#14: Johnny Unitas
Even legends have their share of financial setbacks, and the iconic former Baltimore Colts quarterback, Johnny Unitas, found himself in the eye of a financial storm when he filed for bankruptcy in 1991. The narrative takes a twist as we delve into his partnership, where he and his associates embarked on a bold venture, borrowing a hefty $3.5 million to acquire National Circuits Inc., a circuit board producer, back in 1984.
Before retiring from the gridiron in 1973, this Hall of Famer’s financial journey was far from glamorous. In an era when multimillion-dollar contracts were unheard of, Unitas earned an estimated $100,000 annually. Reflecting on his early days, it’s fascinating to note that his first contract with the Colts was a meager $7,000 for the year, stipulating that he had to endure the entire season to earn every cent.