The Greatest Quarterback Of All Time John Unitas As A Charger

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  • Опубліковано 1 тра 2023
  • 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!
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 201

  • @muttonchopsgayever
    @muttonchopsgayever Рік тому +5

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

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  Рік тому

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

  • @edpinkerton7947
    @edpinkerton7947 Рік тому +9

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

  • @lesilluminations1
    @lesilluminations1 2 місяці тому +2

    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
      @markgardner9460  2 місяці тому +1

      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.

  • @jstube36
    @jstube36 Рік тому +8

    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
      @markgardner9460  Рік тому +3

      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_
      @3243_ Рік тому +1

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

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  Рік тому +1

      Good point about including the receivers, too!

    • @3243_
      @3243_ Рік тому

      Thanks!

    • @jstube36
      @jstube36 Рік тому +2

      @@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.

  • @creepofreek4853
    @creepofreek4853 Рік тому +5

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

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  Рік тому

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

    • @jacob9538
      @jacob9538 4 місяці тому

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

  • @roughriderreturns5039
    @roughriderreturns5039 Рік тому +3

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

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  Рік тому +2

      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
      @roughriderreturns5039 Рік тому

      Thank you very much.

  • @3243_
    @3243_ Рік тому +5

    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
      @markgardner9460  Рік тому +1

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

    • @3243_
      @3243_ Рік тому

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

    • @3243_
      @3243_ Рік тому +1

      And thanks, by the way.

  • @davidhickey1830
    @davidhickey1830 Рік тому +4

    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
      @markgardner9460  Рік тому +1

      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.

  • @tommythomason6187
    @tommythomason6187 Рік тому +4

    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
      @markgardner9460  Рік тому +2

      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
      @Classicrocker6119 Рік тому +2

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

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  Рік тому +2

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

  • @MalEvansUSA
    @MalEvansUSA 11 місяців тому +4

    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

  • @denisceballos9745
    @denisceballos9745 Рік тому +2

    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
      @markgardner9460  Рік тому +3

      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
      @denisceballos9745 Рік тому +2

      @@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
      @markgardner9460  Рік тому +1

      Plus the incomparable Lenny Moore

    • @denisceballos9745
      @denisceballos9745 Рік тому +1

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

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  Рік тому +1

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

  • @muggsyaxton8085
    @muggsyaxton8085 Рік тому +3

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

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  Рік тому +1

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

  • @dustyrustymusty3577
    @dustyrustymusty3577 Рік тому +1

    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
      @markgardner9460  Рік тому +1

      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
      @gz9520 Місяць тому +1

      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.

  • @timothywayne3813
    @timothywayne3813 Рік тому +2

    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
      @markgardner9460  Рік тому +1

      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
      @timothywayne3813 Рік тому

      @@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
      @markgardner9460  Рік тому

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

  • @anthonybrooks5040
    @anthonybrooks5040 Рік тому +1

    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
      @markgardner9460  Рік тому

      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
      @anthonybrooks5040 Рік тому +1

      @@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
      @markgardner9460  Рік тому +1

      @@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.

  • @winsomepickett7694
    @winsomepickett7694 20 днів тому +1

    I got that same Bert Jones throwback jersey for Christmas!

  • @brotzmannsax
    @brotzmannsax Рік тому +3

    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
      @markgardner9460  Рік тому +3

      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!

  • @jwchamberlain5862
    @jwchamberlain5862 Рік тому +2

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

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  Рік тому

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

  • @3243_
    @3243_ Рік тому +2

    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
      @markgardner9460  Рік тому +3

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

    • @3243_
      @3243_ Рік тому +2

      Thanks, I forgot about Hornung.

  • @kingofallmediums2123
    @kingofallmediums2123 Рік тому

    Great Johnny Unitas Chargers 🔌 Jersey!

  • @fishhookism
    @fishhookism Рік тому +3

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

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  Рік тому

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

    • @brotzmannsax
      @brotzmannsax Рік тому +3

      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
      @markgardner9460  Рік тому +2

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

    • @brotzmannsax
      @brotzmannsax Рік тому

      @@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
      @markgardner9460  Рік тому +1

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

  • @3243_
    @3243_ Рік тому +6

    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
      @markgardner9460  Рік тому +3

      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.

    • @brotzmannsax
      @brotzmannsax Рік тому

      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
      @markgardner9460  Рік тому +1

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

  • @QAKVIK
    @QAKVIK Рік тому +1

    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
      @markgardner9460  Рік тому +1

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

  • @stevereber
    @stevereber Рік тому +3

    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
      @markgardner9460  Рік тому +1

      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
      @dustyrustymusty3577 Рік тому

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

  • @MrBlk87
    @MrBlk87 Рік тому +2

    Another great one thanks.

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  Рік тому

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

    • @billdang3953
      @billdang3953 Рік тому +1

      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.

  • @donaldbonham9996
    @donaldbonham9996 Рік тому

    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
      @markgardner9460  Рік тому

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

  • @TheGlassCoke2001
    @TheGlassCoke2001 Рік тому +3

    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
      @markgardner9460  Рік тому +1

      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
      @TheGlassCoke2001 Рік тому

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

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  Рік тому +1

      @@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
      @jpmerrick8886 7 місяців тому +1

      He just was

  • @SouvenirProgramsHere
    @SouvenirProgramsHere Рік тому +1

    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
      @markgardner9460  Рік тому +1

      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
      @SouvenirProgramsHere Рік тому

      @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
      @markgardner9460  Рік тому +1

      @@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!

  • @briggscharleton6139
    @briggscharleton6139 11 місяців тому +4

    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
      @markgardner9460  11 місяців тому +1

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

  • @jammininthepast
    @jammininthepast Рік тому +3

    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
      @markgardner9460  Рік тому

      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
      @Boomhower89 Рік тому +3

      @@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
      @markgardner9460  Рік тому +1

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

    • @davidhickey1830
      @davidhickey1830 Рік тому +1

      Warner finished with a strong 2009 season.

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  Рік тому +1

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

  • @MrRtms24
    @MrRtms24 Рік тому

    Thats a beautiful jersey

  • @michaelhemphill8575
    @michaelhemphill8575 Рік тому +2

    "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
      @markgardner9460  Рік тому +1

      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
      @michaelhemphill8575 Рік тому +1

      @@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!!

  • @irishledden4924
    @irishledden4924 11 місяців тому +1

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

  • @sg97651
    @sg97651 9 місяців тому

    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
      @markgardner9460  9 місяців тому

      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
      @sg97651 9 місяців тому

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

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  9 місяців тому

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

  • @jpmerrick8886
    @jpmerrick8886 7 місяців тому

    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
      @markgardner9460  7 місяців тому

      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.

  • @kingofallmediums2123
    @kingofallmediums2123 Рік тому

    Tommy Casanova for Cincinnati! Classic

  • @robbiesdad1
    @robbiesdad1 Рік тому

    Love th;e Bert Jones Jersey you had on

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  Рік тому

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

    • @robbiesdad1
      @robbiesdad1 Рік тому +1

      @@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
      @markgardner9460  Рік тому

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

    • @robbiesdad1
      @robbiesdad1 Рік тому

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

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  Рік тому

      @@robbiesdad1 top sports memorabilia

  • @Boomhower89
    @Boomhower89 Рік тому

    Fours credits him for learning how to read defenses

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  Рік тому

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

  • @drbonesshow1
    @drbonesshow1 Рік тому +1

    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
      @markgardner9460  Рік тому

      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.

  • @drbonesshow1
    @drbonesshow1 Рік тому +1

    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
      @markgardner9460  Рік тому

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

  • @williamsimms5288
    @williamsimms5288 Рік тому

    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
      @markgardner9460  Рік тому +2

      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
      @williamsimms5288 Рік тому

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

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  Рік тому

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

  • @oreldm
    @oreldm Рік тому +1

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

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  Рік тому +1

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

    • @3243_
      @3243_ Рік тому +1

      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
      @markgardner9460  Рік тому +2

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

  • @raylopez99
    @raylopez99 Рік тому +1

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

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  Рік тому +3

      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.

    • @brotzmannsax
      @brotzmannsax Рік тому

      Not for long!

  • @docnoc66
    @docnoc66 Рік тому +1

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

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  Рік тому +1

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

  • @scottstevens9533
    @scottstevens9533 Рік тому

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

  • @danielcorreard3746
    @danielcorreard3746 Рік тому +4

    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
      @markgardner9460  Рік тому

      Now yer talkin', Daniel. Right on!

    • @danielcorreard3746
      @danielcorreard3746 Рік тому

      @@markgardner9460 i'm glad someone agrees with me

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  Рік тому +1

      @@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
      @danielcorreard3746 Рік тому

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

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  Рік тому

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

  • @hovertrout1
    @hovertrout1 Рік тому +2

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

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  Рік тому

      Yessir. 25.9 ypc in '76 which is outrageous!

    • @davidhickey1830
      @davidhickey1830 Рік тому

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

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  Рік тому

      @@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

    • @brotzmannsax
      @brotzmannsax Рік тому

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

  • @jodypaluch3933
    @jodypaluch3933 Рік тому

    I want to drive the go cart.

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  Рік тому

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

  • @tedlee2861
    @tedlee2861 Рік тому

    Dan foutes. 😁👀👈🏈

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  Рік тому

      He always seemed to grimace when he was throwing the ball

  • @millardhale85
    @millardhale85 Місяць тому

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

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  Місяць тому

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

  • @edpinkerton7947
    @edpinkerton7947 Рік тому +1

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

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  Рік тому +1

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

    • @brotzmannsax
      @brotzmannsax Рік тому

      Many oldie but goodies hanging in there, ha.

  • @murphyotoole9014
    @murphyotoole9014 Рік тому

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

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  Рік тому

      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

  • @stevenbauer4799
    @stevenbauer4799 Рік тому

    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
      @markgardner9460  Рік тому +1

      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
      @stevenbauer4799 Рік тому +2

      @@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
      @markgardner9460  Рік тому +1

      @@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
      @stevenbauer4799 Рік тому

      @@markgardner9460 ha ha.

  • @bobbyshannon7419
    @bobbyshannon7419 Рік тому

    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
      @markgardner9460  Рік тому +2

      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
      @brando7266 Рік тому +2

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

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  Рік тому +1

      @@brando7266 his complaining would have fallen on deaf ears

    • @markgardner9460
      @markgardner9460  Рік тому

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

    • @bobbyshannon7419
      @bobbyshannon7419 Рік тому

      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…..

  • @likedemlg
    @likedemlg Рік тому

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