Ranking the top 50 quarterbacks in NFL history…
4. Johnny Unitas
Drafted in the ninth round by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1955 out of the University of Louisville, Unitas was released before the season and played semi-pro football until signing with the Baltimore Colts in 1956. He quickly became the starter, revolutionizing the quarterback position with his poise and leadership.
Over 17 seasons with the Colts, Unitas led the team to three NFL championships (1958, 1959, and 1970’s Super Bowl V), earning MVP honors in 1959, 1964, and 1967. His iconic performance in the 1958 NFL Championship, dubbed “The Greatest Game Ever Played,” saw him orchestrate a game-tying drive and overtime victory against the New York Giants despite three broken ribs, boosting the NFL’s popularity.
Unitas set numerous records, including the first quarterback to throw for 40,000 yards, and held a streak of 47 consecutive games with a touchdown pass—a mark that stood for over 50 years. He led the league in passing yards four times (1957, 1959, 1960, 1963) and touchdown passes four times (1957-1960), earning 10 Pro Bowl selections and five first-team All-Pro nods.
Story continues below advertisement
Traded to the San Diego Chargers in 1973, Unitas played sparingly in his final season, serving more as a mentor before retiring.
Unitas’s career totals include 40,239 passing yards, 290 touchdowns and 211 games played, ranking him among the all-time greats at retirement. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979 and named to the NFL’s 50th, 75th, and 100th Anniversary All-Time Teams.
Unitas’s standout attributes were his exceptional toughness, allowing him to play through injuries, and his innovative mind, as he called his own plays with remarkable football IQ.
Story continues below advertisement
But who ranks ahead of Unitas at No. 3 all-time?