Iconic Photo Symbolizes Y.A. Tittle’s Storied Career

We've all seen the picture. Y.A. Tittle, kneeling, bloodied, staring down at the Pitt Stadium grass. If most pictures are worth a thousand words, this one has so many more -- words that define the career of an East Texas Legend.

You're reminded of Tittle's legacy every time you attend a game at Maverick Stadium in Marshall when the public address announcer says, "Welcome to Marshall, home of Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Y.A. Tittle."

Little is known about Tittle's time in Marshall and his statistics. The Mavericks went 9-2 his junior season and 8-3 in 1944 for his senior year, signifying first-round playoff losses both years.

But, after high school, Tittle's name would be synonymous with football.

After graduation, Tittle played football at LSU, where he was named Most Valuable Player of the 1947 Cotton Bowl -- one of the most historic college football games of all-time. More than 38,000 showed up to watch the "Ice Bowl," a game that ended in a 0-0 tie. Tittle helped LSU to 271 total yards to Arkansas' 54, and the Tigers won the first-down battle 15-1.

Tittle was the sixth overall pick of the 1948 NFL Draft. He played for the Baltimore Colts, San Francisco 49ers and New York Giants until 1964.

He led the Giants to three straight championship games (although they lost all three), went to seven Pro Bowls, was named the AP's NFL MVP in 1963 and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1971. His No. 14 is retired by the Giants.

Tittle is one of only five quarterbacks to throw seven touchdowns in a game and was the first to throw 30-plus touchdowns in consecutive seasons. His 36 touchdowns in 1963 would be an NFL record until Dan Marino passed him in 1984.

Tittle is still alive today at age 85. He lives in California, but has been known to show up to a Mavericks game every now and again.