The 2004 Heisman Trophy winner gracioulsy accepted the award along with 1999 Award Winner Chris Redman as Guest Speaker. He is 36-1 as a USC starter and has thrown for 10,095 yards and 95 touchdown passes in his career. Leinart was chosen for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award by a select committee of football experts from across the United States from a list of finalists.
The Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award presentation took place in Louisville on December 9 at the Clarion Conference Center. In 2006, the award presentation ceremony will be moved to Baltimore, Maryland, where Johnny Unitas led the Baltimore Colts for 17 years. Baltimore is also headquarters of the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Educational Foundation.