Broadway Joe Namath of the Jets drops back to make a pass against the Baltimore Colts in Superbowl III

Now let me tell you something about Joseph Namath. Sometimes the number makes the player, other times the player makes the numbers. In Joe’s case, it’s the latter. Namath’s hunger for success delivered not only on the football field but also with countless beautiful women. Before there was the big lucky twelve, there was “Broadway Joe.” This stud wearing the number twelve wasn’t only magical on the field; he was magical off the field. Now before we get into “Broadway Joe” Namath, we’ll get into Joseph and the Jets.

The Jets lucky number twelve jersey signed by none other than Joe Namath

Photo by Robert Karma

Joe is considered to be in the top 100 NFL players of all time. It is no easy feat breaking the top 100 out of roughly 24,000+ players who have played in the league. He played for the New York Jets for almost the entirety of his career starting from 1965 until 1976. In 1965 he was drafted number one into the American Football League and quickly started to make a name for himself. After winning rookie of the year in 1965, he went on to be the very first quarterback in history to throw for over 4,000 yards in 1967! He then put the cherry on top by winning Superbowl III against the Baltimore Colts. His football statistics don’t parallel the all-time greats but his heavy arm and incredible accuracy showed the league the benefits of a passer friendly team. He entered the Hall of Fame as a quarterback that revolutionized the position. For this reason, nobody will ever again wear the number twelve for the New York Jets.

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Namath completing a pass versus the Baltimore Colts

In the early stages of fame, Namath understood entertainment and how to give the people a good show. He used his long hair and slick swagger for his benefit and became the league’s very first media superstar. Some say nobody can have it all, but Namath certainly did. His storied career, elegant mustache and charismatic character attracted women from all around the world. “I’d rather go to Vietnam than get married,” is my favorite quote from Namath. This simple one-sentence quote embodies what Namath was all about. When asked if he went to bed early by himself the night before a game he replied with “No. I spent the nights before the Jets’ two biggest games last year—for the AFL championship and the Super Bowl—with girls.”

A smiling Namath chit-chattin with paparazzi and fans

Broadway Joe lived up to his name by making multiple appearances in commercials and television shows. He even wore flamboyant fur coats on the sidelines during his own games! Being good looking and an athlete proved to be a force as Namath made the tabloids by dating hot women such as Randi Oaks, Phyllis Davids and even Raquel Welch. Namath helped the league expand its fan base by attracting all different types of demographics. He brought in media attention to the league and a championship to New York , and for that we applaud you, Joe Namath.

Joe Namath for Brut 33 1977, Uploaded by Tom Simpson