Broadway Joe

Football Great Talks About His Drinking Problem With Bob Simon

(CBS)  Joe Namath was football's first real superstar, the first quarterback to move from the playing field to popular culture and to dominate both.

They don't come bigger and, as we've heard so often, the bigger they are the harder they fall.

Joe Namath was crushed by linemen so often in his 13-year career that his knees turned to putty and he turned to alcohol. He is 63 now and he has written a book about his life called "Namath." It is about his football career, mainly. But he talked to correspondent Bob Simon about the flip side of his life, which he hasn't talked about much.

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"I can remember the first injury I got that I turned to the foulest tasting stuff I could imagine or smell — and that was scotch. And I ended up drinking it for five years until I switched to the clear stuff," Namath says.

Asked why he did that, Namath says, "Because the doctor one time said, 'If you're gonna have to drink, drink the clear stuff instead of the dark stuff.' So, for medicinal purposes, I went to the clear stuff. That's right."

Namath says he drank "quickly" after a game but never before. His battle with the bottle continued for much of his adult life, until he found an extreme solution: abstinence.

"How many days?" Simon asks.

"A thousand and three," the football legend replied.

But he has an imaginary drinking buddy, "Slick," trying to lure him back to the bar.

"Slick man. Oh, yeah. Slick is there. Slick's whispering to you," Namath tells Simon.

"He's whispering, 'Just one more won't hurt,' huh?" Simon asks.

"He knows that's not enough you know," Namath replies. "You start getting flashes in your head and then fortunately I know that it's no contest. Lifestyle without is far healthier, more fun, more beneficial."

Whatever the pain, the injuries, the medication, Joe Namath was the man with the golden arm, No. 12, the first quarterback to pass for 4,000 yards in one season. He was also a cultural icon. He stepped out of the stereotype with his fur coat and his lama carpet. He was outrageous. Men wanted to be like Joe Namath and women wanted to be with him.

On the DVD that accompanies the book, Namath says: "It seems almost un-American to me for a bachelor not to go around having a drink with a lady now and then."

Now, Joe's retired and living quietly on the Florida coast, a divorced father of two daughters. When he walks today, he carries with him all the injuries of his 13 year career; the knees he walks on are artificial.

He still enjoys the sporting life, but the sports are different now. They are easy on those knees.

"You could chart your career at least on one level through your injuries, huh?" Simon asks.

"Lookin' back, I had a few of them but if you're gonna play that sport, you know, you usually do," he replies.

These days, quarterbacks have it easy compared to what Namath went through. Back then, there were no rules to protect quarterbacks and they were savaged; tackled even after they threw the ball. Namath didn't just injure his knees, he also disjointed vertebrae in his neck, broke bones in his feet and hands, separated his shoulder, broke his cheekbone, suffered numerous concussions — and that's the short list. Now, as a Monday morning quarterback, Joe says he shouldn't have gone on playing so long.

"I went to the Hall of Fame and I saw guys in wheel chairs and stuff that I used to watch on television. And that was real to me. You know, you start thinking about the accumulative injuries over the years. The body just wasn't designed for it. Knowing that now, yeah I'd of quit. It's easy to say, 'I would've quit now,' " Namath says. "But back then, it was my life."

Ironically, Joe told Simon the injury that really wrecked his football career didn't happen on a football field — it happened waterskiing. He showed us where his hamstring muscles had been severed and remain curled up in a ball.

He said that after the accident the Jets team doctor assured him he could keep on playing football, in spite of torn hamstrings.

"He says, 'Your knee's great.' I said, 'Yeah, but doc…my hamstring.' We said, 'What do we do?' He said, 'Well, you need your hamstring to run. You're a quarterback. You don't have to run anyway,' " Namath recalls.

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[Editor's Note: For your own safety, we strongly recommend that you do not post personal information, like telephone numbers and e-mail addresses in the public message boards below.]

[stevenom-2009]

Get after it Joe!

I will have 2 years on next April, God willing.

It isn't easy, but is well worth the effort.

May God look down on you & give you grace.

CO Steven.

P.S. You were the best!

[boudicca1]

I have prayed often for you over the years. No matter what has ever hit you, always got back up. You always will! Always, my best to the greatest.
Godspeed Joe ~
You go. Let your light shine !
I am so proud of you!

Tina Lee
(CA)

[lucemferre]

I just want to say that I grew up in children's homes, foster care and other living arrangements that would make most people cringe. I had 17 sets of parents by the time I was 17 years old. Having said that, one of the four people I looked up to in total awe was Joe Namath. My four biggest sports idols were Namath, Ali, Jabbar and *** Allen. Joe Namath was one of the most inspiring people in my life and no matter what he did I worshiped him as a child. I'm 45 now and still feel goosebumps when I think of seeing him throw a down and out to Sauer or Maynard or something over the middle to Caster. I saw Joe play once at Shae Stadium, the Jets were crushed by the Cardinals something like 37 to 7 that day but I got a thrill seeing Joe walk right below me with a towel over his head, heading for the locker room. Anyway, one of my dreams is to meet the four men who most inspired me and if I ever do get a chance to meet Joe Namath I think I'd simply say "thank you." You made a very scared and troubled child feel very good, if only for a short period of time. Best wishes Joe. John (Lucem ferre) LeVan

[aray1949]

Joe, When you were playing football, I never was a football fan. I knew how you were, but that was about it. Well, except for your pantyhose commercial. Thank you for sharing your your comments tonight on 60 minutes. I admire you for your frank comments about your life and problems. Congratulations on your 1,000+ days of sobriety. It takes a brave and determined person do to accomplish that! Another Florida Resident Angela

[debjo119]

I have always been fan of Joe Nameth. and after his interview he said he was still game. HOw exciting, how do I reach him. can you forward this email to him??

[jets122]

You are an inspiration to all. I am a huge Jets fan and season ticket holder. When you are at the games the stadium electrifies. You are very much loved by many. You are in my thoughts in the day and in my dreams at night, wishing you all of the stength and love you deserve.
Paula

[kim_r1]

Glad to see you. I was 12 when I feel in love with football and you are the reason. Being a Razorback Fan now (College football more my thing) (and I was a 12 yr old girl).

There are mountains to climb and you have done that.

Keep it up.

Kim from Arkansas

[kgetsinger1]

I sent my email address to "60 Minutes" and asked that they pass it on to Joe. We have a lot in common: 1. We are both divorced and single with 2 children. 2. We are both from roughly the same "neck of the woods." 3. We are about the same age altho I'm a bit younger. 4. We both now live in Florida. 5. We both really like Joe Namath! Oh, I will buy his book. There has never been nor ever will be a sexier QB...he's still got it!

[gtiii1]

Even though your interview with Mr. Nameth was great, the statement about him having the "Golden Arm" is reserved for a far better quarterback then him. That man would be Johnny Unitas from the Baltimore Colts.
Thank you,
George Taylor
Bel Air, MD

[louisedietze]

Big Bama and Namath fan. The interview was great and he looks GREAT. Agree that it's exciting he is "game" to meet someone interesting. Big fan in Atlanta.

[gatorshar]

You go Joe... shat an inspiration to us all and not to proud to admit that you still struggle. Don't we all. I thought it was cute that the last comment was about women writing to you after the interview and ow silly it was.l And then I thought what the hell, why not...! I have lived in Florida since 1958 and can't imagine being anywhere else. The sound of the surf, smell of the salt air, the peace it brings to your soul, is simply incomparable, Nothing like the surf and sand in your toes and a fish on...
I wish you the silence and the sunsets. Sharyn

[belaga91]

Oops, I forgot to say that we live in Northern Virginia, just outside Washington D.C.

- Patrick

[sbash5]

It was great to see Joe Namath again. I was a big Joe Namath fan back in the day and seeing him again was cool. How does one go about getting in touch with him? We used to be neighbors in S. Florida and I would like to say "hi".

[c5739]

Please pass this on to Mr. Namath: Here I am, Joe! Come and get me. I am 59 year old Catholic, Italian white girl. Divorced 10 years with two grown children. I am not interested in getting married; but, I wouldn't mind hanging out
with you. I was really impressed with your candid interview and your honesty. Yes, life hurts a lot at times....

[redbird122]

Great Story about Broadway Joe. At 63 he looks *** good! This Philadelphia Eagles fan would like to meet him!!!

[ckilinski]

Hi, great program this evening, Joe. I, too, remember your panty hose commercial, I loved your smile. You are just as great looking now. My son just called to tell me that you and I would make a great couple and I should email you. I am 58, 5'4, slender and available! I sell real estate in southeast lower Michigan and love to travel. You are probably receiving millions of emails because of your comments on this evening's show, but I wanted to send this anyway. Congratulations on pulling your life back together. You have another whole life with a bunch of years to live, and it will be so much more fun! Having grandchildren is great, too, I have 3, and they are wonderful. I'd like to tell you all about them! Best wishes and God bless you!
Cheryl, Royal Oak, Michigan

[ciajeankyle]

Dear Mr. Namuth:

You may not be drinking alcohol, but with charm, humor and grace you have aged like the finest Napoleon Brandy. After watching the 60 Minutes interview, I found myself with a smile and sense of happiness shared. I thought you were %u201Ccool%u201D so many years ago. I was a shrieking fan (via TV) at THE Super Bowl. But I really like the man you have become.

Patricia Kyle, Miami, Florida

[ciajeankyle]

Dear Mr. Namuth:

You may not be drinking alcohol, but with charm, humor and grace you have aged like the finest Napoleon Brandy. After watching the 60 Minutes interview, I found myself with a smile and sense of happiness shared. I thought you were %u201Ccool%u201D so many years ago. I was a shrieking fan (via TV) at THE Super Bowl. But I really like the man you have become.

Patricia Kyle, Miami, Florida

[llamallady]

How would one go about contacting Mr. Namath? As a long-time recovery alcoholic, though never really a football fan, I was intrigued by his brief accounting of his path of sobriety. (Doesn't hurt that he's single and good looking, of course G )

[sandina2]

Hi Joe,

Seeing you tonight brought back memories of meeting you years ago in Long Beach, Calif. at Bobby McGees restaurant. I remember your kind heart. Would love to stroll the Florida beaches with you and simply talk. E-mail me any time.
Sandi :)

[onlydina]

Joe, Loved your interview on 60 minutes this evening. I also grew up in Pa (on the lake) and try to go "home" as much as I can. I remember always hearing about you in the late sixties and seventies but didn't pay much attention to football at that time. You seem to be such a strong yet gentle person and I would like to hear from you. I don't suffer from your addiction but know about adversary in other situations and getting through and going on (I am a widow).

[dbonefont]

Hey Joe,
I loved your interview on 60 Minutes tonight and you look great. Well, my dear I have to tell you I find you more attractive now than before.
Would love to met you.
Always a big fan!
db
Naples, Florida

[bibliolady]

Joe-

I'd love to have you meet me, a 55 yr-old teacher. I am fun, sincere, and trustworthy...also available. Maybe you need some tutoring...

Maxine

[bibliolady]

Joe-

I'd love to have you meet me, a 55 yr-old teacher. I am fun, sincere, and trustworthy...also available. Maybe you need some tutoring...

Maxine

[bibliolady]

Joe-

I'd love to have you meet me, a 55 yr-old teacher. I am fun, sincere, and trustworthy...also available. Maybe you need some tutoring...

Maxine

[htaman1]

Dear Joe,
I admire your courage, strength and honesty and enjoyed viewing your candid interview this evening on CBS 60 minutes. Your interview brought back memories of over 30 years ago. I first met you in 1974 at Bachelor's III in Ft. Lauderdale with my friend Dora. You signed your autograph with Diane....Stay Sweet which I still have and you later drove me home. I wish you all the best in the future. Take good care......Sincerely, Diane

[kimmer1019]

Hi Joe,
I watched tonight because I always watched you play football, yet what amazed me is your honesty with your pain/ both phyical and with addiction. I am also in recovery, life on lifes terms can be very difficult. If your ever in California please contact me!
Always,
Kim

[mbiz17]

Hi Joe,

I missed your interview on TV tonight, but my boyfriend saw it. You were one of his childhood heroes. Our relationship was headed towards an engagement by the end of the year this year, but his problems with alcohol have tabled that. I have tried everything imaginable to get through to him, and have all but given up hope. Then he called me tonight and told me he watched your interview. I thank God for your courage and willingness to share your experiences with us. Perhaps my prayers were answered in your interview tonight. My boyfriend is finally apparently contrite, for the first time. I really hope hearing the truth from you will make an impression on him. He really wasn't listening to me. Thanks again and God bless you!

MBiz

[acolm48]

Dear Joe,
I enjoyed your interview, you've really experienced all that life offers us. I was particularly taken with your converstion about companionship. YOu were so funny and seemed so open about it. So here goes.......
I'm just a tad bit younger than you, live in California, have two grown married daughters, live with my dog, and like you have thought that having someone to share things with would be nice, tho not neccesary. Might I be able to rise your curiosity?
I watched tonight because I love football and I remember you from your days at the Jets, and of course the Super bowl.
Best wishes. Ann :-)

[trshmd]

Hey Joe,

My Dad taught me how to play football at 8 years old. Yes, he wanted a boy, hence the name, french for Patrick after my grandfather. Jack (my Dad) was a huge fan of you, so I watch you whenever your team was televised.
I saw you on 60 minutes and good for you to be so bold and so honest. One reason I enjoy clips from them (60 mins) I felt the sense of my Dad all over again with the football and sense of realism.
In any event, I just wanted to say you have aged with so much grace, i.e. an interview on national TV exposing your past problems and pain.
I know it would be extremely impossible with a man of your schedule to respond (and that is understandable), however all the best to you and do your best to run a short run on the beach under the stars.
Peace to you and your daughters.. Patrice

[claudinej]

Joe, It's been an amazing ride following you through the years. You made football exciting and it was incredible to watch you play. I can't believe any woman would leave you for someone else! But I know how you feel, as my husband left me for someone else. You will always be my favorite football player and hero! I have the best scrapbook ever on Joe Namath and to this day I still watch the Jets.
My prayers, and best wishes are with you always.
Claudine
Lewiston Idaho

[sofasoapie]

Hi Joe,

Caught you on 60 minutes tonight and just was so amazed at the fact that you are still handsome as ever. I have lived here in Boynton Beach, Florida for five years now and just love the east coast beaches. I am originally from Georgia, and yes I still have my southern accent. I love the way you were so honest tonight. An honest man is hard to find these days. I don't drink and never have except a little wine sometimes with dinner. I will be 45 years old in January, also I'm 5'2" and weigh 106. I wish I could say I had blond hair, but it is now light brown. I would love to meet you in person and mainly because you have come to know the lord. That is the first and formost important thing I am looking for in a man. I had a sixteen year marriage, but have been divorced for six years now. I am leaving Wednesday morning to go to Georgia to visit family. But will be back on Monday Nov. 27, 06. If you e-mail me I will e-mail you a picture of me in my bikini when I get back. P. S. Have a good Thanksgiving holiday!

[cporco-2009]

I enjoyed the story on Broadway Joe, I sat next to him once on an airplane, he was a truly genunine and sincere gentleman.
Thank you for showing an athlete that still knows what humility is.

[deborahea]

Hi Joe!

I am probably one of thousands emailing you. Saw you on 60 Minutes and have been following you for years. Come on back to Wilmington VT where you once has a football camp decades ago. I never got to meet you then but sure would like to now! I am 54 yo and single.

Deborah

[kayk5]

Well Joe, we all admired you-but now back to me-I am a blonde still cute and darlng....

Know a lot of your football buddies, and I know they have great wishes as well for you.

KK

[barbv0208]

hi joe
i very much enjoyed your interview on 60 minutes last evening. those eyes and that great smile!!!
must be the hungarian!!! i too have the eyes and the smile and the drinking problem!! maybe that's hungarian as well!!! i loved your candor about your drinking problem. i've been sober for almost 19 years now. i have been a jets fan for a lot longer than that though!!!! i am a lone
jets fan in a sea of black/gold in this valley!!!
i know the offers are flying in---but if ya ever
want to talk with another "drunk" , a hungarian
"drunk" feel free to e-mail me!!! i'd love hearing from you.

[michelept1]

ok...my mother said I am the woman for you.(God help us all)..mid 40s, no kids (that I know of) never married (that I remember)
UABama grad, no smoke (unless on fire) no drink
Southern by choice......(live real close)
highly educated
hardly boring
and....my mother said I'm the woman for you, do you dare argue?
picture and digits upon begging...
bye
p.s. how's that mom?
mt

[n2djazz]

Hey Joe,
Great life story and the best is yet to come. I enjoyed your candor and playfullness. I still believe the second half of your life should be filled with great opportunities for living a life with lots of great romance and happiness. If you are ever in New England, look this
5foot 2, eyes of blue, and very attractive lady up and I will give you a personal tour of Providence.
Elaine LaRoche
Providence, Rhode Island

[gabriellem-2009]

Joe, I was a very big fan and use to watch football with my Dad when I was just 12 and always watched the Jets and loved Joe Namath. I am still watching football and much older (55)now but still love football. It was nice to see you on 60 minutes and I wish you health and happiess for the future. Best regards, MJ Gabrielle from PA.

[jehuffard]

Good Morning Joe,
I have a son,who is battleing with alcoholism I feel helpless and it breaks my heart.I keep thinking that one day I'll say the one thing that will turn his life around,I do realize it has to be his desire.I wish he had seen your interveiw on 60 minutes,thank you for sharing and being so honest about what alcoholism can do to a life,and how much more enjoyable life can be ,when you are sober.I know your family and friends,have had a weight lifted off their hearts,because of your decidetion.I pray that my son will realize the same thing before its to late.If your interveiw touched only one person,what a wonderful gift you gave them.
Congratulation on your sobriety,your continuing education and for what ever else God has in store for you.
Thank you,and God bless you.
Judy Huffard

[sofasoapie]

Hi Joe,

It was great seeing you on 60 minutes last night. I do a lot of reading and love watching fact informational T.V. shows like 60 minutes, dateline, nightline etc. My hats off to you for your many many accomplishments including your sobriety. But especially you coming to know God. I am not into religion 24/7/365. But I do very much believe in God. And I do not drink on a daily basis like so many Floridians do down here, only occasionaly wine with dinner. It is so hard to find someone that doesn't. That was the main reason why my boyfriend & I of three years broke up. The main reason I decided to write to you however, was because of your relationship with God. and also that you are handsome as ever. I would love to meet you some time. I will be 45 in January and am 5'2". Weigh only 106 lbs., and I wish I could say I have blond hair. But I have straight light brown hair past my shoulders. I love the beach and outdoors. I am originally from a small town in Georgia and have lived here in Boynton Beach, Florida for the past five years. Yes, I still have my southern accent. I am leaving Wednesday morning to go to Georgia for Thanksgiving and visit family. I won't be back till Nov. 27th. But if you e-mail me, when I get back I will send you a picture of me in my bikini. P.S. Have a nice Thanksgiving.

[seajoy1]

This is fun, sending a note to Joe Namath.
Didn't see 60 Mminutes but you must have been great because more than one friend called and said I should write. Let's see - 6 degrees of separation - your ex girlfriend married my ex-boyfriend and there was a time we were supposed to meet but that's another story. I live in Malibu, have fun in Malibu. Have family in Naples, FL. If the "vibe" of this note resonates with you, please get in touch. Kathlyn

[jmhappy]

Hi Joe,
I enjoyed watching your interview,at which time my boyfriend made the comment that you are just the man I'm looking for, not sure what he meant by that but I thought I better write to you just in case he is right!!!
Have a GREAT day!!!!
Sincerely,
Joy always happy :)

[cherylk12]

Just want to add my name to the list of Prospects if Mr. Namath is intersted. I live in AZ and if you are ever in the Phoenix area, I would love to meet you. Cheryl

[margie310]

Good job 60 Minutes and Joe! How wonderful to be yourself and be a role model to others. In a world of celebrity, this is not the norm but perhaps Joe will have started a trend, as has been his custom. I, too, have been a fan of Joe's for many years and am not disappointed but proud to be a fan. If Joe comes to East Texas, I would be proud to have him autograph his book, meet a true hero and show you around. Keep up the good work, CBS and Broadway Joe!

[janet124]

Hey Joe,

I think your interview was outstanding. I really appreciated your honesty in saying "I still want to kiss her"!
You look great...I don't think you've changed that much over the years...I've been watching you since day 1 following you from the "tide" forward. You have been my hero forever!
You made the statement that "you are game" so I want to let you know that I am also. I dated a former NFL lineman so why not a Quarterback?
I'm turning 60 on 12/26...I'm very young at heart...love life...blond, blue eyes (by the way your eyes were my first attraction to you) I buy and sell property so I am not looking for a meal ticket, (just in case you're wondering) But I certainly think we could have nice conversation with a lot of laughs and who knows? I can tutor you through Bama too! LOL
Your daughter that was shown with you is gorgeous, of course I wouldn't expect any less from beautiful parents.
I sincerely hope to hear from you, Joe Willie!
With love and respect,
Janet

[janet124]

Hey Joe,

I think your interview was outstanding. I really appreciated your honesty in saying "I still want to kiss her"!
You look great...I don't think you've changed that much over the years...I've been watching you since day 1 following you from the "tide" forward. You have been my hero forever!
You made the statement that "you are game" so I want to let you know that I am also. I dated a former NFL lineman so why not a Quarterback?
I'm turning 60 on 12/26...I'm very young at heart...love life...blond, blue eyes (by the way your eyes were my first attraction to you) I buy and sell property so I am not looking for a meal ticket, (just in case you're wondering) But I certainly think we could have nice conversation with a lot of laughs and who knows? I can tutor you through Bama too! LOL
Your daughter that was shown with you is gorgeous, of course I wouldn't expect any less from beautiful parents.
I sincerely hope to hear from you, Joe Willie!
With love and respect,
Janet

[jacquie15]

Joe,

I'm available in beautiful South Carolina! Count me in as a prospect.
Jackie Lenhart
Anderson, SC

[trumpetmomx2]

Okay Joe Willie,
After Saturdays 5th straight loss, you need to go help Shula. I don't want to say replace him, cause I think the team will come around. I'm sure you could be a HUGE boost.

Roll Tide!
TrumpetMomx2

[skybitscom]

two comments

I'm sorry for the passing of Ed Bradley. I am very happy for him to have experienced so much in his life, and shared with so many people. It feels a little empty without him. I hope you allow a library of works some day. It would show great tribute to someone who gave so much in our changing times.

Joe Namath was always a favorite of mine. I highly respect him as a football player, and as a person. I saw him and felt he is very brave and very human. He deserves a good woman who will stay honorable to him forever. I am 45 so too young for him, but he will be in my prayers. I hope you single ladies out there treat Joe right, if you end up being a lucky one to be with him.

Laura Gullett
Cleveland, OH