Rating the highest 50 quarterbacks in NFL historical past…
18. Joe Namath
Drafted first total by the New York Jets within the 1965 AFL Draft out of the College of Alabama—the place he received a 1964 nationwide championship—Namath additionally went twelfth within the NFL Draft to the St. Louis Cardinals however signed a document $427,000 take care of the Jets, turning into an immediate celeb.
In his 12 seasons with the Jets (1965-1976), Namath revolutionized the AFL, main the league in passing yards 3 times (together with a then-record 4,007 in 1967) and touchdowns as soon as. His iconic second got here in Tremendous Bowl III, guaranteeing and delivering a 16-7 upset victory over the Baltimore Colts as 18-point underdogs, incomes MVP with 206 yards passing—validating the AFL earlier than the 1970 merger.
Namath was a five-time All-Star/Professional Bowler, two-time AFL MVP (1968-1969) and led the Jets to the 1968 AFL championship. A quick 1977 stint with the Los Angeles Rams ended his profession amid accidents.
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Namath’s profession totals embody 173 touchdowns and 220 interceptions, with a 65.5 passer score.
His standout attributes have been a cannon arm for deep throws, charisma that boosted crew morale, and toughness regardless of continual knee points requiring a number of surgical procedures.
Namath’s enjoying type was that of a daring gunslinger: aggressive downfield passing, fast choices, and improvisational aptitude, typically from a drop-back pocket.
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Criticized for prime interceptions (main the league 4 instances) and injury-plagued later years, the place he missed 34 video games, his risk-taking fueled historic wins and his cultural influence as “Broadway Joe” was robust, fur coats and all.
Inducted into the Professional Soccer Corridor of Fame in 1985, Namath’s assure stays legendary.
