Y.A. Tittle
Hall of Fame quarterback who led the Giants to three straight NFL championship games and twice set the league single-season record for touchdown passes.
Yelberton Abraham Tittle Jr. (October 24, 1926 – October 8, 2017) was an American professional football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for the San Francisco 49ers and New York Giants; he also played for the original Baltimore Colts of the All-America Football Conference (AAFC) until the franchise folded a year after joining the NFL. Known for his competitiveness and leadership, Tittle was the centerpiece of several prolific offenses throughout his 17-year professional career from 1948 to 1964.
Quick Facts
- Major honor
- NFL MVP (1963), Pro Football Hall of Fame (1971)
Lore & Background
Tittle played college football for Louisiana State University, where he was a two-time All-Southeastern Conference (SEC) quarterback. As a junior, he was named MVP of the 1947 Cotton Bowl Classic—a scoreless tie known as the 'Ice Bowl.' After college, he was drafted by the Detroit Lions but chose to play in the AAFC for the Colts. With the Colts, he was AAFC Rookie of the Year in 1948. After the Colts folded, he was drafted by the 49ers in 1951. In San Francisco, he was part of the Million Dollar Backfield, was the first professional football player on the cover of Sports Illustrated, and is credited with coining 'alley-oop' as a sports term. Traded to the Giants after 1960, he twice set the league single-season record for touchdown passes, including a 1962 game with 7 touchdown passes and 500 yards passing with a near-perfect passer rating of 151.4 (out of 158.33), and led the Giants to three straight NFL championship games. In his final season, a photograph of him bloodied and kneeling in the end zone became iconic. He retired as the NFL's all-time leader in passing yards, passing touchdowns, attempts, completions, and games played. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1971, and his jersey number 14 is retired by the Giants.
Reader's Guide
Tittle's 7 touchdown passes in a game tied the NFL single-game record at the time. His passer rating of 151.4 is near-perfect (maximum 158.33). He never won a championship. The photograph of him bloodied and kneeling is considered one of the most iconic images in North American sports history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Y.A. Tittle?
He was a legendary quarterback who played for the New York Giants from 1961 to 1964. Known for his toughness, he became the face of the team during a period of significant offensive growth.
What role did Y.A. Tittle fulfill on the field?
As the starting quarterback, he directed the offense and set the tone with his powerful passing arm. His leadership helped stabilize a roster that was often inconsistent but talented.
Is Y.A. Tittle recognized as a Hall of Famer?
Yes, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1971 for his exceptional career achievements. This honor solidifies his status as one of the greatest players to ever wear the Giants uniform.
More in Hall of Famers & Icons
Elsewhere in New York Giants
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced