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1960s Johnny Unitas Crown Gold Gasoline Advertising Display
Johnny Unitas was an effective quarterback at the University of Louisville, but the 9th round draft choice of the Pittsburgh Steelers was cut by the Steelers, and he wound-up playing semi-professional football with the Bloomfield Rams - for six dollars a game. From that start, Unitas joined the Baltimore Colts and eventually made the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Presented is a 1960s Crown Gold advertising display featuring Unitas. "Johnny U" played 18 NFL seasons 1956-72), all but his last one (with San Diego) with the Baltimore Colts. He became one of the best NFL quarterbacks in history. Unitas meticulously prepared for each game, and he would usually stay after formal practice to practice on his own with his receivers. He was a 5-time All-Pro and a 10-time Pro Bowler. In three seasons (1959, '64, and '67), he won both the AP MVP and the UPI MVP each season. He won four championships with the Colts: Three NFL titles and Super Bowl V. He quarterbacked the Colts to the NFL Championship in 1958, winning 23-17 in the first overtime game in NFL history. That game, televised nationally on NBC, has been called "The Greatest Game Ever Played", and the thrilling contest is credited for in large part bringing the popularity the league enjoyed in the 1960s. Displayed is an advertising display for Crown Gold Red gasoline, measuring approx. 12.5x19" and framed at 14.25" x 21.5". The top of the poster shows Unitas in a posed color photo, helmetless, in his number 19 Baltimore Colt uniform, his arm drawn back, ready to pass. Under the photo of Unitas is printed, "I fill up with Crown Gold for Action!/Johnny Unitas/MOST VALUABLE PRO-FOOTBALL PLAYER, QUARTERBACK NFL." This ad was meant for display at gas stations. It is actually a large window sticker that has never been used and is still on the backing. It has a vertical and horizontal crease, likely the way that it was mailed to the point where it was supposed to be displayed. Unitas was a Baltimore player to his core. After the Baltimore Colts moved to Indianapolis, Unitas cut all ties with the Colts, and then embraced the new Baltimore Ravens team when they debuted in Baltimore. The framed display makes a great vintage remembrance for all collectors of old-time NFL memorabilia.
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