One NFL player you forgot played for your favorite team

Los Angeles Chargers – Johnny Unitas

The most recognizable quarterback in Indianapolis Colts history is Peyton Manning, there’s really no debate there. As for their time as the Baltimore Colts, it’s just as easy to select the most popular gun-slinger they have ever had — Johnny Unitas.

For 17 seasons, he was the quarterback in Baltimore and led them to a record of 117-60-4 during that span whole also winning three titles as he was 6-2 in the postseason for the Colts. A three-time MVP (in 1959, 1954, and 1967), Unitas was named to 10 Pro Bowls while also leading the NFL in passing yardage and touchdowns four times.

He’s also been honored as a member of the NFL 1960s All-Decade Team as well as being on the All-Time Team for the NFL’s 50th. 75th, and 100th anniversary. Simply put, ‘Johnny U’ was one of the biggest stars the game has ever seen.

What isn’t remembered too often though is that Unitas spent time with two other teams. First was the Pittsburgh Steelers, although he never played a down for them. Instead, he was released and played semi-pro ball until the Colts signed him the following season. He also played one season for the San Diego Chargers, which was his final year in the league.

In 1973, Unitas was traded to San Diego but he was no longer the player he once was. At 40-years of age, Unitas threw just 76 passes for the Chargers, completing 34 of them. He was 1-3 as their starter and had more interceptions (7) than touchdowns (3).