Legendary Shootout Namath vs Unitas Sept 24, 1972

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On September 24, 1972, at Baltimore's Memorial Stadium, the New York Jets and the Baltimore Colts engaged in an epic shootout that would be remembered as one of the greatest games in NFL history. The duel between legendary quarterbacks Joe Namath and Johnny Unitas was a spectacle of offensive fireworks, a clash of two distinct styles of play.

Namath, the brash and charismatic young quarterback of the Jets, was rapidly establishing himself as one of the NFL's premier passers. Unitas, the aging but still brilliant signal-caller of the Colts, was a revered figure in the league, known for his clutch performances and leadership. The matchup between these two quarterbacks promised to be a classic.

The game did not disappoint. Namath and Unitas traded touchdown passes throughout the afternoon, showcasing their exceptional skills and the talent of their respective receiving corps. Namath, in particular, was on fire, throwing for 496 yards and six touchdowns. Unitas, not to be outdone, responded with a solid performance of his own, passing for 376 yards and two touchdowns.

The Jets ultimately emerged victorious, defeating the Colts by a score of 44-34. Namath's six touchdown passes set a new NFL record for a single game, a record that would stand for over a decade. The game was a testament to the enduring greatness of both Namath and Unitas, two quarterbacks who would forever be linked in the annals of NFL history.