Johnny Unitas

Johnny Unitas built his NFL career after Pittsburgh released him before the 1955 season. He played semiprofessional football before earning his opportunity with the Baltimore Colts, where his passing and command of the offense made him a defining quarterback of his era.

Unitas led Baltimore to consecutive NFL championships in 1958 and 1959 and was part of its Super Bowl V championship team. He won three league MVP awards, finished his playing career with San Diego, and entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979.