I remember Joe Namath had injured knees in the last half of his career.His most serious injury came in a pre-season game against the Detroit Lions in 1971. According to the Bleacher Report this injury tore up his knee badly in a meaningless game while he was trying to make a tackle on a fumble or interception. Yet he came back that same season playing in 4 games at the end of the season. People talk about quick recoveries from knee injuries in 2013, but how great was Joe's return in the 1971 season!
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Namath was one of the most highly recruited H.S. players ever. They say his thrown passes literally whistled they spiraled so tightly.Comment -
To all of you young whippersnappers out there: Joe Namath played in the most important game in NFL/AFL history in Jan. 1969 when the Jets beat the heavily favored Baltimore Colts. There might not be a Super Bowl today if the Jets lost badly in that game(the merging of the two leagues soon followed). Following that game he almost retired when Pete Rozelle, the NFL Commissioner, wanted Joe to sell his New York City Bar. (Pete was concerned about the integrity of the Game, maybe NFL gambling at the Bar you know like in Vegas).His career stats don't compare with any of today's QB with the pass friendly rules, but he was a great quarterback who would have lasted longer if QBs were protected from blows to the head and late hits like they are todayComment -
Namath first hurt his knee as a junior (1963) while at Alabama. He played his senior year hurt while earning All-American honors.
Bear Bryant called Namath the greatest athlete he ever coached. Could have played basketball or baseball for the Tide.Comment
