This card was #1 in the 1971 Topps football set. Johnny was still sporting the iconic brush cut (not sure what year this shot was taken). I think of him as Johnny, don't you?
1971 Topps Football #1 John Unitas
Here's some highlights from the same era as this card.
The cartoon mentions Johnny's restaurant. Here's a copy of the menu from 1968 courtesy of the New York Public Library.
Sweet menu. I'm hungry.
ReplyDeleteI'll go with the Right Guard, lamb chops. Been forever since I've had them.
DeletePut me down for Prime Heart Of Filet Mignon with a baked potato, shrimp cocktail and a bowl of french onion soup.
DeleteJohnny Unitas was a great QB. Called his own plays. Legend.
ReplyDeleteI think with all the gaudy numbers today some of the past greats are being forgotten.
DeleteWelcome back, David!
ReplyDeleteYour comment about thinking of him as "Johnny" reminded me of this:
Another great athlete (Johnny Bench) was called "Johnny" by everyone, except for Sparky Anderson, who called him "John".
Thanks, Jim. There's always someone who has to be different. I haven't called myself "Dave" in decades but there are always some people who do it automatically. Do you find that with your name? BTW, it doesn't bother me.
ReplyDeleteThat Unitas card is simply amazing, would love to pick-up a copy of that one someday.
ReplyDeleteI got that one for a penny. Hard to believe I've had it for going on 50 years. I'd like to have one of his earlier cards.
DeleteYou've been disappeared for awhile, hopefully all has been well.
ReplyDeleteI've been fine. Once you stop blogging it's hard to pick it back up. Maybe a common thing but I often feel like I have nothing to say/show that anyone would want to hear/see. Thanks for still being here. Guess it disproves my theory.
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ReplyDeleteJohnny was one of the greats of all time and a great guy was able to get his autograph and meet him a number of times He and Brooks Robinson are maybe to 2 best personalities that were friends to the hobby always made time to sign an autograph or take a picture. I have had season tickets for the Ravens since 1996 and he was on the sidelines every week until his death. after that the Ravens had a place on the sidelines with his high top cleats and #19. Now he has a statue in front of the stadium and it is become a custom to touch Johnny's toe for good luck when entering the on game day! Maybe the biggest legend in Baltimore sports history I hate that all his records are now in Indianapolis!?!?
ReplyDeleteChicago's teams have been stable all my life. I can only imagine what it's like seeing your team and it's history in another city.
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