American · Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania · Born 31 May 1943American football quarterback who guaranteed and delivered victory in Super Bowl III, leading the New York Jets to one of sports' greatest upsets.
Joseph William Namath was born in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania in 1943. He played college football at the University of Alabama under coach Bear Bryant before the New York Jets signed him for the then-unprecedented sum of $427,000 in 1965. His 13-season AFL and NFL career is defined by a single moment: his guarantee of victory before Super Bowl III against the heavily favoured Baltimore Colts in January 1969 — a boast he backed up with a 16-7 victory that legitimised the AFL and changed professional football forever. He threw for 27,663 yards and 173 touchdowns across his career. He became the first quarterback to throw for 4,000 yards in a season in 1967. His combination of natural talent, charisma and celebrity — he appeared in films, advertisements and was known as Broadway Joe for his New York nightlife — made him the first true superstar of the AFL era. Persistent knee injuries throughout his career limited his peak seasons. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1985. He threw for 206 yards in Super Bowl III and was named MVP.
Super Bowl III guarantee and victory, flamboyant personality, AFL-NFL merger era
How They Played
Strong-armed pocket passer with quick release, charismatic field general
Lasting Impact
Transformed quarterback position into celebrity role, legitimized AFL in Super Bowl III upset
Career Honours
- Super Bowl III MVP
- AFL MVP 1968
- Pro Bowl 5x
- Super Bowl III champion
- AFL Championship 1968
- College Football Hall of Fame
| Team | Period | Games |
|---|---|---|
| New York Jets | 1965–1976 | 140 |
| Los Angeles Rams | 1977–1977 | 4 |
American Athletes