The legend of Johnny Unitas will continue to grow in Baltimore.
Taking place at the Tremont Grand in Baltimore Friday night, this year?s presentation of the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award will be the first time in 19 years that the award has not been handed out in Louisville, the home of Unitas? alma mater.
“We brought it back to Baltimore to honor his legacy and to honor these fine young men,” Johnny Unitas Jr., president of the Golden Arm Foundation, said of the award. “They are all fine young men doing a fine job for their school and all adhere to the criteria of the award.”
This year?s recipient is Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn, who was named the winner last Friday. A talented signal caller, Quinn has broken numerous passing records for the Fighting Irish. Leading the team to three straight bowl games, Quinn?s stellar play and leadership has been a key factor in the resurgence of one of college football?s greatest programs. Presented first in 1987, Quinn won the annual award by meeting the criteria of citizenship, character, scholastic achievement, athletic ability and leadership, in addition to being one of the most outstanding Division I quarterbacks in the country.
“[Bringing the award to Baltimore] means everything to us,” said Mike Haynie, managing director of the Tremont hotel properties.
“My father always believed that an investment into today?s youth will benefit us into far more into the future,” said Johnny Unitas Jr.
Besides the award, the Golden Arm Foundation works to help underprivileged young men who play collegiate football but receive no financial aid for their collegiate
education. Giving over half a million dollars since its inception, the foundation awarded $28,000 in scholarship money last year and hopes to break that mark with a new $32,000 standard Friday evening.
Johnny Unitas died in September of 2002 at the age of 69.
“[The award] belongs here. Many people I?ve talked to in the sports world think it belongs here as well,” Unitas Jr. said. “We wanted to bring [the award] here in Baltimore to show people what [the foundation] is all about.”
