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Could it be the crew cut that catches your eye?  Maybe the high-top football shoes that attracts you?  Perhaps it is the “two-in one” photos? Regardless the cause or reason, the 1957 Topps football card of “The Golden Arm” Johnny Unitas brings hordes of collectors to the hunt for this rookie gem. Johnny U’s first appearance on a football card is one of the most popular football cards in the hobby.  High grades of the Baltimore Colts rookie quarterback often require asset reallocation to acquire.  The dual picture, horizontal format Topps used in the set was new, and innovative.   Popular upon release, it still stops many lists as the most attractive and desirable football card set more than a half century after its debut. Unitas wanted to play college ball at Notre Dame, but was told he was too skinny and would get killed if he was given the chance to play for the Irish.  Pro teams (only the NFL and the Canadian leagues existed on a major level in the mid 1950s’) weren’t impressed with his 12-23 won-loss record at then small-college Louisville.  His hometown Pittsburgh Steelers signed him in 1956, but released him in short order.  Working construction jobs and playing semi-pro ball for the Bloomfield Rams in the Steel City occupied his time right out of college. If a friend and Unitas hadn’t borrowed some money to attend a tryout for the Colts that year, we wouldn’t be celebrating this magical image of the winning QB of “The Greatest Game Ever Played.” Printing with two panels on front and back, the 1957’s remain, somewhat magical.  The left photo is a portrait, while the right one shows an in action shot of Unitas, this one with a unique WHITE football.  Likewise, the backs are split into two panels, with one side containing biographical info, and the other a clever cartoon summary of the player’s highlights.  The example shown below illustrates a beautiful registration, well-centered and high grade offering of Unitas as a brand new Baltimore Colt quarterback and is being offered for auction on eBay.