Unitas, 59, Has Bypass Surgery; Doctors Expect a Full Recovery

Former Baltimore Colt quarterback John Unitas underwent coronary bypass surgery Saturday at the University of Maryland Medical Center.

The surgery went well and the NFL Hall of Fame quarterback was resting comfortably. Doctors expect Unitas to make a full recovery, his family said in a statement.

Unitas was listed in serious condition after the surgery, which is not unusual, officials said. He remained in serious condition Saturday evening, said Linda Anderson, a hospital spokeswoman.

Unitas, 59, experienced chest pain and had an abnormal electrocardiogram after knee surgery Friday.

Unitas, selected in the fifth round of the 1955 draft by Pittsburgh but then cut, was signed by Baltimore off the sandlots, and played from 1956 to 1973 with the Colts.

He led Baltimore to an overtime victory over the New York Giants in the 1958 NFL title game.

He was traded to the San Diego Chargers in 1973 and retired that year having thrown for 40,239 yards. He ranks second in career passing yardage to Fran Tarkenton.