Broadway Joe

Football Great Talks About His Drinking Problem With Bob Simon

(CBS) 

Namath, the son of a steel worker, started playing quarterback in high school in Beaver Falls, Penn. He went to the University of Alabama on a football scholarship, but never graduated. He hurt his knee badly in his senior year, but that didn't stop the New York Jets from offering the rookie the largest three-year contract that had ever been offered any professional athlete. It was worth over $400,000.

And he got that contract without the Jets team doctor even giving him a physical.

"He never even looked at my knee. When I was drafted by the Jets and signed the contract, the deal was done. It wasn't contingent upon a physical. They did things differently in those days," he remembers.

But pro football's success was contingent upon stars and the Jets knew one when they saw one. "Broadway Joe" made the cover of Sports Illustrated. His knee surgery made news before Joe ever played a game. And when he did, he sold out stadiums. Off the field, he sold products and made more money off his endorsements than playing his game.

His most famous and memorable ad was one where Joe covered those famous legs in Beautymist pantyhose and became, perhaps, America's first Metrosexual.

"I thought it was funny and I thought it was a good job and let's go do it," Namath remembers. "When I saw it, my stomach turned, and I didn't look at it again for years.
But it had good impact. Good impact."

His impact on the football field was stupendous, back then. After four seasons with Namath as quarterback, the Jets were on their way to the Super Bowl.

They belonged to the much-maligned AFL, the lowly American Football League. They were 17 point underdogs to the NFL's Baltimore Colts but that didn't stop the modest young man from making a guarantee that would become a legend in football history. He said that the Jets were going to win. He guaranteed it.

"A fella yelled out, 'Hey Namath, we're gonna kick your — you know,' " Namath recalls. "And I just simply said, 'No, no, no. Wait as minute. I got news for you. We're gonna win the game. I guarantee you.'”

Asked if he believed what he said at the time, Namath says, "Well, how would I say it if I didn't believe it?"

During Super Bowl III in Miami on Jan. 12, 1969, the Colts came onto the field looking ferocious but the Jets scored the first touchdown. It was a prelude to one of the great upsets of all time, and Namath was the man.

The New York Jets beat the Baltimore colts, 16-7. It was the first, and still the only time, the team won the Super Bowl.

Namath remembers what it felt like winning the championship. "I can still work up some goose bumps when a thought comes to my mind, a memory comes to my mind. It's wonderful," he says.

Life for Joe Namath in New York City was also wonderful. It was the era of the Beatles, and Joe Namath was up there with them. He didn't have to sing "A Hard Day's Night." He lived it, night after night.

"One article said that you enjoyed blondes, but loved the company of Johnnie Walker Red even more. It's a great line. Is there any truth to it?" Simon asks.

"No, no, no," Namath insists.

"You liked blondes better?" Simon asks.

"Yeah. Yes," he replies.

As he describes in his book, Namath played pro football for 13 seasons, a long time for any quarterback, and an incredibly long time for someone who started out injured. He played for the L.A. Rams his last season and ended up sitting on the bench for most of it.

Asked if he lost passion for playing and football, Namath says: "Yes. Yes. When I knew I couldn't play, when I didn't belong. We were out at practice one day, after I'd been hurt playing against the Bears. And I was standing there and I yawned, and just got, started yawning out here. I caught myself. I said, 'What am I doing? I don't belong here.' "

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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.]

[moonlady2]

HI JOE,
I enjoyed the CBS interview very much. You came across very personable and at ease talking about who you are now. We met in NYC when you were still with the Jets. Now I'm in Florida too and would love to see you again, gentleman Joe.
Barbara
[e-mail]

[jmhappy]

Hi Joe,
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!! I wrote a very brief message to you on Monday morning following your interview. I wonder how on earth you find time to read all of these, you sure are popular!!!! Just like everyone else I would love to correspond with you:) I don't suppose you ever get to Washington state? One can never have too many friends.I'm closing in on 49 and my nest is getting close to empty.My 16 year old daughter had knee surgery on her right knee back in August and she will be having surgery on her left knee in the very near future, so I've seen just how painful it can be. If you should want to respond I'll leave an e-mail address that I can be reached at:) Have a wonderful holiday season!!
[e-mail]
Joy Always Happy

[rompere]

Hi Joe,

Sorry I missed the interview on 60 minutes. I just read the transcript and it is nice to see that you are settled and just enjoying life. I can't wait to be able to retire so that I can just walk along the beach here in Florida and, if I am lucky enough, sail my boat up and down the coast.

I heard you this morning on Majic 102.7 Radio in S. Florida and look forward to reading the book.

Although I never played football, not really a sport for women, I did develop a knee problem and do I understand, somewhat, about what you suffered. I am living now with the decisiion of what to do as the glocosamine just is not enough anymore.

Good luck with the book and Happy Thanksgiving. Let me know if you are having a book signing in Hollywood, FL or somewhere close by.

A long time fan,

Theresa
[e-mail]

[cherky1]

Hey Joseph,

I sent you the e-mail mentioning I worked for you at Bachelor's Three. How do I get a response, or even know you were able to read this one e-mail out of a thousand? Perhaps Mr. Simon can filter through this and let all of these "interested" ladies" know.

Just wondering, and thanks for your time and effort.

Sharon.

[cherky1]

Ok, I sent the e-mail regarding my working for you. So how do we, any of the many writing to you, know if you have had the chance to read our e-mails? Just helps us not check and search each day. We still love you dearly, response or no.

Sharon Smith-Larson

[lorriekg]

Joe,
Not many celebrities come across as sincere and genuine as you did on "60 Minutes". I remember having a huge crush on you as a little girl (two brothers watched football all the time). You are undoubtedly the sexiest man alive still. My fantasy football dream would be having you teach my little boy how to throw a ball!!
For all your tribulations, you have handled yourself with grace and poise.
LorrieKG
Richmond, VA

[Cheryl Anderson]

I was so thankful to see Joe Nameth on 60 Minutes last Sunday. I've been a fan of his for years. I wish him the very best and wish I could meet him in person.

Cheryl
Boise, Idaho

[napachild]

Hi Joe,
Was so great to see you on 60 Minutes. I'm a 39-year Raiders fan, but still always loved you!! I'm a truck driver (run the west coast with mostly trips from SFO to LAX). I also have been sober since 1993. Was so glad to hear you're sober!! Understand how good it feels. If you're ever around LAX, let me know!! Would love to shake your hand and congratulate you!! Patti Wood, Napa, CA

[lmfsports]

Dear Joe: I was a huge fan of yours as a teenage girl who LOVED football! My heart broke when I saw "the interview" that evening and knew that you were in a bad way. I've been praying for you, and glad to hear that you are doing better. Please take care, Joe...and know that you have a lot of fans out here who will always love you. Thanks for all the wonderful memories of terrific football!! J E T S Jets, Jets, Jets!! Please write!! Linda [e-mail]

[kinkyval]

Hi Joe, I did see your interview on Sunday evening but I am just now finding time to write to you *** Legs. If you look for me on the web with this handle you can view pics of me. I do hope you haven't gotten tired of reading all your comments. I see their are a lot of women who posted theirs more than once. LOL You are still my favorite QB and entertainer of all time. I will be waiting to hear from you. By the way, CBS, you have my permission to give Broadway my digits or e-mail addy if he asks for it. Just your sweet southern gal who could see herself walking,laughing and relaxing with you ***. Val

[kinkyval]

Hi Joe, I did see your interview on Sunday evening but I am just now finding time to write to you *** Legs. If you look for me on the web with this handle you can view pics of me. I do hope you haven't gotten tired of reading all your comments. I see their are a lot of women who posted theirs more than once. LOL You are still my favorite QB and entertainer of all time. I will be waiting to hear from you. By the way, CBS, you have my permission to give Broadway my digits or e-mail addy if he asks for it. Just your sweet southern gal who could see herself walking,laughing and relaxing with you ***. Val

[kinkyval]

Hi Joe, I did see your interview on Sunday evening but I am just now finding time to write to you *** Legs. If you look for me on the web with this handle you can view pics of me. I do hope you haven't gotten tired of reading all your comments. I see their are a lot of women who posted theirs more than once. LOL You are still my favorite QB and entertainer of all time. I will be waiting to hear from you. By the way, CBS, you have my permission to give Broadway my digits or e-mail addy if he asks for it. Just your sweet southern gal who could see herself walking,laughing and relaxing with you ***. Val

[pickmenow1]

Joe.

Loved the "soul baring" interview. I am a "keep it simple" kind of girl. I won't pass up a chance to get a message to you.

However, I am a straight shooter, I am not going to tell you that my mother, sister, child or anyone else told me I should write (I wouldn't do anything I'm told anyway) or ask you to come do a book signing or say that I want to be a pen pal. After looking at a few emails before me I'm convinced that these gals just don't know how to ask for what they want.
So let me get to the point, I would like to have a fabulous date with you. If that goes anything like I vision then we'll have another and another, etc. I know this seems one sided, but I know enough about you to know that we will "click"! I like you as a person! The fame, your name, and materialistic things are not what draws me to you. it's just YOU! All the other things been there, done that, and got a tee shirt.
I look forward to hearing from you, hooking up and having the time of our lives!

Have an awesome day,
CJ

[rockyp3]

dear joe,its carol again here in pa.,i want to know if you could some time in your busy schedule,you could possibly come to the wilkes-barre scranton pa area for a book signing at our new barnes&noble college book store.it would be one of the greatest things to happen here in our area.my daughter works there,so if an arrangement could be made sometime at your convenience,i would like to have the pleasure of your visit here.let me know and i will so to speak of "get the ball rolling" thanks carol sartini [e-mail]

[expensiveone]

Hey #12 Joe Willie... I GUARANTEE...
The missing piece for you... is ME...

Linda-Marie - Audubon, New Jersey

Sixty Minutes has my pertinent information for your reading pleasure. Looking forward to your response A.S.A.P.

[fsoto3]

Hey Joe!

It was wonderful to see your spot. It's good to know you're doing fine. I thank you so much for all the wonderful Jets memories from 65 on. You made me a lifetime Jets fan. My four sons are also avid Jet Fans as well because of what I told them about you!. We all wish you the best always.

Take care and be you can be sure you have 5 huge followers here in Bogota, Colombia.
You're the greatest!"I guarantee it."

Fernando, Diego, Ernesto, Gabriel, Nicolas

[rockyp3]

dear joseph,good show,iwant to read the book! you are still passing-on the good vibes as i read from the woman who are e mailing to you.just don't be fooled by anyone as you probably already know.good luck in your future and hope your knees feel better. my name is carol and i am from pa. also. happy thanksgiving to you and your family,at least you will be warm in fla. its 34 degrees here now and i can,t stand it!!!feel free to contact me if you wish,my e mail is [e-mail]

[ladyinvstr]

hi joe
you were wonderful on 60 mins. we use to date before you got marriesd. i worked as a cocktail waitress at Mr. pips in ft. lauderdale. i was an explayboy bunny from new york...dark hair blue eyes, does that trigger any memories...you look great...hope we can talk again soon
debra

[moorekat]

Hey Joe, it was nice to see you again, it's been awhile. Never,never watch 60 minutes but glad I did. It's all good. You're something special. This gal is in Bakersfield Calif. and that sounds interesting to you N.Y. guys, cause we are. 47 years young, too old for you? (smile) Email me [e-mail]

This is signed Kathy ( FEMALE )

[linnyf]

Hi Joe,

Well, I'm told that we are each (7) phone calls apart...How much fun to be on the other end! Just not sure how to get through the other (6).
Giving it a start here......

Linny, Orlando