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Mini Biography

The son of a steel worker from Beaver Falls, Pa., Joseph William Namath (Joe Willie) came from the rich football tradition that is in Pennsylvania. After starring for Paul "Bear" Bryant's Alabama Crimson Tide teams in the 1960s, Namath was drafted both the National Football League's (NFL) St. Louis Cardinals and the rival American Football League's (AFL) New York Jets in 1965. Namath, known as a brash performer in college, signed with the Jets for a then-record $450,000 and gave the upstart, struggling AFL instant credibility in its war with the NFL. Although he didn't turn the Jets into instant winners, he did improve their fortunes his first three years in the league. Namath delivered on his promise as one of the most exciting players in the AFL, by becoming the first quarterback in history to pass for more than 4,000 yards. Namath was also popular off the field, especially with the ladies (which he indulged in happily) and was known for his love of the New York nightlife. Because of this, he was dubbed "Broadway Joe" by the New York press. Namath gained his legend with not only his performance, but his mouth. After leading the Jets to the AFL championship over the Oakland Raiders, Namath, weary of all the press knocking him and his team and openly favoring the NFL champion Baltimore Colts, boldly lashed out and predicted victory for him and the Jets. He also showed his poise by talking his way out of a potentially explosive situation with Colts Defensive Tackle, Lou Michaels. Namath and a teammate were in a restaurant talking about how the Jets were a better team than the Colts, when Michaels (who was in earshot) challenged Namath. The cocky QB instead bought Michaels dinner, drinks and gave him a ride home. In the game that many felt made the Super Bowl the spectacle it is today, Namath and the Jets were nearly flawless in beating the 17-point favorite Colts, 16-7. Namath became a household Name and gave the Jets and the AFL the respectability they were so desperate to have. Namath continued his all-star performances in New York, although he never again played in the Super Bowl. For several years, he was the entertainer of the NFL (the AFL merged with the NFL in 1970) and even dabbled in movies and television (including a memorable performance in pantyhose for a commercial). He was traded to the Los Angeles Rams in 1977, but his failing knees finally gave out and he retired at the end of the season. Namath was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1985 and, for a few years, was a member of ABC's "NFL Monday Night Football" (1970) crew. Namath now lives in Florida.

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Trade Mark

White shoes.

The #12 in a New York Jet uniform.

Trivia

Most Valuable Player of Super Bowl III for completing 17 of 28 passes for 206 yards (83.3 rating).

Did several commercials including ones for Ovaltine, Noxema Shaving Cream, popcorn machines and pantyhose.

Graduated from the University of Alabama (December, 2007) 42 years after leaving school early to become a pro football legend.

All-American quarterback at Alabama (1963 & 1964).

Played for the New York Jets (1965-76) and Los Angeles Rams (1977).

Caused a National furor when he "guaranteed" victory before Super Bowl III, in 1969.

Passed for 27,663 yards and 173 touchdowns in his career.

Named American Football League's (AFL) Most Valuable Player in 1968.

Three-time AFL All-Star and member of the AFL's All-Time team.

Number 12 was retired by the New York Jets. Quarterbacked the Jets to stunning 16-7 upset win over the heavily favored Baltimore Colts, in Super Bowl III on January 12, 1969.

Hall-of-Fame NFL Quarterback, led NY Jets to Super Bowl III win.

He appeared in Flex-All 454 television commercials.

Was offered to host "Family Feud" (1988) when the show was revived in 1988. Soon however, the producers had second thoughts about him, and ultimately hired Ray Combs, instead.

In 1999, he filed for divorce from wife of 15 years Deborah Mays (born 1962), who called herself "Tatiana".

New York Jets Single Game Passing Leader (15 of 28, 496 yards vs. Baltimore Colts 24 September 1972).

Was the first quarterback in pro football history to pass for 4,000 yards in a season(4,007 in 1967). Still a New York Jets record.

First New York Jets Quarterback to pass for 400 yards in a game - 415 vs. Miami Dolphins on 10/1/67.

After they got married, his now-former wife Deborah began to call herself Tatiana.

Chidren: Jessica Grace and Olivia Rose.

Had 3 Career 400-yard + games for New York Jets.

Had 21 Career 300-yard + games for New York Jets.

New York Jets All-time Passing Yardage Leader (27,057).

Quarterback of the "Arthritis Huddle" for the arthritis drug Mobic and the online arthritis community CreakyJoints.com.

Ranks 41st on NFL All-time Passing Attempts List (3,762).

Ranks 55th on NFL All-time Pass Completions List (1,886).

Ranks 38th on NFL All-time Gross Yards Passing List (27,663).

Tied with Babe Parilli at 17th on NFL All-time Passes Intercepted List (220).

Tied with Charley Conerly and Norm Van Brocklin for 42nd on NFL All-time Passing Touchdowns List (173).

Tied with Frank Ryan at 99th on NFL All-time Times Sacked List (150).

Ranks 78th on NFL All-time Yards Lost List (1,425).

Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1985.

Retired twice during his storied career. The first time he retired as a New York Jet at an emotional press conference after the Jets won Super Bowl III. The second and final time was quietly in 1977 after playing in only a few games as a Los Angeles Ram.

Went out with Vicki Roberts first in 1982 when she was still in law school and then again twenty years later in 2002, reconnecting on Valentine's Day.

Personal Quotes

"If You're not going all the way, why go at all?"

"We're going to win Sunday, I guarantee it."

[on Jackie Gleason] Jackie's consistent: he's got a fat mouth and a fat belly.

Where Are They Now

(2006) Release of his autobiography, "Namath".

Joe Namath Hand-Signed Photo

Jake Gyllenhaal is Joe Namath in ...