[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 117 (Tuesday, September 17, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S8670]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO JOHNNY UNITAS

 Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, today I pay tribute to a legend 
in the world of professional football, the late Johnny ``Golden Arm'' 
Unitas. I would also like to extend my most heartfelt condolences to 
his wife Sandy, his daughters Paige and Janice Ann, and his sons John, 
Kenneth, Robert, Christopher, Joe and Chad. I know my colleagues join 
me in expressing our gratitude for Johnny's many contributions.
  Revered as the greatest quarterback of all time, Johnny was a man of 
incredible integrity and was a hero to many, both on and off the field. 
After graduating from St. Justin's High School in Pittsburgh, PA, where 
he got his start playing football as a sophomore, Johnny began to set 
his sights on college football. He found his niche at the University of 
Louisville. As quarterback for the university's football team, Johnny's 
skills and leadership demanded the attention of national recruiters. He 
was signed by the Baltimore Colts in 1956, and proved to be one of the 
team's greatest assets for 17 seasons.
  His impressive accomplishments include throwing touchdown passes in a 
record 47 consecutive games and being the first quarterback in the NFL 
to pass a total of 40,000 yards. During his celebrated career in the 
NFL, Johnny received many of the game's highest awards. He was named 
Player of the Year in 1959, 1964 and 1967, was named Player of the 
Decade for the 1960s. On July 28, 1979, Johnny was enshrined into the 
Pro Football Hall of Fame. He was also named the Greatest Player in the 
First 50 years of Pro Football, was named to the NFLs 75th Anniversary 
Team, and had his number, 19, retired by the Baltimore Colts.
  Indeed, Johnny Unitas will forever be considered one of the greatest 
football players in history. But his legacy doesn't end there. He was a 
down-to-earth role model who cherished interaction with teammates and 
younger players. In 1987, the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award was 
established in his name to honor the top senior quarterback in college 
football each year. Additionally, after completing his reign in the 
NFL, Unitas continued to visit Louisville to help his alma mater with 
anything he could.
  I am certain that the legacy of excellence that Johnny Unitas has 
left will continue on, and will inspire others. On behalf of myself and 
my colleagues in the Senate, I offer my deepest condolences to Johnny's 
friends and loved ones, and express my gratitude for all he contributed 
to the University of Louisville, the National Football League and to 
our great Nation.

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