Ranking the top 50 quarterbacks in NFL history…
18. Joe Namath
Drafted first overall by the New York Jets in the 1965 AFL Draft out of the University of Alabama—where he won a 1964 national championship—Namath also went 12th in the NFL Draft to the St. Louis Cardinals but signed a record $427,000 deal with the Jets, becoming an instant celebrity.
In his 12 seasons with the Jets (1965-1976), Namath revolutionized the AFL, leading the league in passing yards three times (including a then-record 4,007 in 1967) and touchdowns once. His iconic moment came in Super Bowl III, guaranteeing and delivering a 16-7 upset victory over the Baltimore Colts as 18-point underdogs, earning MVP with 206 yards passing—validating the AFL before the 1970 merger.
Namath was a five-time All-Star/Pro Bowler, two-time AFL MVP (1968-1969) and led the Jets to the 1968 AFL championship. A brief 1977 stint with the Los Angeles Rams ended his career amid injuries.
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Namath’s career totals include 173 touchdowns and 220 interceptions, with a 65.5 passer rating.
His standout attributes were a cannon arm for deep throws, charisma that boosted team morale, and toughness despite chronic knee issues requiring multiple surgeries.
Namath’s playing style was that of a bold gunslinger: aggressive downfield passing, quick decisions, and improvisational flair, often from a drop-back pocket.
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Criticized for high interceptions (leading the league four times) and injury-plagued later years, where he missed 34 games, his risk-taking fueled historic wins and his cultural impact as “Broadway Joe” was strong, fur coats and all.
Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1985, Namath’s guarantee remains legendary.
