Throughout sports history, there might not be a moment that has perfectly encapsulated defeat and an end of an era as Y.A. Tittle's blood-gushing photo of him sitting in his opposition's endzone with a shattered sternum and concussion. While his fall from grace might have been perfectly captured, Y.A. Tittle's legacy as one of the greatest that still stands even after his recent death in October 2017, at the age of 90. Tittle would go on to play running back, defensive back, and quarterback for Louisiana State University from 1944 to 1947. While a member of the LSU Tigers Tittle would break the standing school records for completions (162), passing yards (2,525), and passing touchdowns (23). Tittle was unable to help his Tiger team solidify an SEC Championship after his pants fell causing him to trip during an interception run back on the final play of the game his senior year.
After becoming renowned for his play at the collegiate level, Tittle was drafted 6th overall in the 1948 NFL Draft by the Detriot Lions. However, despite being drafted by the Lions, Tittle began his pro football career as a member of the Baltimore Colts of the All-America Football Conference (AAFC). After being voted the AAFC Rookie of the Year and playing two seasons with the Colts, Tittle was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the 1951 NFL Draft where he would play ten seasons with the team and become a 4x Pro Bowler and lead the NFL in passing touchdowns in 1955. In 1960, Tittle was traded to the New York Giants when he was considered past his prime but would go on to lead the Giants to three consecutive NFL Championship games from 1961-1963 earning him an additional three Pro Bowl invites. After the 1964 season, Tittle retired but is regarded as one of the most competitive and respected quarterbacks to ever take the field.
When you fly by private jet charter, you experience travel comfort known only to those who know private jets. And nothing illustrates this luxury better than celebrity private jets. Stars with their own private aircraft fly fancy.
John Travolta, the star of 70s cult movies like “Grease” and “Saturday Night Fever”, is not only one of the most famous Hollywood actors, but also one of the best celebrity pilots. John Travolta is a bonafide aviation enthusiast with five private planes total, which he parks on his front lawn. His most impressive aircraft is a customized Boeing 707-138 (as pictured above), a beast of a plane that he acquired in 1998 upon his promotion to an honorary pilot of Qantas, the Australian airline.
Oprah Winfrey’s production company HARPO bought her custom-built Global Express XRS VIP business jet to provide the media mogul and her associates with maximum aviation comfort. Oprah’s private jet features designer fixtures in the bathroom and galley, along with an exquisite all-leather interior. The aircraft was designed by Bombardier Aerospace to perform as a premier long-range business jet. Custom design allowed for an enhanced cabin layout with nine cushy leather seats, aesthetically-placed lighting, and additional luxury amenities. The jet cruises through the air at high speeds, made possible by two Rolls-Royce BR710 turbofan engines, which produce enough power to send HARPO clear across the map with only one refuel stop
Tom Cruise played an elite naval fighter jet pilot in the blockbuster movie “Top Gun”, and he now indulges his real love for flying in his own Gulfstream IV, one of the finest celebrity private jets around. Cruise’s beautiful business jet accommodates up to 19 passengers, providing comfort and class with state-of-the-art furnishings and aircraft technology. The jet even automatically refreshes the air inside the cabin every two minutes. Designed by Gulfstream Aerospace, Cruise’s jet is powered by two Rolls-Royce Tay 611-8 engines, propelling the aircraft to a maximum altitude of 45,000 feet over a maximum range of 7,820 km, zipping through the air at speeds up to Mach 0.80.
Mark Cuban, business mogul and owner of the Dallas Mavericks, landed himself in the Guinness Book of World Records for purchasing his Boeing 767-277 online in 1999, making “the largest single e-commerce transaction”. Cuban modified the jet with large, custom seats to give his team’s lengthy players plenty of room while flying.