CBS SportsLine
Chat transcript
Dec. 17, 1998

Namath led the Jets to their only Super Bowl victory.

It's been nearly 30 years since the N.Y. Jets have been at center stage in the NFL. Only one quarterback has ever led them there and he chatted live with fans on SportsLine and America Online on Dec. 17.

It was 30 years ago that Pro football Hall of Famer Joe Namath shocked the NFL with his Fu Manchu mustache and guaranteed a victory over Baltimore, a promise he made good on.

Namath suited up for 13 seasons in the NFL, 12 of them with the Jets. He holds the franchise records for career, season and individual game passing yards and touchdowns. Joe was named to the All-Time AFL Team, he was the 1969 American Football League Player of the Year and was named the Most Valuable Player of Super Bowl III in a game Jets fans will never forget.

Namath addressed many issues with the fans, but most notably, the absence of instant replay in the NFL. Find out what Joe had to say in his chat transcript below.

Joe Namath: I would like to say hello and that I looking forward to chatting with anyone on football this season.

Question: Why did you pass on going to Penn State and decide on Alabama?

Joe Namath: I really wanted to play baseball instead of playing football. So I never actually considered Penn State or many other schools for that matter. My heart was set on playing baseball. On the last moment, my mom insisted I go to school. Howard Schnellenberger was an assistant coach for Bear Bryant at Alabama. Because of his relationship with my brother Frank, who is six years older than I am...I ended up at Alabama.

Question: Do you think the Jets can make it to the Super Bowl this year?

Joe Namath: After seeing football, watching football over the years. I know just about anything can happen. Yes, I think they could win the Super Bowl, but I think there are pieces and positions that certainly can be improved on.

Question: How good a quarterback do you think Vinny Testaverde is?

Joe Namath: Vinny Testaverde is playing possibly the best football of his career for several reasons. On, his accumulated experience over the years. Two, the head coach, team and system that he is working with right now. Vinny has a real understanding of what it takes to be a top-notch QB. Now he has a team to do it with.

Question: Do you watch Florida college teams and if so who?

Joe Namath: I think Florida state is going to win the national title. I am a Bobby Bowden fan, a Steve Spurrier fan. I used to pull for Miami when Schnellenberger was there, but now I lean toward Bowden and Spurrier.

Question: What ever happened to the "Hero" show that you hosted?

Joe Namath: I am not sure why we stopped doing that show. I thought it was a terrific show. The people we had on the show were wonderful. I guess people aren't interested in enough in good stories for it to continue. Or interested enough in heroes.

Question: Why do you think Bill Parcells has had such a dramatic influence on the Jets?

Joe Namath: Bill Parcells as a professional football coach is respected tremendously. He has climbed to the top and won a number of championships. He has been to the Super Bowl a few times and has proven his ability. Having the chance to put together a team the way he would like to gives him the opportunity to get it done faster. He likes to have a say in who is on his team. A lot of head coaches have their hands tied in that area. He has a wonderful staff in defensive coordinator Bill Bellichek. He is running that football operation the way he know is best done. We are seeing those results.

Question: What was the one most exciting thing you did as a football player, and the one most exciting thing you did as a "normal" person?

Joe Namath: As a football player I won a championship at three levels...High school, college and pro football. As a person, I am the father of two healthy, wonderful girls.

Question: Joe are you ever going to come back as a commentator of some kind or other?

Joe Namath: Right now, I work with ESPN Classic which was Classic Sports Network. I'll be doing that for the next couple of years. I won't be traveling to games as a commentator for the same reason I haven't for the past couple of years. I love my family and it is very difficult leaving family to go on the road. My priorities are to stay close to home.

Question: How much do you miss playing football?

Joe Namath: I didn't miss playing football from the day I stopped playing only because I knew I couldn't play anymore. Physically, the sport had taken its toll on my legs. I could not overcome that. I don't miss it because when I started, I was told after my first knee operation in January of 1965 that I could play four more years. I ended up playing 13. I got a better shake that I counted on. If I could still play, I would still be playing. I love the sport, but I also love the camaraderie with the various teams and people that I work with.

Question: What was your very first NFL game like?

Joe Namath: The first game we played was a rookie game against the Boston Patriots. They had a star halfback named Joe Bellino who had finished his military obligation. I think he won the Heisman at Navy that year? We also had a fullback named ... Cosmo Yakavazie (I'm guessing) from Princeton. I don't remember if we won or they won. It was in Lowell, Mass.

Question: Hey Joe, why did you wear pantyhose? Was it good money or what?

Joe Namath: Who cares about the money. It's the 'sheer pleasure' of wearing those nylons!

Question: Hey Joe. I think you're the best quarterback ever in football. Any way you'll ever coach?

Joe Namath: Coaching was a strong consideration of mine while I was in college. However, after talking with bear Bryant at Alabama and with coach Eubank with the Jets as well as watching these coaches work, I knew that I couldn't dedicate the kind of time and focus that a coaching career necessitates. I am a Gemini. After midget football, high school, college and professional I was ready to see what else is out there.

Question: What was your favorite aspect about football?

Joe Namath: The competitive part of it is the basic aspect that you are interested in. We all have a desire to stand out in some way or get a pat on the back. Whether you choose to do it through sports, academics or the arts. We like to get a pat on the back. Remember I liked baseball first. I had outstanding coaches and teammates, worked hard. Aside from winning championships, the experience of working and living with teammates in such a highly emotional environment was a wonderful learning experience.

Question: Do you think that it was a mistake for the NFL not to bring back instant replay for this year's playoffs?

Joe Namath: If the NFL doesn't bring it back for the playoffs, they made a mistake. I am a fan and find it very difficult to find a bad call that influences the outcome of the game. I am not for any system of challenges by the coaches. All of us, most of us, sit at home and watch the games. How hard is it to say which one is a bad call? Why they want the coaches in this situation--I don't know. It is wrong.

Question: You are a big role model to me. What do you think of the 1972 Dolphins compared to the 1998 Broncos?

Joe Namath: The '72 Dolphins are incomparable. The Broncos of '98 are an outstanding football team. They may even be repeat world champs.

Question: Who is the best quarterback today?

Joe Namath: Quarterbacks are influenced so much by the rest of their team beginning with the offensive line. The top quarterbacks haven't really changed much in recent years. One guy I think is Steve Young. He has handled himself remarkably well on and off the football field. I have watched him since his college days and continue to be happy for him as well as amazed for his efficiency over time. Sure, Favre has had a couple of wonderful seasons. Marino is in the same class as Elway. I would include some other people with those fellas. Cunningham has had an outstanding season with the Vikings. As far as an all-around QB, Young is much more efficient.