Johnny Unitas Colts game

Innovation On and Off the Field

A. O. Smith is a proud sponsor of the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award

A Partnership Built on Changing the Game

At A. O. Smith, we understand that it takes innovation to be the best and to win. That’s why we’ve joined forces with the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award®. Sharing a tradition of innovation with Johnny Unitas, who invented football’s two minute drill, A. O. Smith has been an innovator in our industry for more than a century as the first to invent a glass lined, steel tank and the first manufacturer to launch a comprehensive line of high efficiency products. 

The Golden Arm Award is given out annually to the top college senior/upperclassman quarterback set to graduate with their class. The award acknowledges performance on the field, but it goes beyond completion percentage and touchdown strikes. The award values character, citizenship, integrity and those who honor the game.

Award Show Images

Winners’ Circle

Since 2018, A. O. Smith has partnered with the Golden Arm Foundation to recognize these college athletes for innovation and integrity on and off the field. 

Kenny Pickett

2021 Winner

Kenny Pickett

Pitt 

Mac Jones
2020
Mac Jones
Alabama
Joe Burrow
2019
Joe Burrow
LSU
Gardner Minshew, II
2018
Gardner Minshew, II
Washington State University
Mason Rudolph
2017
Mason Rudolph
Oklahoma State University
Deshaun Watson
2016
Deshaun Watson
Clemson University
Connor Cooke
2015
Connor Cooke
Michigan State University
Marcus Mariota
2014
Marcus Mariota
Oregon
AJ McCarron
2013
AJ McCarron
Alabama
Collin Klein
2012
Collin Klein
Kansas State
Andrew Luck
2011
Andrew Luck
Standford
Scott Tolzien
2010
Scott Tolzien
Wisconsin
Colt McCoy
2009
Colt McCoy
Texas
Graham Harrell
2008
Graham Harrell
Texas Tech
Matt Ryan
2007
Matt Ryan
Boston College
Brady Quinn
2006
Brady Quinn
Notre Dame
Matt Leinart
2005
Matt Leinart
USC
Jason White
2004
Jason White
Oklahoma
Eli Manning
2003
Eli Manning
Ole Miss
Carson Palmer
2002
Carson Palmer
USC
David Carr
2001
David Carr
Fresno State
Chris Weinke
2000
Chris Weinke
Florida State
Chris Redman
1999
Chris Redman
Louisville
Cade McNown
1998
Cade McNown
UCLA
Peyton Manning
1997
Peyton Manning
Tennessee
Danny Wuerffel
1996
Danny Wuerffel
Florida
Tommie Frazier
1995
Tommie Frazier
Nebraska
Jay Barker
1994
Jay Barker
Alabama
Charlie Ward
1993
Charlie Ward
Florida State
Gino Torretta
1992
Gino Torretta
Miami
Casey Weldon
1991
Casey Weldon
Florida State
Craig Erickson
1990
Craig Erickson
Miami
Tony Rice
1989
Tony Rice
Notre Dame
Rodney Peete
1988
Rodney Peete
USC
Don McPherson
1987
Don McPherson
Syracuse

Why A. O. Smith?

 
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Market Leader

A. O. Smith is a leading manufacturer of both residential and commercial water heating technologies, including the #1 most specified commercial water heater.

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Commitment to Innovation

For more than 145 years, we’ve developed state-of-the art products that push new boundaries and improve the lives of our customers.

support
Best-In-Class Support

We combine cutting-edge technology with committed people who take pride in providing the very best support for our customers.

unmatched
Unmatched Quality

Our products are put through rigorous quality and endurance testing so now matter where hot water is needed, A. O. Smith can provide a solution you can count on.