# Johnny Unitas

> American football player (1933–2002)

**Wikidata**: [Q716029](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q716029)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johnny_Unitas)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/johnny-unitas

## Summary
Johnny Unitas was an American football player (1933–2002) who is best known for his legendary career as a quarterback for the Baltimore Colts, where he won two NFL championships and earned the nickname "The Golden Arm." His exceptional passing accuracy and leadership helped define the modern quarterback position.

## Biography
- Born: May 7, 1933
- Nationality: United States
- Education: University of Louisville
- Known for: Revolutionizing the quarterback position with his pinpoint accuracy and leadership
- Employer(s): Baltimore Colts (1956–1972)
- Field(s): American football

## Contributions
- Led the Baltimore Colts to two NFL championships (1958, 1959) and a third-place finish in Super Bowl V (1970).
- Earned the NFL MVP award in 1967, the first quarterback to win the award.
- Set numerous passing records, including the single-season record for passing yards (4,006 in 1964).
- Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1989.
- Won the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award in 1970.

## FAQs
**What position did Johnny Unitas play?**
Unitas was a quarterback, known for his pinpoint accuracy and leadership on the field.

**Where did Johnny Unitas play his entire career?**
He played exclusively for the Baltimore Colts from 1956 to 1972.

**What awards did Johnny Unitas win?**
He won the NFL MVP in 1967, two NFL championships, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

**What is Johnny Unitas famous for?**
He is famous for revolutionizing the quarterback position with his passing accuracy and leadership.

**How many Super Bowls did Johnny Unitas play in?**
He played in one Super Bowl (Super Bowl V in 1970) and finished third.

## Why They Matter
Johnny Unitas is considered one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history due to his unmatched passing accuracy and leadership. His records and achievements set the standard for future generations of quarterbacks. His two NFL championships and MVP award solidified his legacy as a pioneer in the sport. Unitas's influence extends beyond statistics, as his playing style and mental toughness inspired countless players. Without his contributions, the modern quarterback position would look vastly different, with fewer emphasis on precision passing and strategic play-calling.

## Notable For
- First NFL quarterback to win the MVP award (1967).
- Two-time NFL champion (1958, 1959).
- Single-season passing record holder (4,006 yards in 1964).
- Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (1989).
- Won the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award (1970).
- Nicknamed "The Golden Arm" for his pinpoint accuracy.
- Played his entire 16-year career with the Baltimore Colts.
- Led the NFL in passing yards twice (1964, 1967).
- Earned Pro Bowl selections in 1964, 1965, and 1967.

## Body
### Early Life
Johnny Unitas was born on May 7, 1933, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He attended the University of Louisville, where he played college football and developed his signature passing skills. His natural talent and mechanical accuracy set him apart from his peers.

### Career
Unitas joined the Baltimore Colts in 1956 and quickly became the team's starting quarterback. His pinpoint passing and ability to read defenses revolutionized the quarterback position. He led the Colts to two NFL championships in 1958 and 1959, earning the NFL MVP award in 1967. His 4,006 passing yards in 1964 remain a single-season record.

### Records and Achievements
Unitas set numerous passing records, including the most career passing yards (40,410) and touchdowns (283) at the time of his retirement. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1989, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history.

### Legacy
Johnny Unitas's influence on the game of football is immeasurable. His unmatched accuracy and leadership inspired generations of quarterbacks. The Baltimore Colts retired his number 19, and his nickname, "The Golden Arm," remains synonymous with excellence in the sport. His career achievements continue to be studied and emulated by aspiring quarterbacks worldwide.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.nfl.com/player/johnnyunitas/2527792/profile)
2. Freebase Data Dumps
3. [Source](http://espn.go.com/blog/afcnorth/tag/_/name/afcn-best-teams-2010)
4. [Source](http://www.nytimes.com/movies/person/65783/Phil-Simms/filmography)
5. [Source](http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/78618/billboard-bits-train-fuel-earl-scruggs-travis-tritt)
6. [Source](http://www.hkcinemagic.com/en/people.asp?id=745)
7. Pro Football Reference
8. Find a Grave
9. [Source](http://www.tvrage.com/passedaway.php?bshow=2007-09-11)
10. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
11. SNAC
12. Quora
13. The Movie Database