, 2002
Johnny Unitas at a glance:

Born: May 7, 1933, Pittsburgh.

Died: Sept. 11, 2002, Baltimore.

Height: 6-1.

Weight: 195 pounds.

Position: Quarterback, Baltimore Colts, (1956-72); San Diego Chargers, (1973)

Education: St. Justin's High School (Pittsburgh); graduated University of Louisville, 1955.

Drafted: Ninth round (102nd overall) by Pittsburgh Steelers (1955). Cut before start of 1955 and signed as free agent with Baltimore Colts in 1956.

Uniform number: 19 (retired by Colts).

Career milestones:
  • Completed 2,830 passes for 40,239 yards and a record 290 touchdown passes during his career.

  • Threw TD passes in record 47 consecutive games.

  • Led league in touchdown passes four consecutive years (NFL record).

  • Totaled 17 games with at least four touchdown passes (No. 2 all time behind Dan Marino with 21).

  • Had three seasons of 3,000 yards or more.

  • Selected NFL MVP/Player of the Year in 1957, 1959, 1964, 1967

  • Led Colts to 1958, '59 NFL crowns.

  • "Player of the Decade" for the 1960s.

  • Ten Pro-Bowl selections.

  • Inducted into Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979.

  • Named "Greatest Player in the First 50 Years of Pro Football."

  • Named to the NFL's 75th Anniversary Team.

    Sources: Pro Football Hall of Fame; Johnny Unitas Web site.

    • Copyright 2008 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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