Iconic Athlete #2: 'Broadway' Joe Namath

Sporting one of the best smiles ever seen in sports, Joseph (Joe) William Namath is as well-known for his charismatic charm and off-the-field presence as he is for his quarterbacking skills. A Pennsylvania boy, he will always be known as "Broadway Joe" to his fans. This is why.

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The College Years

Namath was more interested in following in his brother's footsteps and joining the military than he was in pursuing a higher education, but his athletic prowess prevailed. Upon graduation from high school he received offers from major league baseball teams. However, his mother was set on her son going to college. Namath, who did not excel academically, accepted a football scholarship from the University of Alabama, where he thrived under gifted coach Bear Bryant, one of the most beloved and gifted coaches of all time.

Even during his college years, Namath's personality was as large as his talent. Coming from a neighborhood that was largely African American, Namath found himself shocked by the rampant racism at his new school, and he was known to throw a few punches in defense of civil rights. His love of a good time, however, always prevailed. Known for pranks and heavy drinking, Namath was benched for at least two games for off-the-field incidents, such as directing traffic while drunk. His antics never affected his game, however, and he led his team to an undefeated season in 1962.

Injury-prone, Namath's knees took a beating during his college games. They would plague him throughout his entire professional career.

When You're A Jet, You're A Jet All The Way

Namath was drafted by the New York Jets in 1964, for a then-record rookie contract. He made his professional debut the following year, earning accolades and nabbing the AFL Rookie of the Year Award. His natural charisma and prowess on the field immediately catapulted him to fan-favorite status. He graced the cover of Sports Illustrated that same year, and was dubbed "Broadway Joe" by fellow teammate Sherman Plunkett shortly after. He wears the nickname with pride to this day.

The next few years were good ones for Namath, both on and off the field. In 1967 he broke the single-season passing record with 4,007 yards. In 1968 he would lead the Jets to an AFL Championship. Namath also became a regular in the New York City nightlife scene during this time. Known for his larger-than-life fashion sense, love of stiff drinks and hard-partying ways, Namath was often seen drinking with Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis, Jr. at Jilly's and other nightclubs in the city.

Super Bowl III

Namath is largely credited for turning the Super Bowl into the entertainment extravaganza it is today. And it started with the quote heard 'round the world in 1969. The Jets were geared up to play the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III. Three days before, Namath appeared at the Miami Touchdown Dinner to accept the award for Player of the Year. A Colts fan shouted obscenities at the unfazed Namath, who famously retorted, "I got news for you. We're gonna win the game. I guarantee it." Namath was true to his word. The Jets won, 16-7, and Namath was named MVP of Super Bowl III.

Retirement

Namath and the Jets did have a bit of bad blood, largely due to his investment in a Manhattan club, Bachelors III. He left the Jets and would play one season with the Los Angeles Rams before his retirement in 1977.

Namath tried his hand at acting and appeared in bit roles in several films and television series. He currently hosts "The Competitive Edge with Joe Namath."

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Corey Whelan is a freelance writer in New York. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.