[December 03, 2012]

K-State's Collin Klein Wins 2012 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award

Kansas State's Collin Klein is the winner of the 2012 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award.

Named after the man many refer to as the greatest quarterback ever to play football, The Golden Arm Award will be presented this Friday, December 7, at a ceremony held from 6-9 pm at The Royal Sonesta Harbor Court Hotel, 550 Light Street, Baltimore, Maryland.

"Collin is not just a tremendous athlete and leader on the field, but an MVP off the field as well, who repeatedly has been recognized for his numerous contributions to the community," says John C. Unitas, Jr., President of The Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Educational Foundation. The Golden Arm Award is presented annually by the Foundation and Transamerica (News - Alert), a leading provider of innovative business and personal financial services.

As a player who will go down as one of the best in K-State history as both a passer and runner, Klein ranks in the top 10 in school history in rushing touchdowns (1st; 55), touchdown responsibility (1st; 4), scoring (2nd; 336), total yards (3rd; 7,028), passing efficiency (3rd; 141.05), rushing attempts (3rd; 588), rushing yards (5th; 2,455), completions (5th, 353), passing touchdowns (6th; 29), passing yards (7th; 4,573) and pass attempts (8th; 572). His 55 rushing touchdowns also rank fourth in Big 12 history and second among quarterbacks.

Former winners of the Golden Arm Award include Peyton Manning (Tennessee, 1997), Eli Manning (Ole Miss, 2003), Matt Ryan (Boston College, 2007), and Andrew Luck (Stanford, 2011).

Candidates for the Golden Arm Award must be completing college eligibility or be a fourth-year junior, on schedule to graduate with his class. Candidates are judged upon character, citizenship, scholastic achievement, leadership qualities, and athletic accomplishments.

Proceeds from the Golden Arm Award help to support the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Educational Foundation. The Foundation provides financial assistance to underprivileged and deserving young scholar-athletes throughout Maryland and Kentucky.

The namesake of the Golden Arm Award has a storied history. Johnny Unitas' career passing figures include 2,830 pass completions for 40,239 yards, 290 touchdowns and throwing a touchdown pass in 47 consecutive games.

For more information, visit: www.goldenarmfoundation.com or www.baltimoresun.com/sports/college/golden-arm/.

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