Quote:
Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth
Ted I am a little younger than you but yes as a teenager I saw Namath on TV including the Super Bowl. I doubt I knew the game well enough at that point to form a solid opinion at the time. An awful lot of "football people," though, support the claim that he was overrated. It makes for an interesting debate. To be clear I am not suggesting he wasn't a HOF quarterback, I am just questioning his status in some people's minds as one of the very few all time greats, most expensive post war rookie card, etc. etc.
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I'll tell you from where I'm coming from. As a kid in the 1950's, I saw Sammy Baugh play (near the end of his career). Then I started following Johnny Unitas and Sonny Jurgensen.
Loved these guys.
When I returned to civilian life (Air Force 1960-64) I started following FB again and I took a liking to Len Dawson and KC....and, then the Jets when Namath arrived. I was regularly
kidded by my FB buddies for being a fan of the AFL.
But, I certainly had the last laugh in 1969 and 1970.
The 4 seasons from 1966 to 1969 (when Broadway Joe was healthy), the Jets had a 35 - 18 - 3 record. Namath was at his best; but, after those years his injuries preventing him
from continuing to have a really great career. Those big bruisers on the opposing teams were out to get him.....and, they did.
TED Z
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