Football Players From Pennsylvania

Johnny Unitas was an American football player who played as a quarterback in the National Football League (NFL). A three-time NFL champion and three-time NFL Most Valuable Player, Unitas is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the NFL. In 1979, Johnny Unitas was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

NFL quarterback Matt Ryan, also known as "Matty-Ice,” plays for the Atlanta Falcons. He was named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2008 and the NFL MVP in 2016. His $150 million extension with the team in 2018 made him the highest-paid NFL player back then.

Joe Namath is a former football player who was named on The Sporting News' 100 Greatest Football Players list in 1999. He established himself as a sports icon and a pop culture icon after guaranteeing a victory to his team, New York Jets, over the favorites, Baltimore Colts, and then helping his team win Super Bowl III against the Colts.

Vince Papale is a former professional football player. During his career as a player, he played with the Philadelphia Eagles and the Philadelphia Bell. As a young boy, he played multiple sports and lettered in football, basketball, and track and field. He eventually chose to pursue football. His story is the inspiration behind the film Invincible.

Brandon Marshall is a retired American football legend, who is nicknamed ‘The Beast’ for his ability to handle tackles as a wide receiver. Although his career in the National Football League spanned over 13 years and 179 matches, he never played in a playoff. His association with the sport continued as appears on the television as an analyst.

Former American football linebacker, coach, and sports analyst Bill Cowher served as a head coach in the National Football League (NFL) for 15 seasons. He spent the majority of his coaching career with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Under him, the Steelers won several championships including one Super Bowl. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2020.

Jason Garrett is a football player turned coach. He is currently the offensive coordinator for the New York Giants of the National Football League (NFL). Beginning his career as a college football quarterback at Princeton University, he has also played for  New York Giants and Miami Dolphins. He began his coaching career in 2005.

Famous for the age-defying longevity of his American football career, George Blanda set several records before retiring at the age of 48. The quarterback and placekicker who played mainly for Chicago Bears, Houston Oilers and Oakland Raiders teams, retired with 943 extra points from 26 seasons. He scored a record-setting 42 interceptions thrown in a single season in 1962.