When the brash, young Joe Namath publicly guaranteed a win in Super Bowl III, everybody thought he was crazy. Everybody, that is, except his underdog Jets teammates. And as the story goes, Namath DID lead his team to victory over the heavily favored Johnny Unitas-led Baltimore Colts. Broadway Joe Namath was born.
But Joe's amazing Hall of Fame career extended far beyond that Super Bowl victory and game MVP. At the University of Alabama, Joe set record after record. His greatest moment, a 17-0 Orange Bowl shutout over Oklahoma, made the nation take notice. From there, Joe was drafted in the first round by the N.Y. Jets and the rest is history. After winning Rookie of the Year, Joe went on to a spectacular career leading the league in passing numerous times.
But hard work and success are second nature for this Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania native. Growing up in a large family (three brothers and a sister) helped Joe develop his competitive swagger. A swagger, no doubt, that football fans around the world will never forget.
Below are Joe's personal responses to your questions.
1. Do you think that today's game has changed dramatically from when you played? Why or why not? Ed H.
Joe Namath: Yes. The rules have changed and opened -up the offensive passing game. Also, the money is a lot different today.
2. Who do you think is the #1 QB in pro football? R.
Joe Namath: There's a number of good QB's in the league. Brett Favre, Kurt Warner would definitely be among the top QB's. Tom Brady will be there soon.
3. What's your biggest disappointment of your NFL career? John K.
Joe Namath: Losing to Kansas City in the 1969 playoff game.
4. How do feel the salaries have affected the game? Guy S.
Joe Namath: The salary cap has had a big effect on teams. Guys don't stay on the same team as long as they did when I played.
5. Have you ever thought about being a QB coach in the NFL? You'd be great! Vicki Y.
Joe Namath: Coaching is not for me. The time commitment is too great. I have a family that I want to spend my time with.
6. Joe, knowing that your call of the Super Bowl win was considered brash, did you have any regrets about making the statement, anytime before the game started? Willie A.
Joe Namath: Not at all.
7. When you watch today's game, which quarterback reminds you of yourself? Jason E.
Joe Namath: The closest I would say was Dan Marino. Being from Pennsylvania, we both had the same competitive nature and desire to win.
8. Now that you've been out of football for a number of years, do you do anything special to try to stay in touch with the game? Brad H. Joe Namath: I run a summer football camp with a former teammate, John Dockery. We are currently in the thirty-first year of the camp.
9. Greetings fellow Pennsylvanian, at any level you played, who was your favorite coach? Jim A. Joe Namath: I was fortunate and had great coaches at every level, but coach Bryant was a huge influence in my life, both professionally and personally.
10. Who was the most positive influence on your football career? Tim G. Joe Namath: My brother Frank. He taught me the proper way to throw and got me off on the right foot.
11. Hi Joe, did you play any other sports in high school, other than football? James T.
Joe Namath: Yes. I also played baseball and basketball.
12. What is your advise to a young football player hoping to be in the NFL one day? Lela D.
Joe Namath: Work hard and never let anyone tell you that you can't do it.
13. Do you think the NFL is harder or easier to play in today versus when you played? Aaron J. Joe Namath: That's a tough question, but I think the rules have changed and allowed the offensive to be more explosive today.
14. What are you doing now besides pre-season reporting in New York? Thanks, Anne P.
Joe Namath: I spend most of my time with my family, and also find some time to play golf on occasion.
15. What was a bigger accomplishment? Being Super Bowl MVP or being on the Brady Bunch? Mike H.
Joe Namath: It took 16 takes to film that episode of the Brady Bunch! But there is no feeling like winning the Super Bowl.
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