LocalSportsHistory.com

Johnny Unitas

Football · Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA

High school
St. Justin High School
College
University of Louisville
Pro team(s)
Baltimore Colts, San Diego Chargers
Hall of Fame
Pro Football Hall of Fame

Johnny Unitas grew up in Pittsburgh and attended St. Justin High School, where he developed into a promising quarterback despite being cut from the University of Pittsburgh's program. He found his way to the University of Louisville, then was famously cut by the Pittsburgh Steelers before the Baltimore Colts signed him off the sandlots in 1956. Unitas became the standard by which quarterbacks were measured: 3× NFL champion, 5× Pro Bowl selection, and the first QB to throw for touchdowns in 47 consecutive games — a record that stood for 52 years. His 1958 NFL Championship Game performance ("The Greatest Game Ever Played") is widely credited with making pro football America's game. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979.

added by Ken