Johnny Unitas died of a heart attack on Wednesday. He was 69.
He was the first quarterback to throw for more than 40,000 yards and at his retirement he held more then 22 NFL records. he still holds the record for consecutive games with a touchdown pass, with 47 from 1956-1960
John Mackey, the Colts tight end during the Unitas years, said of his teammate: “It’s like being in a hiddle with God.”
Unitas was never flambouyant or boastful–yet No. 19 always seemed to get the job done thoroughly and quietly.
One other thing about Unitas: after he was let go by the Steelers, allegedly because they thought he wasn’t smart enough to run a pro offense, he played semi-pro ball for $6 per game, with a Wife and Kid to support mind you, until the Colts called.
I always think of him when they tell the Kurt Warner story (tho Warner has a long way to go to match the stats).
