This Day in Football History
1943 - Joe Namath is born
The man who gave the sports world its most famous guarantee entered the world on this day in 1943 to parents Rose and Janos Namath of Beavers Falls, Pa.
Joe Namath starred at Alabama, leading the Crimson Tide to a national championship in 1964, before turning pro. Namath was a first-round selection in both 1965's NFL draft (No. 12, St. Louis Cardinals) and AFL draft (No. 1 overall, New York Jets).
Namath opted to sign with the Jets. His three-year, $427,000 contract set a new high-water mark in professional football. Namath was named AFL Rookie of the Year and soon rose to prominence as one of the game's greatest stars.
"Broadway Joe's" crowning achievement was the Jets' 16-7 victory over the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III - the first time the AFL-NFL Championship Game bore the title "Super Bowl." The Jets entered the game heavy underdogs, as the NFL was considered by most to be a vastly superior league. Undaunted by expectations, Namath brashly guaranteed a Jets victory in the days prior to the game. Then he delivered, completing 17 of 28 passes for 206 yards en route to being named the game's MVP.
After knee injuries derailed his career and he retired from football in 1977, Namath embarked on a career in film and television. He starred in the short-lived television series "The Waverly Wonders" and made guest appearances on shows including "The Brady Bunch" and "The A-Team." Namath also briefly contributed to NFL broadcasts as a color commentator.
In recent years, Namath made headlines for a few embarrassing incidents on live television. In 2003, an intoxicated Namath tried to kiss sideline reporter Suzy Kolber during an interview. Earlier this year, Namath nearly botched the coin toss at Super Bowl XLVIII.
Other Birthdays
1953 - Richard Wood
1973 - Tyrone Williams
1985 - Jordy Nelson