BIRMINGHAM, Alabama - Joe Namath swapped helmets with A.J. Foyt, greetings with Roger Penske and recipes with Josef Newgarden.

All part of his morning duties before he would properly send off the drivers in his role as grand marshal of Sunday's Honda IndyCar Grand Prix of Alabama.

The University of Alabama icon and former NFL great said "I am honored tickled and excited to be here."

He was presented with a number of gifts in a late-morning ceremony, including a print of Bryant-Denny Stadium, piece from pole-sitter Will Power's car and a golf club, and a $25,000 donation was made to the Arthritis Foundation on his behalf.

"Health may be our most taken-for-granted luxury," Namath said after the presentation. "I hope all of us don't take it for granted."