Hall of Fame quarterback and 1963 NFL Most Valuable Player Y.A. Tittle died Sunday. He was 90.
LSU, his alma mater, confirmed on Monday that Tittle passed while surrounded by his family and friends.
Born Yelberton Abraham Tittle on Oct. 24, 1926, Tittle played collegiately with the Tigers from 1944-47 before being drafted by the Detroit Lions in 1948. However, Tittle began his 17-season professional career with the Baltimore Colts of the All-American Football Conference and later played for the San Francisco 49ers and New York Giants, with whom he led to three straight division titles.
"The San Francisco 49ers organization and our Faithful fans have lost a dear member of our family," 49ers CEO Jed York said in a statement.
"Y.A. Tittle will forever hold a special place in not only 49ers history but that of the National Football League. His individual accomplishments speak for themselves, but as a member of the 'Million Dollar Backfield' he was part of one of the most storied offensive attacks the game of football has ever seen. During his 15 years as a player and a coach, Y.A. made many significant contributions to this organization and the Bay Area. Our best wishes are with his family and the many friends and fans he leaves behind."
Known as "The Bald Eagle" for his receding hairline, Tittle won the NFL MVP award in 1963 while tossing a then-record 36 touchdown passes in a season. That record held until Dan Marino of the Miami Dolphins threw for 48 in 1984.
Tittle still remains tied with seven other players -- including Peyton Manning and Drew Brees -- for the most touchdown passes (seven) in a single game in NFL history. He tied the mark in a 1962 game against the Washington Redskins.
Tittle never won a championship but was shown in an iconic photo taken by Dozier Mobley during his final season in 1964. The picture depicted the then-37-year-old quarterback kneeling in exhaustion and pain from an injured rib with blood dripping down his face.
Tittle was the lone quarterback of his generation to throw at least 30 touchdown passes in back-to-back seasons, accomplishing the feat with the Giants. He passed for 33,070 yards and 242 TDs in two leagues during his career before being elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1971.
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