The only man to quarterback the New York Jets to a Super Bowl turned 80 years old this week.
Living in Florida, only about 90 miles north of where Gang Green shocked the Baltimore Colts in the Orange Bowl more than 54 years ago, Joe Willie Namath may quietly be the organization's biggest fan.
Affectionately known as "Broadway Joe," the Hall-of-Fame quarterback follows his old team closely.
In January, after the 2022 NFL regular season had concluded, Namath spoke about the state of the Jets on WFAN's Tiki and Tierney radio show and he highlighted the team's need to upgrade at the most important position on the field.
"We need a change there [at quarterback],” said Namath, who even offered to unretire his No. 12 jersey for a superstar such as Aaron Rodgers or Tom Brady.
“I know [Jets owner] Mr. [Woody] Johnson’s trying to get a quarterback, and if there’s a way he can get [Aaron] Rodgers. … If he’s there, yeah, I want him to wear his number," said Namath. "I hope it can come true, but it's far-fetched."
Much like the miraculous Super Bowl III victory that unfolded more than one-half century ago, the Jets' unlikely dream scenario came true during the 2023 offseason. They landed a four-time NFL MVP as their field general for the upcoming season.
Appearing as a guest during NFL Network's Schedule Release coverage on May 11, Namath reflected on the acquisition of Rodgers with show host Rich Eisen.
"He [Rodgers] lifts us up right away. And, you know, he gives us a legitimate chance of making the playoffs," said Namath, the Super Bowl III MVP. "I gotta believe every player on that Jet team, right now, is looking forward to winning a championship. First thing, make the playoffs. Next thing, you win that Super Bowl."
With the Jets carrying the status of NFL offseason darling, Sports Illustrated's Greg Bishop spoke to Namath on the phone for a June 1 article entitled "Joe Namath Is Hopeful, Like Every Other Jets Fan."
According to Bishop, Namath links his love for the team to the fans.
“It’s because of the fans that have been loyal over the years,” said Namath. “Hell, they want to win more than just about anyone. Their loyalty deserves a championship, and I think [the team] is getting there.”
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Namath credited head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas for improving a team that hopes to make it to the Super Bowl for the first time in 55 seasons.
“Those guys are giving the fans a chance to cheer a hell of a lot more,” said Namath.
As much as the Jets mean to Namath, the legend of Broadway Joe carries more meaning than any other piece of franchise history.
Even Rodgers, a 39-year old California kid who wasn't born until almost 15 years after Super Bowl III, knows that.
"There’s some iconic names that have played here, probably none more iconic than number 12. I heard what he said about unretiring his number, but to me, 12 is Broadway Joe and I didn’t want to even go down that path," said Rodgers, who now wears No. 8, at his Jets introductory press conference on April 26.
While No. 8 tries to end the Jets' drought, No. 12 will most definitely be watching and rooting hard.
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