Johnny Unitas' NFL premiere occurred late in a 31-14 loss to the Detroit Lions. On a foggy Oct. 6, the rookie trotted onto the field before 42,622 at Memorial Stadium to replace a struggling George Shaw. Unitas started his career with an incomplete pass. Then, from the Colts' 15-yard line, he took off running for a 23-yard gain. On the next play, his pass was picked off by Detroit's Jim David, who returned the ball 5 yards to near midfield. End of game.

This October 6, 1956 Colts vs. Lions program is in relatively good shape, save for a crease through the center where it appears to have been folded. This is a very rare program from Johnny Unitas' first NFL action.