This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 7/18/2019.
Nicknamed “The Golden Arm” for his sensational passing abilities, Johnny Unitas is known as one of the greatest NFL players of all time. Unitas was drafted in 1955 by the Pittsburgh Steelers, but he was cut before the season started. Out of football, Johnny relied on a construction job to support his family until the Baltimore Colts tried him out in 1956. With the Colts, Unitas became one of the best quarterbacks the NFL has ever seen. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979, Johnny was a 10-time Pro Bowler, 5-time First Team All-Pro, 3-time NFL MVP, 3-time NFL Champion and Super Bowl V Champion. On the front left tail of the blue and white three-quarter sleeved durene jersey is the Sand-Knit manufacturer’s tag size “46” with washing instructions. Adjacent above is the Eddie Leonard distributor’s tag. Across the front, on the back and on each sleeve is Johnny’s number “19” in white tackle twill. This jersey was originally worn by Earl Morrall in the 1968 season and matches images of Morrall in Super Bowl III. Unitas wore this jersey in the 1969 NFL season. While it is difficult to see, period images appears to confirm the number change from “15” to “19”. The stitching outlines from the team instituted replacement are present on all identifiers as well as the faint outline of the 50th Anniversary patch which was located on the left shoulder. This jersey is properly tagged, was presented to us as game-used and in our opinion shows appropriate dual player use. Originally sourced directly from Unitas at his famed “The Golden Arm” restaurant where the jersey was on display for many years. Accompanied by multiple LOAs confirming the match from RGU, a Photo-Match.com LOA grading the jersey an 8+ as well as an LOA from the original owner.