Political Quotes

“I rise in favor of H. Res. 538 honoring Johnny Unitas and extending condolences to his family on his passing. I thank my Maryland colleague and friend Congressman Ehrlich for introducing this legislation. Johnny Unitas set 22 NFL records, went to 10 pro bowls, was player of the year 3 times, and was named Pro Football's Greatest Player in the first 50 years. But interestingly, all this came from an inauspicious beginning. Notre Dame didn't want him because he was thought to be too small. Others didn't think he had the smarts to play quarterback. The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted and promptly cut him. Later, with the Baltimore Colts, Johnny Unitas was put in for their injured starter, and his pass was intercepted. On the next two possessions, he fumbled. Since the other Colts backup quarterback had decided to go to law school, Unitas started the next game. Unitas and the Colts beat the Green Bay Packers; then they beat the Cleveland Browns; and so began Johnny Unitas's ascendance. Later that very season, he began his string of 47 consecutive games with a touchdown pass. That record is still unrivaled to this day. And no one has even come close. He typified an athletic style that at times seems of a bygone era. He was famously hard-working, had a self-effacing manner, and was public spirited with an uncanny devotion to his adopted city and fans.”