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Johnny Unitas is the best quarterback from the early Super Bowl era, playing on one of the most dominant teams of the century in Baltimore. The story is a compelling one, as the Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Unitas but cut him before he ever took a snap. He took a job in construction and played semi-pro football before Weeb Ewbank caught wind that an amazing prospect was wasting his talents playing for pennies. He offered him $17,000 to join the Colts, and the rest is history.

Unitas was a rarity for his time. He was a survivor on the field, playing for 17 seasons before hanging up his jersey. Four times he led the league in passing, and in three seasons he was voted the Most Valuable Player.

Of course, we remember Unitas for the moments. His comeback against the New York Giants in the “greatest game ever played” still lives on in the minds of those who were there to see it. His 1959 MVP seasons will go down as one of the most dominant for a QB ever when compared to his competition.

Unitas was everything a coach could want in a quarterback. He was humble, smart, quick-witted and he had talent that was unmatched at the position. He finished his career with more than 40,000 yards passing and 290 touchdowns. The numbers were eye-popping for the time period. His consistency will always be his best attribute, throwing for a touchdown pass in 47 straight games. It was a record that stood for 50 years.