As our nation remembers those we lost on September 11, 2001 due to terrorists attacks, it is also a date we lost a University of Louisville legend. On the same day a year later, Johnny Unitas passed away (May 7, 1933 – September 11, 2002). Unitas’ death was a result of a heart attack he suffered while working out at a physical therapy center in Maryland.
Unitas started his Louisville career in 1951 as back-up quarterback. In his freshman season he saw his first action during the fifth game. Head coach Frank Camp was impressed and kept Unitas as his starter. In his sophomore season, Unitas also found himself playing safety, linebacker, and returning kicks. This was due to some administrative issues that left coach Camp with a small roster. Playing both ways often left Unitas injured, but he played through most. Johnny U finished his UofL career with 245 completions, 3,139 yards, and 27 touchdowns. His #16 jersey is retired and his statue can be found in the end zone of Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium.
Unitas’ dream of playing professional football became reality when he was drafted in 1955 by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Shockingly, Steelers coach Walt Kiesling cut Unitas stating he wasn’t smart enough to be a NFL QB and he already had depth at the position. Unitas spent the remainder of the year working a normal job, but decided to tryout for the Baltimore Colts in 1956. He made the team making $7,000. Unitas embraced the opportunity and started to make NFL history.
In 1958, Unitas made a name for himself when he led the Colts to the World Championship (pre Super Bowl). The Colts defeated the New York Giants 23-17 in the first overtime game in NFL history. The matchup is now referred to as the “Greatest Game Ever Played.” Unitas was a pass first QB which was rare during that era. He has been given credit to introducing what we now know as the 2-minute offense. His passing attack earned him the nickname “The Golden Arm.” Unitas backed up the ’58 championship with another in ’59 and won Super Bowl V in 1970. After a great career as a Colt, Johnny U was traded to the San Diego Chargers as he began to age in 1973 and eventually retired a year later.
In 18 long NFL seasons, Unitas finished with 2,830 completions, 40,239 yards and 290 TDs. He also ran for 1,777 yards and 13 scores. Johnny Unitas was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979 and his #19 is retired by the Colts. Unitas’ amazing NFL record of 47 consecutive games with a TD pass still stands. Drew Brees of the New Orleans Saints is closing in. Brees extended his streak to 44 during Sunday’s loss to the Washington Redskins. Cardinal and Colt nation is hoping Brees falls short.
Please take a moment today to think about the families of those who lost loved ones on September 11, 2001. Also, without the brave men and women in our armed forces, we would have no sports to enjoy.