[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 130 (Monday, October 7, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1772-E1773]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING JOHNNY UNITAS AND EXTENDING CONDOLENCES TO HIS FAMILY ON HIS 
                                PASSING

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                      HON. ROBERT L. EHRLICH, JR.

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 1, 2002

  Mr. EHRLICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 
538, honoring Johnny Unitas on his passing.
  Like a lot of kids growing up in Baltimore in the 1960s, I always 
imagined myself playing alongside Johnny Unitas on Sunday afternoon at 
Memorial Stadium. Never did I imagine that, later in life, I would 
count the greatest quarterback of all time as a dear friend.
  I first met Johnny Unitas when I served in the Maryland State 
Legislature. He was larger than life; an institution in Baltimore. But 
he never lost his unique sense of humility and kindness. He always took 
the time to sign a few autographs or help a young quarterback tighten 
his spiral.
  I played linebacker at the Gilman School in Baltimore and later at 
Princeton University. The Chicago Bears' Dick Butkus set the standard 
for how to play linebacker, but Johnny Unitas set the standard for how 
to play the game.
  He defined leadership and sportsmanship for my generation. He made 
the game of football what it is today. It is no surprise that the 
career of Johnny Unitas coincides with the popular ascendency of 
professional football.
  The list of his on-the-field accolades is incomparable. He won three 
league championships, three MVP awards, and made ten Pro Bowl 
appearances. He retired from the NFL in 1974 as the owner of 22 NFL 
records, most notably throwing at least one touchdown pass in 47 
consecutive games. No player since has even come close to surpassing 
that feat.
  Johnny Unitas is best known for his golden arm, but his greatest gift 
was a golden heart. He never stopped giving back to his community and 
his country. He established the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Educational 
Foundation to help low-income kids get a college education. He was a 
tireless supporter of cystic fibrosis research. He and his wife Sandra 
fought admirably to help victims of sexual assault and domestic 
violence. Through charitable efforts that are bound to thrive even 
after his passing, his spirit of compassion lives on in the City of 
Baltimore and the nation.

[[Page E1773]]

  Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to introduce House Resolution 538 in 
honor of my friend Johnny Unitas. The indelible impression he left on 
the City of Baltimore, my home state of Maryland, and the nation is 
deserving of today's recognition. He will be missed, but not forgotten. 
I ask my colleagues to join me in support of this important resolution.

                          ____________________