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JU
American Football Biography

Johnny Unitas

American · Born 1933 · Died 2002

Baltimore ColtsGreatest Game Ever PlayedDefined the Position
Quarterback
40239
passing yards
290
tds

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The original quarterback — Johnny Unitas set the template for the position with 47 consecutive games with a touchdown pass, a record that stood for 52 years.

Johnny Unitas is widely regarded as the player who defined the modern quarterback position. His 18-year career with the Baltimore Colts (1956–1972) produced 47 consecutive games with a touchdown pass — a record that stood until Drew Brees in 2012. His 1958 NFL Championship game against the New York Giants — won in sudden death overtime — is known as "The Greatest Game Ever Played."

His record of 47 consecutive games with a touchdown pass stood for 52 years — one of the longest-standing records in professional American sports.

Did You Know?

Career Honours

  • NFL Champion 3x
  • Super Bowl V Champion
  • 3x NFL MVP
  • 47 consecutive TD game record