Tittle began his football career by playing college football at Louisiana State. He then began his pro football career with the Baltimore Colts of the All-American Football Conference in 1948 but, in 1950, joined the San Francisco 49ers. After playing for the team for 10 seasons, Tittle was traded to the New York Giants. As a Giant, Tittle set an NFL record by throwing 36 touchdown passes during the 1963 season.