Joe Namath Biography

Future Pro-Football Hall of Famer Joe Namath was born to a steel-working family in Pittsburg, PA on May 31st, 1943. He excelled in high school athletics and, as a star in basketball, baseball, and football, he received offers to play multiple sports both collegiately and professionally. Ultimately, Namath decided on football because he promised his mother he would get a college education and chose to attend the University of Alabama to play for legendary coach Bear Bryant.

While playing for the Crimson Tide, Namath set numerous collegiate records and earned himself a place amongst the all time greats of the college game. He led the Tide to a championship in 1964 and a 29-4 record over three years. After his departure following his junior season, Coach Bryant called him, “the greatest athlete I ever coached,” and Namath stated that, “Coach Bryant taught me discipline and integrity.”

Joe Namath.
Thanks to glecharles at flickr.com for the picture.

Following the end of his collegiate career, Namath was selected 12th overall by the NFL’s St. Louis Cardinals. However, Namath was also selected 1st overall by the rival AFL’s New York Jets and elected to sign with the latter. As a Jets icon from 1965-1976, Namath set a number of Pro-Football records and became the franchises’ best known player. Namath won the AFL Rookie of the Year award in 1965 and followed that by becoming the first quarterback to pass for over 4,000 yards in 1967. Having become a star, Namath proceeded to lead the Jets to the 1969 Superbowl against the Baltimore Colts. Knowing his Jets were the heavy underdog, Namath not only predicted that his team would win, he predicted the exact final score of the game. This incredible-and successful-stunt gave Namath football immortality.

Ultimately, the 1969 Superbowl victory would prove to be the highlight of Namath’s career. However, he continued to excel as the Jets gunslinger quarterback until 1976 when he was traded to the Rams. Following one dismal season with the Rams, Namath faded into retirement. However, despite the somewhat inglorious end to his career, Namath would always be remembered as the brazen, gunslinging quarterback of the Jets and an eternal favorite for New Yorkers and Alabamans alike.

This Joe Namath biography was written by SEC Sports Fan Senior Staff Writer Paul Grossinger.

Joe Namath in 2003.
Thanks to wikipedia.org for the picture.

To learn more about Alabama football, Check out Alabama Crimson Tide Football. You can also read more about the Alabama Crimson Tide Football History.

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Joe was the greatest Not rated yet
Joe was the greatest QB ever, about that I have no doubt. He also threw the prettiest ball ever. He did guarantee a Jets victory in Super Bowl III but …

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