The Greatest Quarterback Of All Time John Unitas As A Charger

The greatest Quarterback of all time, John Unitas, had a great career with the Baltimore Colts. His last year in the NFL was with the San Diego Chargers. Check out exciting footage of his play!

[@kingofallmediums2123]

Great Johnny Unitas Chargers 🔌 Jersey!

[@ErnestTeeBass]

Unitas in a Charger uniform was like Babe Ruth in a Boston Braves uniform in 1935. Just didn't seem right.

[@markgardner9460]

Very similar situation - basically publicity stunts that both faltered very early in their respective seasons.

[@MrBlk87]

Another great one thanks.

[@markgardner9460]

Thanks, Joe! I'm glad that you liked it!

[@billdang3953]

Agree with you also. I have an "odd" interest in prominent players wearing the "wrong uniform" and was hoping that somebody has photos and video footage of Johnny Unitas as a San Diego Charger.

[@MalEvansUSA]

Johnny Unitas was the greatest web of all time. He was a tough son of a bitch. The most competitive player in nfl history next to roger staubach

[@markgardner9460]

No arguments there!

[@edpinkerton7947]

Best thing to come out of Unitas year with the chargers was Dan Fouts

[@markgardner9460]

You got that right, Ed

[@tommythomason6187]

A similar fate for Ken Stabler; playing out the string on a mediocre team (Saints)and having a pretty bad time of it. Doesn't take away from the magic they produced, winning some of the most dramatic games in NFL history.

[@markgardner9460]

Good points, Tommy. Both guys needed to keep playing as long as they could cuz Stabler blew a bunch of dough on hot cars and speed boats, while Unitas had a string of business deals go bad. Very rarely do top QB's go out on top.

[@Classicrocker6119]

One other thing Stabler and Unitas had in common was that they were each on Super Bowl championship team

[@markgardner9460]

and were NFL color commentators..............for a short time.

[@roughriderreturns5039]

I have so many good memories from watching Mr. Unitas.

[@markgardner9460]

I was too young to watch him during his best years, but read everything I could about him as a youngster. Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@roughriderreturns5039]

Thank you very much.

[@lesilluminations1]

I remember those final years with the Chargers. I didn’t have the heart to watch. Preferred to remember the great years. Interesting to see it now. Thanks for putting it on youtube.

[@markgardner9460]

Thank you. It's amazing to me that the Chargers wanted to pay Johnny U 100K per year, but it should have been clear that his best days were in the rearview mirror. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@timothywayne3813]

I went to that Bengals game and saw Unitas wearing Alworth's number 19 which didn't sit well with many Charger fans. The only real upside to Unitas' short time with the Bolts was that he helped mentor a rookie QB named Fouts who turned out to be pretty good.

[@markgardner9460]

Thank you for those comments. I was kind if wondering what would have happened if they both played on the Chargers at the same time. Unitas probably would have taken any number they gave him is my guess. That's cool that you were at that game!

[@timothywayne3813]

@@markgardner9460 Alworth had only been gone for two years after being traded to the Cowboys so people were still hurting from that and then seeing Unitas unable to finish the season made it even worse.

[@markgardner9460]

@@timothywayne3813 I can't believe that it took the Chargers until 2005 to retire Alworth's #19

[@briggscharleton6139]

Not all stars shine brightly at the end of their time. Unitas was the idol to millions of budding football fanatics in the late 50s and 1960s. Wasn't Deacon Jones also on that 73 Chargers team?

[@markgardner9460]

Yes he was and he also played for them in 1972.

[@jstube36]

The Title of Greatest QB ever is baton that is passed on through the years. Johnny Unitas was one who held that baton. What started with Sammy Baugh and Sid Luckman became the most recognized position in all of sports. It was Unitas who was instrumental in bringing the QB position to the level it is now.

[@markgardner9460]

and television is what has caused that, in my opinion. I can not bestow the greatest QB upon anyone who played after 1990 due to the amount of rule changes, etc. That's just me - most likely in the minority there, but that's OK with me.

[@3243_]

I agree about post-1990 (or more so post-2000) quarterbacks and receivers.

[@markgardner9460]

Good point about including the receivers, too!

[@3243_]

Thanks!

[@jstube36]

@@markgardner9460 I understand that. The rule changes that started in 1978 paved the way for much of the watering down of defenses. Super Bowl XII(my favorite for so many reasons) was all about defense and a lot of hard hits on both sides. Perhaps that was too much for the sponsors. Maybe that game was the final straw that compelled the league to make some changes. Staring with 2 extra games to tire out a defense. That being said. I think there are rare times when a player comes along that is so special, he would be great in any era. Emmitt Smith, Lawrence Taylor, Ronnie Lott, Ray Lewis, and Jerry Rice come to mind. And even at QB. Brett Favre, Steve Young, Troy Aikman. And including my picks for best ever QB Joe Montana, Tom Brady. As for Unitas. I think he too would be great in any era.

[@donaldbonham9996]

Great video thanks for sharing, to see Johnny U and his last passes alongside Fouts and his First NFL passes you really nailed it 👍⚡️⚡️ good music too

[@markgardner9460]

Thank you, Donald. I really appreciate it! Thank you for watching and commenting

[@3243_]

Good news for the 1973 Chargers: they had not one but TWO Hall Of Fame quarterbacks on their roster. Bad news for the 1973 Chargers: one was at the end of his career, while the other was only beginning his.

[@markgardner9460]

Great point. Gary Garrison was nearing the end of the line and they had no running game either

[@3243_]

Yep. Mike Garrett and also Clint Jones, whom they had gotten from the Vikings, were done by then.

[@3243_]

And thanks, by the way.

[@likedemlg]

@sportsstatsngab since you came clean about the jerseys i give you a like lol keep up the good work

[@markgardner9460]

Thank you! I appreciate it!

[@denisceballos9745]

Johnny U. - What an icon. He was probably the biggest pro football star back when I started watching the NFL. His last game as a Colt at Baltimore’s War Memorial Stadium was a remarkable game. That’s the game that was truly his fitting goodbye.

[@markgardner9460]

Such a skinny, gangly guy, but he had loads of confidence and a lot of football intellect plus he was as tough as they come!

[@denisceballos9745]

@@markgardner9460 Such a competitor. I marveled at his fleet of receivers; Jimmy Orr, Raymond Berry, John Mackey, Willie Richardson, Ray Perkins, etc. Those late 60’s Colts were the cream of the crop.

[@markgardner9460]

Plus the incomparable Lenny Moore

[@denisceballos9745]

@@markgardner9460 The Hall of Famer! Also, Tom Matte - very tough and versatile RB.

[@markgardner9460]

@@denisceballos9745 nicknamed "garbage can" due to Matte's body type. He was tough to bring down - was also a NFL color commentator on CBS

[@sg97651]

During the preseason Johnny U went right down the field. Like clockwork. His offensive line should have been more of a strength. To of the studs went on to anchor the line for Fouts. I was surprised to see how accurate John Unitas was and the touch he had still. I would realy like to see how the plays were called and flowed. These were the toughest team on the schedule for sure. I was just a kid, but I do remember Johnny U too quite a beating against the Steelers. It was an interesting experience, now Aaron Rodgers as a comparison still can make all of the throws. Just like Tom Brady. So Johnny U could have worked out.

[@markgardner9460]

Doug Wilkerson and Russ "Mount" Washington were the studs of which you spoke, I presume. They were very solid players. Johnny didn't have much of a rushing attack to aid him in his passing game. Thank you for your comments - I appreciate it!

[@sg97651]

@@markgardner9460 One good studd back would have helped I am sure. The Chargers tried to get Duane Thomas lol.

[@markgardner9460]

Yeah, they actually got him, but he never played. Gotta hand it to the Chargers for at least trying, I guess.

[@jammininthepast]

It's difficult and somewhat pathetic to see the aged creeky old veterans go down in flames...the story rarely ends well (Montana, Brady, Warner) for them. Gotta love Johnny U, his high tops and flat top with fenders. We all had the haircut, high tops and emulated him as a youngster. PS: I don't think the forty year old Rodgers is going to find "green" pastures in NY (this year). Thanks you're appreciated.

[@markgardner9460]

The Dutchman, Norm Van Brocklin, went out on top after winning it all in '60, but he is the exception to the rule. Imagine that happening today, then the QB goes on to become a Head Coach the very next year! Amazing. I agree - Rodgers will be in for a somewhat bumpy ride from here on out, in my opinion.

[@Boomhower89]

@@markgardner9460 Montana ended on a pretty good note as far as playing went. Brady doesn’t get hit. He wouldn’t have lasted in the old days.

[@markgardner9460]

You're absolutely correct. Skinny Brady wouldn't have had enough meat on the bones to absorb the punishment.

[@davidhickey1830]

Warner finished with a strong 2009 season.

[@markgardner9460]

@@davidhickey1830 Yes he did. Fine stats and took his club to the 2nd round of the playoffs

[@michaelhemphill8575]

"Johnny U".." in my opinion.." was not a scrambler.. ".." however was one of the best.."fade back.."pure pocket passers.." of his era.." Obviously his grander times.." was with the Colts.." Again in the sports world.." it is a common occurrence.." across the board.." athletic ability declines.." can only hold the hill.." for a limited time.." another great dig out of the Archives"!!!

[@markgardner9460]

Yes, he was predominately a pocket passer, although he did rush for 1,777 yards over his career with 13 td's (only 1 year of 200+ yards, so he didn't run often). I admire those QB's who would hold onto the ball until the last second, then use their quick release to avoid a sack. They would get creamed most of the time, but they did it for the good of the team.

[@michaelhemphill8575]

@@markgardner9460"Great Point.." didn't know that fact.." but with these numbers.." Johnny being a young lion at one time.." not surprised at these stats!!

[@TheGlassCoke2001]

I can see why some people might still believe Johnny Unitas is the best QB of all time. For Joe Montana, a stacked roster and an excellent coach with an innovative offense really helped him out. Tom Brady had relaxed rules and also another legendary coach (and I suppose an alleged "Deflategate" situation to help him out). Unitas went from 9th round draft pick to semi-pro to the NFL. He was tougher than the two previously mentioned QB's, he was basically a coach on the field, and being the first QB to have chemistry with a wide receiver in Raymond Berry (especially in the 1958 NFL Championship Game). Sure, Montana was tough in his own right but I honestly don't know if he would have played even 10 seasons in the 50's or 60's. I'm not saying that someone would be right or wrong for thinking that, it's that I can see reasons that support Unitas' case.

[@markgardner9460]

I certainly appreciate you take on this and enjoyed reading your comments. The advancement in medical treatment over the years is a highly significant aspect to consider as well. When Unitas played, it was Neanderthal medicine - wrap a bandage around it, apply ice, shoot 'em up with novocaine.... Get your bell rung? Take a series off, then get back in there. Also, Unitas basically invented The 2 Minute Offense. I'm probably in the minority of selecting Unitas, but that's OK - everybody has their opinions. It's probably best to clarify things by saying that he's the best pre-1980 since it's ridiculous to compare QB's across eras. Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@TheGlassCoke2001]

I always enjoy whatever video you make, your commentary and knowledge are some reasons why your channel is one of my favorites!

[@markgardner9460]

@@TheGlassCoke2001 That's awesome to hear. I'm going to be rolling out some new video themes in the coming weeks that I hope viewers will enjoy. I get a kick out of this stuff!!

[@jpmerrick8886]

He just was

[@davidhickey1830]

I've heard stories about the horrible last year of Unitas, but this video really puts things in perspective for me. In his three losses the dude had to play the defending NFC Champs at Washington, the Bengals who went to the playoffs, and the Steel Curtain in Pittsburgh! He played really well against the 9-5 Bills. Granted statistically he was gawd awful against the Redskins and Steelers, but Unitas had a great game against Buffalo and an average for NFL 1973 game vs. Cincinnati. Probably didn't help Johnny U that the Chargers had a weak running game and a below-average defense, bottoming out at 2-11-1 after 4-5 years of under .500 seasons.

[@markgardner9460]

Yeah their running attack featured cast-offs from other teams that were at the end of their careers (Mike Garrett, Clint Jones, Cid Edwards and Robert "Tank" Holmes). Alworth was gone and Gary Garrison was on a downward slide, so there wasn't much in the receiving department either. Thank you for the comments- I appreciate you providing them.

[@irishledden4924]

Watching Unitas play for the chargers was as bad as watching Nameth play for the lambs.

[@markgardner9460]

They were both toast

[@winsomepickett7694]

I got that same Bert Jones throwback jersey for Christmas!

[@markgardner9460]

Nice! It's crisp 'n clean - great color.

[@muggsyaxton8085]

Great stuff! Loved when Tom Brookshier mispronounced my alma mater as Ore-gone.

[@markgardner9460]

Tom always mispronounced Staubach's name, too. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@creepofreek4853]

How can you not be great with a name like Johnny Unitas.

[@markgardner9460]

He's the only Unitas that I've ever hear of...and Johnny fits. Bill? Hal? No way.

[@jacob9538]

He was a way better QB than Johnny Divideus, that's for sure.

[@dustyrustymusty3577]

The thing that broke my heart more than seeing Unitas in a Charger uniform was seeing Franco Harris in a Seahawks uniform for his last season. Such an end to two great careers.

[@markgardner9460]

I'm glad that you brought that up about Franco. He had a contract squabble in Pitt, so he shipped his services to Seattle where he only rushed for 170 yards. What did he think that he was going to be able to accomplish at age 34? In my opinion, he should have retired as a Steeler.

[@gz9520]

Only got to see him at the end of his career (we will forget that season with the chargers) when he was second string with the colts. He really did not have it in him anymore to last an entire game. But when they brought him in for the two minute drill when the colt were down, it was amazing how he could turn that game around.

[@danielcorreard3746]

you can have joe montana and tom brady for my money the greatest qb of all time the goat as it were is johnny u. the true goat.

[@markgardner9460]

Now yer talkin', Daniel. Right on!

[@danielcorreard3746]

@@markgardner9460 i'm glad someone agrees with me

[@markgardner9460]

@@danielcorreard3746 One of the hallmarks of an elite QB is making players around them better. Raymond Berry was a 20th round draft choice and through countless hours of Unitas and Berry practicing by themselves after regular team practices, they developed impeccable chemistry and Berry ended up in the HOF.

[@danielcorreard3746]

@@markgardner9460 wow i didn't know all that about ray berry i'm glad you told me. thank you

[@markgardner9460]

@@danielcorreard3746 Yes, I think there us NFL Films footage of them practicing after the team practice...which was commonplace

[@drbonesshow1]

I joked years ago that the best name ever for a US President would be President Unitas as in Unite Us. For what it's worth all Presidents since Washington have divided us. Of course, as a physics professor, I have a mind of my own - so I'm not part of the herd anyway. Moo...Baa...

[@markgardner9460]

And perhaps the worst name would be President Gilligan, for those Gilligan's Island fans who recall that episode.

[@3243_]

Unitas as a Charger--like Earl Campbell playing for the Saints, Franco Harris and Carl Eller both as Seahawks, Broadway Joe in L.A., Tony Dorsett in Denver, or Jim Taylor as a Saint. Just strange. Yes, their new teams full of high hopes, but how often and quickly those hopes evaporated.

[@markgardner9460]

Yes, indeed....and Paul Hornung was a Saint even though he didn't suit up with them.

[@3243_]

Thanks, I forgot about Hornung.

[@3243_]

This was also the Charger squad that Arnold Mandell wrote his book about, The Nightmare Season, in which he mentioned, among other things, the rampant drug use among several of the players, plus dysfunction among the coaching staff.

[@markgardner9460]

That's a good read. 8 players were fined and placed on suspension plus the GM got in hot water, too. Thanks for bringing this up.

[@brötzmannsax]

Cocaine and amphetamines and steroids were so prevalent in the 70's and 80's and a bad combination to take plus all the drinking.

[@markgardner9460]

and pot, too. The Chargers of '73 had a few players who were caught doing this 'n that.

[@drbonesshow1]

As I stated all too many years ago: Worse than Namath to the Rams was Unitas to the Chargers: started 4 games 3 TDs and 7 INTs. The only thing worse in his career was how it started. Drafted then cut by the Steelers before even throwing a pass. As the story went they gave him $10 for a cab to go home. Instead he pocketed the money and walked home. Too add insult to injury they pronounced his name Uni-tas.

[@markgardner9460]

That's right, Professor. Those semi-pro games that Unitas played in had fields so dusty, that at times they would place oil on it to keep the dirt from blowing. The Steelers also blew it by letting Len Dawson go.

[@raylopez99]

Imagine at @8:00 marking having Dan Fouts as your THIRD string QB!

[@markgardner9460]

I think that Unitas knew that Fouts was gonna be the guy in '74. I mean, when the team de-activates you in Week 14, that does not speak well of the prospects of you being the team's go-to QB.

[@brötzmannsax]

Not for long!

[@MrRtms24]

Thats a beautiful jersey

[@markgardner9460]

Thank you and thank you for watching!

[@kingofallmediums2123]

Tommy Casanova for Cincinnati! Classic

[@markgardner9460]

I always dug that name! Kinda like Don Juan

[@SouvenirProgramsHere]

Hello SSG ! Great Show, love that Alworth Jersey. I Had a Johnny U jersey when I was a kid in the early 70's. My dad has a couple Colts Gameday Programs. One has Johnny as a Rookie. Peace

[@markgardner9460]

Wow...I think those Colts Gameday Programs must be worth a pretty penny, if in good condition...especially the Unitas one as a rookie! I'm glad that you enjoyed this video. Hopefully you can check out some of my others. Please let me know if there is a theme, team or player that you'd like portrayed in future videos. Thanks.

[@SouvenirProgramsHere]

@markgardner9460 Hello MG, The majority of my dad's programs are in great condition. But even those aren't worth much. No market I guess ?. He has alot of Historical programs that I have been showing on our channel. You have a awesome show. Thanks so much for the invite. Talk to ya later ! SPH! Tom

[@markgardner9460]

@@SouvenirProgramsHere Hello, Tom. That surprises me that there isn't a market for those programs and/or they aren't worth much, but then again that is not an area of expertise of mine. I wanted to mention that I had a Tarkenton jersey as a kid - wore the heck out of it. Let's keep in touch. Thanks!

[@brötzmannsax]

Your Alworth jersey is as nice as any jersey I've ever seen and would say that is my favorite so far with Burroughs 00, gorgeous colors. I enjoyed all the photo's of him in a Chargers uniform I've never seen before and always enjoy the cards. This is so painful to watch since I remember him as a rookie and saw his whole career, half the time I watched him in black and white with the Colts so all the color of the San Diego's uniforms plus his famous boots were now power blue, never looked right. I didn't realize how bad he finished, and that game in Pittsburgh against that defense probably helped convince him to quit since he had his 40K already.

[@markgardner9460]

He had almost 7,000 more passing yards than Tarkenton, who was 2nd all-time, at his retirement. That was a lot. Thanks for the compliment on the Alworth jersey; I think it's my favorite of the ones I have...although the 00 Ken Burrough is right up there, too!

[@oreldm]

That must have been the last year for the field goal posts to be in the front of the endzone

[@markgardner9460]

Actually 1973 - I'm surprised that it took them so long to move 'em

[@3243_]

And the reason the league gave for moving them to the back of the end zone after the '73 season was that field goals were too easy.

[@markgardner9460]

@@3243_ so the push to have teams try and score touchdowns in order to increase scoring

[@Antonio-l8p2s]

Its one thing for Unitas to be 40 years old and he body taking a beating.....but it's another thing for Unitas to play behind a very anemic offensive line. That line was TERRIBLE! Neither Garrett nor Jones couldn't do very much on the ground.

[@markgardner9460]

The Chargers offense scored 18 td's - 9 passing and 9 rushing. Prolific, it was not.

[@millardhale85]

Johnny U should have never been with the Chargers in the first place!

[@markgardner9460]

If Owner Gene Klein hadn't waved big dollars in from of Johnny U, he would have retired more gracefully as a Colt.

[@tedlee2861]

Dan foutes. 😁👀👈🏈

[@markgardner9460]

He always seemed to grimace when he was throwing the ball

[@murphyotoole9014]

Sorry, but powder blue shoes do NOT look good on Deacon Jones, Doug Wilkerson, Russ Washington or Johnny Unitas . . .

[@markgardner9460]

I agree, but teams tried to add a lot of color after the drab look to most of the '60's uniforms. Side note: who had skinnier calves: Unitas or Brady? Just a couple of piano legs

[@jodypaluch3933]

I want to drive the go cart.

[@markgardner9460]

I think it's more if a golf cart, but yeah, take that thing down the road and watch the heads turn!

[@jpmerrick8886]

The best ever my spirits hero a special man humble too but did say yeah I was good one of a kind legendary the guy could pass just like today's guys cause he was the prototype Joe Namath idolized him so does Maryland so do I

[@markgardner9460]

He was very humble. What I liked about him was that he headed to the sideline after a td pass. He didn't jump up and down or run down the field wasting energy just to celebrate.

[@anthonybrooks5040]

A bit of irony from that Chargers vs Steelers game: 1) Johnny Unitas' HOF career essentially ended where it began, in Pittsburgh; 2) Dan Fouts got his HOF numbers started with this game and, nine years later, would lead San Diego to their first-ever win at Three Rivers Stadium, a 31-28 playoff tournament win over a former-champion Steelers team on the serious decline; 3) as the sun began to rise on the Steeler dynasty in '73, it quickly set after '82. Lynn Swann retired following the playoff loss and Terry Bradshaw's career would end during the '83 campaign when he tore ligaments in his throwing arm on a TD pass to Greg Garrity against the Jets. The original "TB 12" showed his toughness to the very end, tossing one final TD pass (to Calvin Sweeney) in the game with absolutely nothing left in his arm.

[@markgardner9460]

That's a lot of great stuff, Anthony! They don't come any tougher than Bradshaw - he was gritty and could really take a beating. Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@anthonybrooks5040]

@@markgardner9460 yes, all three of these hall-of-fame QBs (Unitas, Fouts, Bradshaw) took their share of lumps! It's still a shame that, of the three, Fouts never played in a Super Bowl. Those "Air Coryell" Chargers of the late '70s to early '80s was arguably the best team never to reach a SB (honorable mention-1975 & 1998 Vikings, 1976 Steelers).

[@markgardner9460]

@@anthonybrooks5040 Tge '75 Vikes were another great team that didn't make it to the Super Bowl...would have been cool to see a re-match of the prior year's game...this time in perfect weather.

[@scottstevens9533]

Is it true that the film and narration are in the public domain, but the original NFL Films music is not?

[@markgardner9460]

It seems that is the case

[@jwchamberlain5862]

Excellent video. Knew Johnny U played one partial year for Chargers, but never seen any video until tday. Thank you.

[@markgardner9460]

Thank you, JW - I appreciate it. Thanks for watching!

[@QAKVIK]

Thanks for this one. I did not know that The STEELERS drafted Johnny Unitas. Nor did I know that The CHARGERS had already drafted Dan Foutts when they signed Unitas. What an amazing career Unitas had! Dan Foutts was also great 😎.

[@markgardner9460]

Thank you, George. I'm glad that you enjoyed the video!

[@Boomhower89]

Fours credits him for learning how to read defenses

[@markgardner9460]

What a great tutor to have! Thanks for the comment!

[@stevereber]

0:26 WOW I had that exact card 👍 2:45 Hall of Famer Chris Hanberger sack 3:20 Nice Pass Unitas to Gary Garrison VERY Underated Reciever From 1968-1974 Avg per catch per year in order 1968 21.2/20.1/22.9/21.2/14.3/20.9/19.1 Outstanding! Guess who his QB was? The same one that made Lance Alworth a Hall of Fame Reciever John Hadl Master of the Bomb. 4:53 Unitas to Mike Garrett with Bill Bergey covering for Unitas Topping 40,000 yrds career passing yrds. Star studded trio 5:52 Unitas beautiful pass to Garrison 57 yrds! 7:45 I like the announcer comments "They went to backup Wayne Clark but the steel gang was not impressed" Lol 8:05 3rd string QB Dan Fouts Great Pass

[@markgardner9460]

Great stuff as usual - Gary Garrison was so overshadowed by Alworth - GREAT average yard per catch totals that you provided! Hadl is a HOF'er in my mind. Bill Bergey did his best to keep up with Mike Garrett, but that was a huge mis-match. Johnny laid it in there perfectly!

[@dustyrustymusty3577]

So did I. Gave to my brother for Christmas one year.

[@fishhookism]

My first memory of Unitas was as a Charger. I wish I could have seen him at his peak. Thanks for the memories.

[@markgardner9460]

I remember him in SB5, but that was about it. Thanks for watching and commenting, John.

[@brötzmannsax]

I was born in 1945 and went to my first game in 1955 at the Polo Grounds and saw his whole career, throughout the late 50's and 60's he was the benchmark for being the best quarterback, he was Mr. Football and Gordie Howe was Mr. Hockey.

[@markgardner9460]

@@brötzmannsax Wow. I had not known anyone who had been to The Polo Grounds until now. Very cool!!

[@brötzmannsax]

@@markgardner9460 I believe I was in 5th or 6th grade and getting ready for Pop Warner football and my father took me to a Thanksgiving weekend Sunday game against Cleveland that wound up in a 35 all tie! With all the action and excitement I was sold for life. The next year they moved to Yankee Stadium in 1956 and won the NFL Championship against the Chicago Bears in Sneaker Bowl 2 at the Stadium.

[@markgardner9460]

@@brötzmannsax Man, 35 to 35...sounds like a great game. What year was Sneaker Bowl I?

[@stevenbauer4799]

why johnny u.? danno fouts was sitting on the bench. That was just as bad as joe willie as a ram. It was sad to watch a deteriorating once great qb hang on too long. y a tittle like. Farve finally quit for the third time thanks to a concussion. Even saints bounty didn't do it. Warner hung it up after saints bountied him. Brady got out just in time. What about arod?

[@markgardner9460]

It's kind of like great rock bands - they never bow out at the right time...they always hang on for 1 or 2 albums too long.

[@stevenbauer4799]

@@markgardner9460 hahaha. you got that right. nothing like listening to old rockers who can't belt it out anymore do sucky music. neil, roth for example.

[@markgardner9460]

@@stevenbauer4799 Oh man, those two guys! Comparing their early stuff to their later stuff is enough to make ya wanna throw a brick through yer tv.

[@stevenbauer4799]

@@markgardner9460 ha ha.

[@robbiesdad1]

Love th;e Bert Jones Jersey you had on

[@markgardner9460]

Thank you, Robert! It's a classic look.

[@robbiesdad1]

@@markgardner9460 when I was a kid back in the 70's I wanted to be a QB like Bert Jones, even had my friends call me Bert instead of Robert lol. Love your Channel, it's become My Favorite on You Tube

[@markgardner9460]

That's awesome! Thank you - I hope to keep kickin' out entertaining videos.

[@robbiesdad1]

@@markgardner9460 by the way where did you get the Bert Jones Jersey, been looking for a while

[@markgardner9460]

@@robbiesdad1 top sports memorabilia

[@hovertrout1]

Rifle armed Bert Jones to Roger Carr all day 23 yards per catch!

[@markgardner9460]

Yessir. 25.9 ypc in '76 which is outrageous!

[@davidhickey1830]

The Colts drafting Bert Jones in 1973 with the 2nd overall pick sent Unitas packing

[@markgardner9460]

@@davidhickey1830 The Colrs fell quickly after Super Bowl 5, but GM Joe Thomas quickly re-tooled them through great drafts and a few sly trades to put them back into prominance in the mid-'70's

[@brötzmannsax]

Wow, that pretty astounding, he was a great runner too.

[@docnoc66]

I see you’re wearing the blue Burt Jones jersey as I have the white one, so we’re like twins

[@markgardner9460]

Sure would be nice to have every jersey of all our favorite players, wouldn't it? Ahhh, to be a multi-millionaire!!!

[@edpinkerton7947]

Those charger teams were like the redskins west over the hill gang. Chock full of washed up veterans

[@markgardner9460]

Unitas, Sweeney, Dave Costa, Deacon, Mike Stratton, Mike Garrett and Cid Edwards. Ugh. Those guys were toast

[@brötzmannsax]

Many oldie but goodies hanging in there, ha.

[@williamsimms5288]

Hey I can't help but notice all ur vintage jerseys u sport. Do u have Jack Youngblood's #85,(Which was also Lamar Lundy's if I am not mistaken)?? JY was my favorite player before LT came along.

[@markgardner9460]

I do not have a Jack Youngblood jersey, but I would sure like to get one - he was my favorite DE growing up as a kid. Then Lee Roy Selmon took over that.

[@williamsimms5288]

Selmon Bros., who'd play they for in college Oklahoma, no?

[@markgardner9460]

Yes, there was actually 3 brothers who played on that defense at the same time. Lucius was the other one, along with Dewey.

[@bobbyshannon7419]

Dude, Johnny U the greatest QB in history? Really? I have lots of love for him, but you need to learn the game. An absolute great, but not even in the all time top 5.

[@markgardner9460]

I know the game quite well and do not consider any QB who has the advantage of 45 seconds between plays, has an Offensive Coordinator telling him everything he needs to know in his ear between plays, has the advantage of essentially legalized holding, can simply run a few foot to the left or right and not have intentional grounding called, who can slide and not worry about getting his brains scrambled, as well as not have to worry about getting hit late (or even hit at all really) of being considered for the greatest QB in history.....so that eliminates everyone from at least 1990 on. Comparing QB's from different eras is nonsensical.

[@brando7266]

@@markgardner9460 if Brady played in the sixties and seventies, he would have retired by 30, he could never deal with getting hit,

[@markgardner9460]

@@brando7266 his complaining would have fallen on deaf ears

[@markgardner9460]

The ESPN Top 100 NFL Players list had Johnny U at #6 overall. Only Montana was rated higher as a QB

[@bobbyshannon7419]

Johnny U was great. An absolute tough guy, but greatest of all time is unrealistic of course. Just because he played in a tougher time doesnt make him better. Not even close. Like I said, learn a bit more about the game, and think with your brain, not your heart…..