Marty Domres obit

Former Jets, Colts Quarterback Dies

The trailblazing Ivy League quarterback was inducted into multiple Halls of Fame and backed up many prolific NFL signal-callers.

 

He was not on the list.

Marty Domres, a former first-round NFL draft pick who once succeeded Johnny Unitas as the quarterback in Baltimore and set records at Columbia University, died peacefully on Monday. He was 78.

Born April 17, 1947, in Ithaca, New York, Domres moved to Syracuse at a young age and attended Christian Brothers Academy, where he excelled in football, basketball, and baseball. His athleticism earned him multiple scholarship offers, but he chose Columbia University — a decision that would forever etch his name in Ivy League football history.

Despite playing for a struggling program, Domres became one of the most prolific passers in Columbia’s history. By the end of his collegiate career, he had set 15 school records and two national marks for passing and total offense.

Domres led the Ivy League in total offense in 1967 and 1968, and his 4,495 career passing yards still rank among the top three in school history. In 1968, he was named First-Team All-Ivy and an honorable mention All-American. Columbia later honored him with a spot on its Football Team of the 20th Century and an induction into the university’s Hall of Fame.

The San Diego Chargers selected Domres ninth overall in the 1969 NFL Draft, making him one of the highest-drafted Ivy League players ever. His pro career would span nine seasons and 90 games, with stints on four teams: the Chargers (1969-71), Baltimore Colts (1972-75), San Francisco 49ers (1976), and New York Jets (1977).

Though often a backup signal-caller behind bigger names like John Hadl, Jim Plunkett, and Richard Todd, Domres carved out a steady career as a pro.

Domres' most defining NFL moment came in 1972, when he was thrust into the spotlight as the starting quarterback for the Baltimore Colts — replacing the legendary Johnny Unitas. That season, he threw for 1,392 yards and 11 touchdowns, earning an NFL Offensive Player of the Week award and helping transition the franchise into a new era.

Domres finished his NFL career with 4,904 passing yards, 27 touchdowns, and 10 rushing scores. Though his name rarely filled headlines, teammates and coaches consistently praised his leadership, humility, and competitiveness.

After retiring from football in 1978, Domres made Baltimore his permanent home. He transitioned into finance, becoming a managing director at Deutsche Bank Alex Brown and Morgan Stanley.

Known for his wit, intellect, and love of both golf and the game that shaped his life, Domres stayed connected to former teammates and the sport well into his later years.

Domres was inducted into multiple halls of fame, including the Greater Syracuse Sports Hall of Fame, Columbia University Athletic Hall of Fame, and the CBA LaSallian Athletic Hall of Fame. He also received the All-American Football Foundation President’s Award in 2004.

Domres is survived by his wife, Cheryl; his step-son, Christian Cummings; and his sisters, Cindy Domres, Barbara Rehberg, and Nancy Flattery.