Football History

Johnny Unitas wasn't just a quarterback; he was a revolution. In a time dominated by bruising running backs and conservative play-calling, Unitas emerged as a gunslinger, a magician with a cannon for an arm who redefined the position and ushered in a golden age of NFL passing. This essay explores Unitas' remarkable career, highlighting his rise from obscurity to stardom, his innovative playing style, and his lasting impact on the game of football.

-From Undrafted to Unstoppable (1955-1959)

Born in 1933, Johnny Unitas' path to greatness was anything but conventional. Despite a stellar college career at the University of Louisville, he went undrafted in 1955 due to his perceived size and lack of experience in a pro-style offense. Undeterred, Unitas signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but was released before the season began. He eventually landed with the Baltimore Colts, initially relegated to a backup role. However, fate intervened when the starting quarterback suffered a season-ending injury in the fourth game. Thrust into the spotlight, Unitas seized the opportunity. With his strong arm, pinpoint accuracy, and calm demeanor under pressure, he led the Colts on a remarkable winning streak, showcasing a revolutionary passing style that emphasized completing short and intermediate passes for consistent gains.

-The Architect of the Modern Passing Game (1959-1973)

Unitas' arrival coincided with the rise of head coach Weeb Ewbank, who implemented an offensive scheme built around Unitas' strengths. This "West Coast Offense" emphasized short passes, quick throws, and high completion percentages, a stark contrast to the run-heavy strategies prevalent at the time. Unitas thrived in this system, becoming the NFL's first true passing star. He shattered records, revolutionized the quarterback position, and led the Colts to a dominant era. He won three NFL championships (1958, 1959, 1968) and was named league MVP three times (1957, 1959, 1964). His iconic "Colts Prayer" touchdown pass in the 1958 NFL Championship game against the New York Giants is etched in football history as a testament to his clutch play and impact on the game.

-A Legacy of Inspiration and Innovation

Johnny Unitas' legacy extends far beyond statistics and championships. He inspired a generation of young quarterbacks to embrace the passing game. His calm leadership, competitive spirit, and dedication to accuracy transformed the way offenses operated, paving the way for the high-octane passing attacks that dominate the modern NFL. Even today, quarterbacks strive for the "Unitas-like" precision throws that revolutionized the sport.

Johnny Unitas' story is one of perseverance, innovation, and a love for the game. He was the right player at the right time, a gunslinger who dared to challenge the established order and ushered in a new era of football.

Born September 24, 1946 Joe Greene was a former defensive tackle from North Texas State and the Pittsburgh Steelers. A number one Draft Pick of the Steelers Greene anchored the Steel Curtain defense that won four Super Bowls in the 1970s. 

Greene played defensive tackle for Pittsburgh from 1969 to 1981. Mean Joe received two NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards, five first-team All-Pro selections, and ten Pro Bowl appearances. Many experts consider the Pro Football Hall of Fame player who wore Number 75 to be one of the top defensive linemen in NFL history.

Joe was a center piece to building the Steelers dynasty of the 1970s, and is considered one of the top defensive lineman to have ever played the game.

Born May 19, 1949, in Drew, Mississippi, was Mississippi quarterback from 1968 to 1970, Archie Manning. You have probably heard of Archie’s sons Peyton and Eli but the original Manning QB was the vine that these two Multi Super Bowl winners got their gusto from.

Archie, in 1969, according to the FootballFoundation.org website, tossed for 436 yards and hoofed out another 104 to lead his Ole Miss team against the mighty Alabama eleven. His efforts created an SEC record for a total offense of 540 yards!  He had a 362-yard game against Louisiana State in 1968 and a 341-yard game over Southern Mississippi in 1970. The elder Manning heaped in many awards for performances like those, too.

In 1969, he was Mississippi Sportsman of the Year and recipient of the Nashville Banner Trophy as Most Valuable Player in the Southeastern Conference. Archie was fourth in the Heisman voting in 1969 and third in 1970.

Archie Manning was honored to be selected for inclusion into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1989. He was drafted into the NFL by the New Orleans Saints and also spent time with the Houston Oilers and Minnesota Vikings as well before he hung it up after 14 years in the League.

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Born September 2, 1948 - Terry Bradshaw was a former quarterback from Louisiana Tech that is enshrined in both the College Football Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame according to the National Football Foundation. Bradshaw was the number one pick in the 1970 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Bradshaw started his NFL career slowly, but he eventually became one of the most successful quarterbacks in NFL history. He led the Steelers to four Super Bowl championships in a six-year period (1974, 1975, 1978, and 1979), becoming the first quarterback to win three and four Super Bowls. He was also named the NFL's Most Valuable Player in 1978.

In his 14-season NFL career, Bradshaw completed 2,025 of 3,901 passes for 27,989 yards and 212 touchdowns. He also rushed 444 times for 2,257 yards and 32 touchdowns. He was selected to the Pro Bowl three times and was named to the NFL's All-Pro team once.

Bradshaw retired from football in 1984. He has since worked as a television sports analyst, most notably as a co-host of Fox NFL Sunday. He is also a successful businessman and has appeared in several television commercials.

May 30, 1943 - Wichita, Kansas - Gale Sayers the top notch Kansas Halfback, also known as the “Kansas Comet” was born. Gale is one of the most talented backs to have ever graced the gridiron.

The FootballFoundation.org lists that Mr. Sayers was a two-time First Team All-America selection for the Jayhawks, and when he concluded his KU career he had 2,675 yards rushing and 3,917 all-purpose yards. The Kansas Comet led KU in rushing, touchdowns and kickoff returns all three years he wore the Jayhawk colors. Gale also led the team in receiving and punt returns in his final two years with the program. Sayers became the first player in NCAA Division IA history to record a 99-yard run when he broke loose against Nebraska in Lincoln during the 1963 season.

One of Sayers top collegiate moments on the gridiron has to be the 96-yard kickoff return that aided a 15-14 upset of Oklahoma in his senior season. The University retired his number 48 jersey soon after he wore it last. Gale Sayers’ collegiate football records are celebrated in the College Football Hall of Fame after his induction in 1977.

The Chicago Bears drafted Sayers in the first round of the 1965 NFL Draft and he had an almost immediate impact on the entire League! The Pro Football Hall of Fame says right out of the chute Gale in a pre-season game raced 77 yards on a punt return, 93 yards on a kickoff return, and then startled everyone with a 25-yard scoring pass against the Los Angeles Rams. During the regular games he kept it going, as this standout player set a rookie record that season of 22 touchdowns and 132 points! The Comet scored four touchdowns, including a 96-yard game breaking kickoff return, against the Minnesota Vikings. But that was not the rookie’s grand finale. No, not even close to it. In the second to the last game of the year, playing on a muddy field that would have stalled most rushing attempts, Gale scored a record-tying six touchdowns against the San Francisco 49ers. Included in his sensational spree were an 80-yard pass-run play, a 50-yard rush and a 65-yard punt return. Sayers went on to have a short but brilliant career with 9435 combined yards in his career, 4956 yards from running.

Gale still is the all-time leader in NFL kick returns as he was also an All-NFL selection in five straight seasons and the player of the game in three different Pro Bowls. The Pro Football Hall of Fame honored Gale Sayers with enshrinement in 1977 to become one of a very few that entered both Football Hall of Fame's in the same year.

The exceptional running back from Penn State drove the ground game and offensive success of the 1970s Pittsburgh Steelers.

Franco Harris wasn't just a running back; he was a symbol of Steelers dynasty, blue-collar spirit, and one of the most celebrated figures in NFL history. From his iconic run in Super Bowl IX to his longevity and consistency, Harris left an indelible mark on the gridiron that continues to inspire.

Drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1972, Harris immediately made an impact. His powerful running style and knack for finding the end zone made him a perfect fit for the "Steel Curtain" era. He formed a dynamic duo with quarterback Terry Bradshaw, terrorizing defenses and leading the Steelers to four Super Bowl victories in six years.

But Harris wasn't just about touchdowns. He was a complete back, excelling in both rushing and receiving. His durability was legendary, racking up over 12,000 rushing yards and 91 touchdowns in his 13-year career, despite playing in a physically demanding era.

His most iconic moment came in Super Bowl IX, when his 64-yard touchdown run in the dying moments of the game sealed victory for the Steelers against the Minnesota Vikings. This "Immaculate Reception," forever etched in NFL lore, solidified Harris's place as a Steelers legend and one of the sport's most unforgettable moments.

Harris's impact transcended the field. He was a leader in the locker room and a beloved figure in Pittsburgh. His blue-collar work ethic and infectious smile resonated with fans, making him a symbol of the city's resilience and character.

Born April 10, 1936, was Pro Football Hall of Fame Head Coach John Madden. Madden was 103-32-7 in 10 seasons  from 1969 through the 1978 season as the Oakland Raiders head coach. Madden led the Black and Silver to become Super Bowl XI champions. He later worked as a TV commentator from 1979 to 2008 and is a 16-time Emmy Award winner. Madden worked for all four major networks in his career (CBS, FOX, ABC and NBC) and was an analyst for 11 Super Bowls. Madden retired from broadcasting in April 2009, and his final game as a broadcaster was Super Bowl XLIII, when the Steelers defeated the Cardinals 27-23. John Madden was chosen to be enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame for his contributions of being a coach and I am sure the things he brought to televeision braodcasts are not overlooked.

Born May 1, 1910, in Akron, Ohio, was the strong halfback of the seasons of 1928 to 1931 of West Virginia Wesleyan, Cliff “Gyp” Battles. Battles was masterful in busting off long runs according to the FootballFoundation.org.

During the 1929 season, he broke off a 50-yard run from scrimmage against Salem. In 1930 he returned a kickoff 98 yards and a punt 90 yards against Waynesburg and ran back a punt 90 yards against Georgetown. That same year he also had runs of 80, 73, 68, and 66 yards. His 1931 scorecard showed runs of 86, 62, 57, 54, 44, and 22; that season he crossed the goal line 15 times and booted four extra points.

Against Salem in 1931 he made seven touchdowns. The next day’s paper registered that Gyp had 354 yards rushing, 91 on kick returns, and 24 on pass receiving, total 469 for the game. Causing the great gridiron historian of the day Grantland Rice to write: "Battles simply ran over or around all opponents."  

The National Football Foundation selected Cliff Battles for entrance into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1955. After his schooling was complete Cliff played pro football with the Boston/Washington franchise from 1932-37 and twice led the National Football League in rushing in both 1932 and 1937 per the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Cliff was the first player in NFL history to surpass the 200 yard mark in a single game and earned All-NFL honors five different times from 1932 to 1937.  Battles fought his way over the goal line 3 times in a division clinching victory over the Giants in 1937.  He was at the pinnacle of his career it seemed, and then he abruptly retired as the Redskins froze his salary at $3000 per year. He was a standout player in fact Cliff Battles was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1968. Battles was assistant coach at Columbia 1938-43, served in the Marines in World War II, and coached the Brooklyn Dodgers of the All-America Football Conference 1946-47.

Lamar Jackson isn't your typical NFL quarterback. He's a dynamic force, a dual-threat magician who has redefined the position with his electrifying blend of passing and rushing prowess. Drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in 2018, Jackson's meteoric rise has seen him shatter records and become a two-time NFL Most Valuable Player (MVP) by the age of 26.

Jackson's collegiate career at Louisville was a glimpse of things to come. He won the Heisman Trophy in 2016, showcasing his uncanny ability to scramble for yards while possessing a strong enough arm to dissect defenses. However, questions lingered about his accuracy and traditional pocket presence. The Ravens, intrigued by his unique skillset, selected him with the last pick in the first round, a gamble that has paid off handsomely.

Initially used as a backup, Jackson seized his opportunity due to an injury and never looked back. His electrifying running style, often reminiscent of a running back, bewildered defenses. In 2019, his dazzling play culminated in a historic MVP campaign. He shattered the single-season rushing record for quarterbacks, proving his rushing ability wasn't just a gimmick, but a weapon that opened up the passing game. His pinpoint accuracy also improved, silencing doubters.

Jackson's impact extends beyond statistics. He's become a symbol of a new era in quarterback play, where mobility and athleticism are valued alongside traditional passing skills. He's forced defenses to adapt, creating a chess match between his improvisation and defensive schemes. His success has paved the way for a new generation of dual-threat quarterbacks entering the league.

However, questions remain about Jackson's long-term health with his rushing style. Additionally, further development in his pocket presence will be crucial for sustained success. Regardless, Lamar Jackson's impact on the game is undeniable. He's a captivating player, a two-time MVP, and a true innovator at the quarterback position. His story is far from over, and fans eagerly await the next chapter in the remarkable career of Lamar Jackson.

Born April 20, 1925, in Prinzing-By-Cham, Bavaria, was the stout defensive tackle from Boston College, Ernie Stautner was born.

The Pittsburgh Steelers chose Ernie with the second overall selection in the 1950 NFL Draft per the Pro Football HOF website. Stautner anchored a formidable D-line in the steel city for 14 seasons. He was chosen as an All-NFL player four times in the back half of the 1950’s, winning the honor of best NFL lineman in 1957 and played in nine Pro Bowl games.

Stautner recovered 23 opponents' fumbles and took part in creating 3 safeties during his dominant career. Ernie Stautner was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1969.