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Home , American League West, Art Donovan, Art Howe, Barry Zito, Bay Bridge Series, Bert Campaneris

October 1, 2002 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H6859 record for the longest winning cer Awareness Day and raised over series, but it was an earthquake that reg- streak by an baseball $100,000 for the cause. The athletic istered 7.1 on the Richter Scale, and the area team. scholarship programs, disaster support uniting in response to the emergency situation, On September 4, 2002, the Oakland fund, Little A’s, and A’s Amigos are that we remember best. A’s set the major league record for the just a few examples of how the ath- Today, Mr. Chairman, as the Major League longest winning streak by an American letics organization is really truly in- Baseball postseason begins, I am proud that League baseball team by winning 20 volved in our entire community. The the House of Representatives is taking a mo- consecutive games. Prior to this ac- accomplishments and contributions of ment to recognize the latest accomplishment complishment, the record for longest the organization by the Oakland A’s, their amazing 20 game- winning streak by an American League both on and off the field are worthy of winning streak. And I am proud to be an origi- baseball team had stood for 55 years. recognition. So today I would like to nal cosponsor of this resolution honoring this Only two teams congratulate the A’s and its fans on a great team. have won 20 or more consecutive truly remarkable record-breaking reg- Mr. Chairman, winning 20 games in a row is games, this year’s Oakland Athletics ular session. no fluke. It takes a sustained effort both by the with 20 consecutive wins, and, it is my Mr. Speaker, does the gentleman pitching staff and line up to win 20 in understanding, the 1935 Cubs from California (Mr. OSE) know are we a row. I’m proud to say that the fearsome with 21 consecutive wins. still in the third inning with the A’s Oakland starting pitching staff, , Tim During the winning streak, the Ath- up? Hudson, and Corey Lidle won 15 letics outscored their opponents 141 to Mr. OSE. Mr. Speaker, will the gen- of the 20 games in the streak. 65 and trailed their opponents in only tlewoman yield? At the plate, the A’s showed a never say die 10 of the 180 innings of the streak. The Ms. LEE. I yield to the gentleman attitude, with and first key to any successful baseball team is from California. baseman Scott Hatterberg each hitting an RBI of course its pitching staff. During the Mr. OSE. Mr. Speaker, I do not know. at the final of the game, winning the streak and for the duration of the sea- My last report is 3 to 5 A’s. Go A’s. game and keeping the streak alive. This son, Oakland’s have been Ms. LEE. The fans are rooting and streak is the longest in American League his- nothing short of spectacular. During cheering them on to win their real first tory, second only to the 1935 ’ the streak, hopeful Barry post-season game. I know that I am not 21 game-winning streak. As we enter base- Zito, , Mark Mulder, and alone in wishing the amazing A’s the ball’s post season, the 20 game-winning Corey Lidle pitched into the seventh very best in their race for the pennant. streak serves notice to the other teams in the inning in all six of the games, won as a Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gen- playoffs that the Oakland A’s are a team to be part of the streak, and were credited tleman from California (Mr. OSE) and reckoned with. with 15 of the 20 consecutive wins. the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. I congratulate , General The phenomenal success of the Oak- DAVIS) for yielding me the time. Manager and the entire Oakland land Athletics can also be attributed to Mr. SULLIVAN. Mr. Speaker, I have Athletics organization. the team’s clutch hitting. While the no further speakers, and I reserve the Mr. SULLIVAN. Mr. Speaker, I have A’s have a different hero really every balance of my time. no further requests for time, and I night, Miguel Tejada’s emerging super- Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time. stardom and really uncanny knack for have no further speakers, and I am The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. late-game heroics has led the A’s and pleased and delighted that Oakland has SHIMKUS). The question is on the mo- truly energized the fans. The A’s began had such a great . It is also great to tion offered by the gentleman from the streak four and a half games out of know that Chicago teams, although Oklahoma (Mr. SULLIVAN) that the first place in the Western Division of quite aways back, 1905 and 1936, at House suspend the rules and agree to the American League and just con- least we were there at that time; but I the resolution, H. Res. 530. cluded the regular session four games certainly congratulate Oakland fans, The question was taken; and (two- ahead of second place Anaheim. Re- the team, its management. thirds having voted in favor thereof) markably, the A’s accomplishments Mr. Speaker, I have no further re- the rules were suspended and the reso- and continued success has come with quests for time, and I yield back the lution was agreed to. the third-lowest payroll in the major balance of my time. A motion to reconsider was laid on leagues. Who said that low-budget Mr. SULLIVAN. Mr. Speaker, I the table. teams cannot compete and really win? thank my distinguished colleague from The success of the A’s can also be at- California for bringing this resolution f tributed to the managerial skills of Art to the floor. We congratulate the Oak- HONORING AND Howe and the unique ability of general land Athletics for the terrific 2002 sea- EXTENDING CONDOLENCES TO manager Billy Beane to build a peren- son highlighted by their 20-game win- HIS FAMILY ON HIS PASSING nial contender with a very limited ning streak. I urge all Members to sup- Mr. SULLIVAN. Mr. Speaker, I move budget. port this resolution. to suspend the rules and agree to the The winning streak and success of Mr. POMBO. Mr. Speaker, growing up in resolution (H. Res. 538), honoring John- the Oakland A’s has brought together Tracy, California, I have been a fan of the ny Unitas and extending condolences people from all walks of life and has Oakland Athletics ever since they first came to to his family on his passing. really brought a new-found excitement Oakland in 1968. I was 7 years old at the The Clerk read as follows: to Oakland fans and the community. time. The accomplishments of the Oakland I remember their Champion- H. RES. 538 Athletics organization really extend ship three-peat teams from 1972, 1973 and Whereas, as a member of the far beyond their 20-game winning 1974, which featured players like , Colts, Johnny Unitas’ leadership and passing streak or their , , Jim ‘‘Catfish’’ skills helped change the game of football; Whereas throughout his life, Unitas de- title. For example, the Oakland A’s Hunter, and a young ‘‘Mr. October,’’ fined humility, grace, and determination; community fund supports charitable . Being from the northern part Whereas in 1955 Unitas played for the love organizations in their efforts to im- of California’s Central Valley, just over the of the sport of football, earning just $6 per prove educational programs, aid to the Altamont Pass, the fact that their 1974 World game as a player in the Greater Pittsburgh underprivileged. They in crime Series Championship came by defeating the Football League; and drug prevention and service to made the victory even Whereas Unitas led the Baltimore Colts children, service to our senior citizens sweeter. over the for the 1958 NFL and those who work to improve the And what baseball fan can forget the 1989 championship in what came to be known as ‘‘The Greatest Game Ever Played’’ and quar- quality of life for people throughout World Series, the ‘‘’’ be- terbacked the Colts to a 2nd consecutive the Bay Area. tween Oakland and the Giants? title in 1959; On September 15, another example, A great Oakland team, led by , Whereas Unitas threw a touchdown pass in the Oakland Athletics organization , , Mark the Colts victory over the Cowboys in hosted their fourth annual Breast Can- McGwire, and prevailed in that ; H6860 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 1, 2002 Whereas when Unitas retired from the NFL alone do not adequately tell the story passing in 1974, he held 22 NFL records, including the of his greatness on the football field. record and won three championships record of 47 consecutive games with a touch- Considered the ultimate team leader, with the Baltimore Colts in an 18-year down pass; Unitas is credited with inventing the 2- career, died of a heart attack in Balti- Whereas Unitas was named Player of the Year in 1959, 1964, and 1967, and played in 10 minute drill, leading the Colts to many more on September 11. Pro Bowls; victories in the final seconds of the Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in Whereas Unitas completed 2,830 of 5,186 game. His most famous game-winning 1933, Johnny Unitas was raised in a passes for 40,239 yards and 290 touchdowns drive came in 1958 when he led the working-class family during the De- during his career; Colts on an 80-yard drive in a sudden pression. His father, a coal delivery Whereas Unitas was elected to the Pro death overtime to beat the Giants for man, died when he was 5, and his moth- Football Hall of Fame in 1979; the NFL championship. To this day the er worked two jobs to raise four kids. Whereas Unitas was named the ‘‘Greatest 1958 championship game is known as Inducted into the Pro Football Hall Player in the First 50 Years of Pro Foot- of Fame in Canton, Ohio, in 1979, ball’’, and named to the NFL’s 75th Anniver- the greatest game ever played. His composure and courage on the field Unitas retired after the 1973 season sary Team; with 22 National Football League Whereas throughout his career Unitas were legendary. Former teammate played for the love of the game, his city, and John Mackey, himself a Hall of Famer records, among them marks for the its fans; and considered by many the best tight most passes attempted and completed, Whereas Unitas established the Johnny end to have played, once said of Unitas, most yards gained passing, most touch- Unitas Golden Arm Educational Foundation, ‘‘It’s like being in the huddle with down passes, and most seasons leading supported cystic fibrosis research, and with God.’’ the league in touchdown passes. his wife Sandra, sought to assist victims of Unitas led by example. On a Colts Unitas was voted the Most Valuable sexual assault and domestic violence; and Player in 1964 and in 1967, and played in Whereas Unitas’ compassion and sense of team full of tough, gritty players, former teammate and fellow Hall of 10 Pro Bowls. He led Baltimore to the charity gave hope to those in need in Balti- National Football League champion- more and throughout the Nation: Now, Famer Art Donovan was asked who he ship in 1958, 1959, and the Super Bowl in therefore, be it considered to be the toughest of all. 1970. He was named the Greatest Player Resolved, That the House of Representa- Without hesitation Donovan said in the First 50 Years of Pro Football, tives— ‘‘Unitas, because he took the punish- and was named to the National Foot- (1) celebrates the remarkable life of John- ment. And never said a word about it.’’ ny Unitas and his indelible impression on the ball League’s 75th anniversary team. After his football career ended in City of Baltimore; This long list of accomplishments (2) honors him for his leadership, sports- 1973, Unitas made Baltimore his home. stems from a player who hitchhiked manship, and outstanding achievements on The city loved and admired Unitas not home from his first National Football the football field; only for his toughness and ability on League training camp after the Pitts- (3) recognizes his remarkable spirit and the field but for his humanity. Even burgh Steelers cut him in 1955. He tireless work to improve the lives of those in though he was revered by millions, he need; and spent that season playing semipro foot- was a humble and gracious man. At his ball on rock-and-glass covered fields in (4) extends its heartfelt condolences to the funeral mass in Baltimore, his young- family of Johnny Unitas on his passing. Pittsburgh for $6 a game and working est daughter, Paige, spoke of her fa- as a pile driver at a construction site. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- ther’s tenderness. When she once grew ant to the rule, the gentleman from At his induction in the Pro Football impatient with fans seeking his auto- Hall of Fame, Unitas said, ‘‘A man Oklahoma (Mr. SULLIVAN) and the gen- graph, Unitas told her, ‘‘It takes so lit- never gets this station in life without tleman from Illinois (Mr. DAVIS) each tle to make people smile.’’ He was being helped, aided, shoved, pushed and will control 20 minutes. untiring in his work for charity, in- The Chair recognizes the gentleman prodded to do better. I want to be hon- cluding supporting research for leu- est with you: the players I played with from Oklahoma (Mr. SULLIVAN). kemia, cystic fibrosis, and prostate and the coaches I had, they are directly GENERAL LEAVE cancer. Also, he formed the Johnny responsible for my being here. I want Mr. SULLIVAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask Unitas Golden Arm Educational Foun- you all to remember that. I always unanimous consent that all Members dation to provide financial assistance will.’’ may have 5 legislative days within to underprivileged and deserving young Those who helped, aided, shoved, which to revise and extend their re- scholar-athletes. pushed and prodded him to do better, marks on House Resolution 538. Johnny Unitas may have left us too the players he played with and the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there soon, but his legend will live on. The coaches, as well as those who simply objection to the request of the gen- sight of a hunched-over Johnny U., No. enjoyed watching him play the game of tleman from Oklahoma? 19, slowly walking off the field at Balti- football, will always remember him There was no objection. more’s Memorial Stadium in his black and his contributions to the sport. His Mr. SULLIVAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield high-topped shoes after throwing a comments epitomize the career of myself such time as I may consume. touchdown pass will be etched in the Johnny Unitas, who was always giving Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to have memories of football fans for years to credit to others for helping to make the House consider House Resolution come. We offer condolences to Unitas’s him the star that he was. 538, important legislation introduced family and celebrate the life of the Mr. Speaker, I urge Members to sup- by my distinguished colleague, the gen- greatest quarterback who ever played port this resolution. tleman from Maryland (Mr. EHRLICH). the game, Johnny Unitas. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of This resolution celebrates the life and I ask all Members to support this reso- my time. achievements of the greatest quarter- lution. Mr. SULLIVAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield back who ever lived, Johnny Unitas. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of 3 minutes to the gentleman from Mary- Johnny Unitas passed away suddenly my time. land (Mr. EHRLICH). last month at the age of 69. He may be Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I Mr. EHRLICH. Mr. Speaker, we have gone but his greatness on the football yield myself such time as I might con- heard about the numbers, about the field will never be forgotten. Unitas sume. greatest game ever played; and I just played 17 seasons for the Baltimore National Football League Commis- spoke with the gentleman from Mary- Colts. He led the Colts to three NFL sioner said, ‘‘Unitas land (Mr. CARDIN) about what a sad day championships and held nearly every epitomized football, the enduring val- it was at the funeral. NFL passing record at the time of his ues of toughness and competition, and But I have a quick story about my retirement in 1973. He was the first he epitomized this community and friend and constituent. A couple years quarterback to throw over 40,000 yards America.’’ ago, Johnny Unitas was doing an event in a career and holds the record for for me and the Q&A time came. The throwing a touchdown pass in an in- b 1745 question was, ‘‘Mr. Unitas, if you were credible 47 consecutive games, nearly a Johnny Unitas, the Hall of Fame playing today, how much money would 4-year span of games. But numbers quarterback who broke nearly every you be making?’’ October 1, 2002 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H6861 The gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. But the other story is Johnny Unitas When he played, there were 36 play- OSBORNE) will appreciate this. Johnny the individual, off the field. I feel privi- ers on a team. Today there are 53, so thought for a second and said, ‘‘About leged not only to have witnessed him every one of those 36 players had to 3 million bucks.’’ as a great athlete on the field, but to contribute. At that time there were There was a murmur in the crowd, see how he worked within our commu- about one dozen NFL teams. Today and they were all thinking 3 million nity. He was always there to help our there are roughly 30. bucks for Johnny U, and that players community. Baltimore was his adopted I think today’s NFL teams and play- get $100 million contracts these days home. He came to us through other ers owe a lot to Johnny Unitas and oth- and so the questioner said, ‘‘Aren’t you towns, but Baltimore is where he lived ers like him who played at that time. really underselling yourself, the great- his life and where he gave back so He was a great humanitarian and a est quarterback who ever played?’’ much to the community. He was re- great human being. Much has been said Johnny thought for a second and sponsible for a lot of charitable activi- about his 22 NFL passing records, his said, ‘‘Well, I am 66 years old.’’ ties. He always worked with young peo- three NFL MVPs, his 18 years with one Mr. Speaker, I have told that story a ple and never turned down a request for team; but probably the greatest credit lot because it says all one needs to an autograph, not because he was hon- to Johnny was the fact that he was know about my friend and my con- ored to be asked to give an autograph, named the greatest NFL player in the stituent. And as Kendall Ehrlich, my but because he did not want to dis- first 50 years of the league. Of course, wife, always likes to say, the coolest appoint anybody. That was the type of that takes in a lot of great players. I celebrity she has ever met because life he lived. He was a great individual. urge support of this resolution and Johnny U. will always be the coolest He will always be remembered as the again would like to offer my condo- celebrity one could ever meet because person who led Baltimore to champion- lences to the family and in support of he was an ordinary person who was ships, the person who always was on Johnny and all that he represents. able to achieve extraordinary things on the sidelines during all of our games. Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I the football field and he never took His number 19, of course, is known by do not have any additional requests for himself too seriously. He always had all; but he is clearly number one in the time, and I yield back the balance of time for whomever wanted an auto- hearts of all of the people of the Na- my time. graph or needed help, the charity of the tion. I thank the gentleman for bring- Mr. SULLIVAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield day, the week, the month or of the ing this resolution before us. myself such time as I may consume. year in Baltimore, the State of Mary- Mr. SULLIVAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman land, or in the United States of Amer- 3 minutes to the gentleman from Ne- from Maryland for bringing this resolu- ica. braska (Mr. OSBORNE). tion to the floor and giving this House That was our Johnny U. I will miss Mr. OSBORNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in the opportunity to express its admira- support of H. Res. 538. I was fortunate him. The people of Baltimore, the tion for this extraordinary athlete and enough to play in several games State of Maryland, United States of extraordinary man. America, sports fans around the world against Johnny Unitas, I guess maybe We extend our condolences to the will miss No. 19. a better word is ‘‘unfortunate’’ because Unitas family on the death of Johnny Johnny’s team always came out on top. Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I Unitas. To us, he was the greatest One time we played in Baltimore, and yield such time as he may consume to quarterback to ever play the game of they had a white horse that ran around the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. the field every time Baltimore scored. football, a man whose toughness and CARDIN). On that day we almost killed the horse compassion embodied the spirit of Bal- Mr. CARDIN. Mr. Speaker, I thank because the horse ran around the field timore and whose talent on the grid- the gentleman for yielding me this 15 to 20 times. Johnny was sharp that iron made him a legend in his own time. day, and we were not very good. time. Mr. Speaker, let me pay my respects Johnny had a quick release, excellent But he was much more. They know to Johnny Unitas, what he meant as an skills, arm strength and accuracy. But him as a husband and father and had individual and what he meant to our as many Members have mentioned, the opportunity to share in his extraor- community. I agree with the gen- probably his greatest attribute was dinary life. tleman from Maryland (Mr. EHRLICH) physical toughness because at the time We can only hope that the out- and his comments. I feel very privi- Johnny played, we did not have the pouring of admiration from the many leged because I had the opportunity to rules protecting the quarterback that people who were touched in some way witness Johnny play at just about we have today. Today players can hard- by Johnny Unitas will provide a com- every one of his home football games ly touch a NFL quarterback, but John- fort to them in the days ahead. I urge in Baltimore. ny took a licking for 18 years, and he all Members to support this resolution. During the NFL’s 50th anniversary, always got up. I was impressed by his Mrs. MORELLA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in favor he was voted the Greatest Quarterback leadership and his physical toughness. of H. Res. 538 honoring Johnny Unitas and of All Times, and clearly he was the He did not have early NFL success. extending condolences to his family on his greatest quarterback of all times on As was mentioned, he was cut by the passing. I thank my Maryland colleague and the field. He established just about first team he tried out for. He played friend Congressman EHRLICH for introducing every record during his time, and cur- semipro football for $6 a game, a tough this legislation. rently holds the record for throwing a league. Many Members have mentioned Johnny Unitas set 22 NFL records, went to touchdown pass in the most consecu- the 1958 championship game against 10 pro bowls, was player of the year 3 times, tive games, a record that is not likely the Giants, which the Colts won 23 to and was named Pro Football’s Greatest Player to be challenged for a long time to 17. That was a landmark game. I re- in the first 50 years. But interestingly, all this come. member watching that game that day. came from an inauspicious beginning. But that is just half the story about That was the game that caught peo- Notre Dame didn’t want him because he Johnny Unitas. Members know him as ple’s attention. That was the game was thought to be too small. Others didn’t a great athlete, a person during the that launched the National Football think he had the smarts to play quarterback. time of football when the quarterback League as it is today. The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted and promptly really controlled the game, called the Johnny played at a unique time. The cut him. Later, with the Baltimore Colts, John- plays, was responsible for the leader- top players were paid $10,000 a year. ny Unitas was put in for their injured starter, ship of the team. Johnny Unitas rep- When compared to today’s salaries, and his pass was intercepted. On the next two resented the best that there was in just imagine the difference. Most play- possessions, he fumbled. Since the other that regard. He is responsible for get- ers at that time worked in the off sea- Colts backup quarterback had decided to go ting the American public interested in son to make ends meet. He had no to law school, Unitas started the next game. the game of football. He probably is re- agent. He had great loyalty to his team Unitas and the Colts beat the Green Bay sponsible for a lot of the high salaries and community. He did not bounce Packers; then they beat the Cleveland today because of the interest on tele- around for the best deal. He stayed Browns; and so began Johnny Unitas’s as- vision for football today. most all of his career in one place. cendance. Later that very season, he began H6862 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 1, 2002 his string of 47 consecutive games with a Mr. SULLIVAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield other public institutions. The lands are touchdown pass. That record is still unrivaled back the balance of my time. largely scattered in checkerboard fashion to this day. And no one has even come close. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. amidst the Federal lands comprising the re- mainder of the San Rafael Swell area. He typified an athletic style that at times SHIMKUS). The question is on the mo- (4) Development of surface and mineral re- seems of a bygone era. He was famously tion offered by the gentleman from sources on State trust lands within the San hard-working, had a self-effacing manner, and Oklahoma (Mr. SULLIVAN) that the Rafael Swell area, or the sale of such lands was public spirited with an uncanny devotion House suspend the rules and agree to into private ownership, could be incompat- to his adopted city and fans. With his modest the resolution, H. Res. 538. ible with management of such lands for non- style, it was said that one couldn’t tell from the The question was taken. impairment of their wilderness characteris- way Johnny Unitas walked off a football field The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the tics pursuant to section 603(c) of the Federal whether he’d thrown a touchdown or an inter- opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, ception. In fact, the photo of him taken mo- with future congressional designation of the those present have voted in the affirm- lands as wilderness, or with future designa- ments after he threw the game-winning over- ative. tion of such lands as a national monument, time touchdown in the 1958 NFL Champion- Mr. SULLIVAN. Mr. Speaker, on that national heritage area, or other conservation ship—in what is known as the Greatest Game I demand the yeas and nays. designation. Ever Played—shows Johnny Unitas, head The yeas and nays were ordered. (5) The State of Utah also owns 3,533 acres bent, walking toward the Colts bench as if The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- of land within or directly adjacent to the nothing much had happened. ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the Manti-La Sal National Forest in Grand and His skills, warmth, charities, and remarkable Chair’s prior announcement, further Emery Counties, Utah, and 6,411 acres of land within the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, a con- life have touched people far beyond the grid- proceedings on this motion will be iron. During his funeral, a small plane pulled servation reserve established in 1995 by the postponed. United States and Washington County, Utah, the same banner that flew above Memorial f to implement a multiple-species habitat con- Stadium on his last game in Baltimore. It read: servation plan approved by the Fish and ‘‘Unitas We Stand.’’ FEDERAL-UTAH STATE TRUST Wildlife Service under section 10(a) of the He played for the love of the game, his city, LANDS CONSOLIDATION ACT Endangered Species Act of 1973. The Reserve and its fans. He was Baltimore. Our prayers Mr. HANSEN. Mr. Speaker, I move to contains the highest density of critical habi- are with the Unitas family. We all miss you, suspend the rules and pass the bill tat for the Mojave desert tortoise, a threat- Johnny U. ened species, in the United States. These (H.R. 4968) to provide for the exchange State trust lands are also administered by Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today of certain lands in Utah, as amended. to honor the life of Johnny Unitas—a great the Utah School and Institutional Trust The Clerk read as follows: Lands Administration, but the use of such football player, a great Baltimorean, and a H.R. 4968 lands by the State is limited because of the great human being. Johnny Unitas epitomized Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- conservation designations of surrounding all that is right about sports, and he put Balti- resentatives of the United States of America in Federal lands. more on the map with his dazzling skill and Congress assembled, (6) The United States owns lands and inter- ests in lands elsewhere in Utah that can be workmanlike attitude. SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. transferred to the State of Utah in exchange Johnny Unitas hitchhiked home from his first This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Federal- for the San Rafael Swell inholdings, the training camp in 1955, cut from the Pittsburgh Utah State Trust Lands Consolidation Act’’. Steelers. He spent that year playing semipro Manti-La Sal forest lands, and the Red Cliffs SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE. Desert Reserve lands without jeopardizing ball for $6 a game, and working at a construc- (a) FINDINGS.—Congress finds the fol- Federal management objectives or needs. tion site nearby to make ends meet. The rest, lowing: (7) The large presence of State trust land as they say, is history. (1) The San Rafael Swell in Utah is a 900- inholdings in the San Rafael Swell region, The Baltimore Colts signed Unitas the next square mile, wild and beautiful region west the Manti-La Sal National Forest, and the year. He retired after the 1973 season, setting of the Green River. The San Rafael Swell is Red Cliffs Desert Reserve makes land and re- 22 NFL records, including the most passes at- dominated by the jagged, uplifted San Rafael source management in these areas difficult, tempted and completed, most yards gained Reef, which has nearly two dozen major can- costly, and controversial for both the State yons and many side draws and box canyons. passing, most touchdown passes and most of Utah and the United States. The San Rafael Swell towers above the (8) It is in the public interest to reach seasons leading the league in TD passes. desert like a wilderness castle, ringed by agreement on exchange of such inholdings, Unitas completed 2,830 of 5,186 passes for 1,000-foot ramparts of Navajo sandstone. Its on terms fair to both the State of Utah and 40,239 yards and 290 touchdowns. He com- highlands have been fractured by uplift and the United States. Such an agreement, sub- pleted at least one touchdown pass in 47 scooped hollow by erosion over countless ject to ratification by Congress and consent straight games, a record not challenged since millennia, leaving a tremendous basin punc- by the Utah legislature, would save much it was set from 1956–60. tuated by mesas, buttes, and canyons and time and delay in meeting the legitimate ex- Johnny Unitas was the Most Valuable Play- traversed by sediment-laden desert streams. pectations of the State school and institu- er in 1964 and 1967 and played in 10 Pro (2) The San Rafael Swell region was one of tional trusts, in simplifying management of the country’s last frontiers and possesses im- Federal lands, and in avoiding the signifi- Bowls. He led Baltimore to the NFL champion- portant natural, historical, and cultural re- cant time and expense associated with ad- ship in 1958 and 1959 and the Super Bowl in sources, including exceptional backcountry ministrative land exchanges. 1970. On the NFL’s 50th anniversary in 1969, recreation opportunities, productive habitat (9) The State of Utah and the United Unitas was voted the greatest quarterback of for Desert Bighorn Sheep, important histor- States have reached an agreement under all time. He also was selected at quarterback ical sites, including sections of the Old Span- which the State would exchange certain for the NFL’s All-Time team in 2000 by the 36 ish Trail and the Outlaw Trail, significant State trust lands within the San Rafael Pro Football Hall of Fame voters. paleontological resources, and multiple wil- Swell region, the Manti-La Sal National For- To many, including myself, Johnny Unitas derness study areas created pursuant to sec- est, and the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve for was the greatest quarterback to play the tion 603 of the Federal Lands Policy and various Federal lands outside of those areas Management Act of 1976, or otherwise identi- but in the same region of Utah. game. He left an indelible mark on football, fied by local government and conservation (10) The parties agreed at the outset of ne- Baltimore, and this nation. interests as having significant conservation gotiations to avoid identifying Federal as- Johnny never strayed far from the game. values. The beautiful rural landscapes, his- sets for conveyance to the State where any After his retirement in 1973, he was a fixture toric and cultural landscapes, and spectac- of the following was known to exist or likely in the Baltimore football scene that he made ular scenic vistas of the San Rafael Swell re- to be an issue as a result of foreseeable fu- famous, watching the Baltimore Colts move to gion contain significant undeveloped rec- ture uses of the lands: Indianapolis and the Ravens take their place. reational opportunities for people through- (A) Wilderness study areas. Johnny was famous for saying, ‘‘Talk is out the United States. (B) Areas proposed for wilderness designa- cheap. Let’s go play.’’ I believe this is advice (3) The State of Utah owns approximately tion in pending Federal legislation. we could all afford to heed. 102,871 acres of land located in the San (C) Significant endangered species habitat. On September 11, at the age of 69, Johnny Rafael Swell region and administered by the (D) Significant archaeological resources. Utah School and Institutional Trust Lands (E) Areas of critical environmental con- Unitas suffered a heart attack and passed Administration. These lands were granted by cern. away. the Congress to the State of Utah pursuant (F) Other lands known to raise significant I extend my condolences to the family of to the Utah Enabling Act of 1894 (chapter 138; environmental concerns of any kind. Johnny Unitas, to his fans, and to all those 23 Stat. 107), to be held in trust for the ben- (11) Because the State trust lands to be ac- people he touched. He will be missed. efit of the State’s public school system and quired by the Federal Government include