There is only one quarterback who coul dhave made that play, and you saw him. With all the pressure on him, he still had the poise to make the defender (Maxie Baughan – Eagles) commit himself, come up for the run, and leave Arnett alone.” ~ 1961 LA Rams GM (and Pro football Hall of Famer) Elroy “Crazy Legs” Hirsch about Johnny Unitas (Colts) performance in the NFL Pro Bowl game.
Arnett rushes
Press of Atlantic City Atlantic City, New Jersey ยท Monday, January 15, 1962 via Newspapers.com
With just two seconds remaining Johnny Unitas escaped sure tackler Andy Robustelli (New York Giants), who was nipping at his ankles, looked off Baughan, and threw a perfect strike to Halfback “Jaguar” Jon Arnett (Rams). Arnett went to his knees to make the catch due to the sun gllaring in his face. Kicker Jim Martin (Lions) tacked on the extra point and the West defeated the East 31-30 in a sensational finish to the All-Star contest.
Unitas told reporters afterwards,
“I just twisted away from that tackle (Robustelli’s). The play was intended for (Lenny) Moore (Colts) or (Mike) Ditka (Bears) on the other side. Arnett was a secondary receiver.”
Source of quotes: Press-Telegram, Mon, Jan 15, 1962 ยทPage 15- via Newspapers.com
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