Joe Namath

Ranks 38th on NFL All-Time Gross Yards Passing List (27,663).

Ranks 41st on NFL All-Time Passing Attempts List (3,762).

Tied with Charley Conerly and Norm Van Brocklin for 42nd on NFL All-Time Passing Touchdowns List (173).

Ranks 55th on NFL All-Time Pass Completions List (1,886).

The son of a steel worker from Beaver Falls, Pa. , Joseph William Namath (Joe Willie) came from the rich football tradition that is in Pennsylvania. After starring for Paul 'Bear' Bryant's Alabama Crimson Tide teams in the 1960s, Namath was drafted by both the National Football League's (NFL) St.

Louis Cardinals and the rival American Football League's (AFL) New York Jets in 1965. Namath, known as a brash performer in college, signed with the Jets for a then-record $450,000 and gave the upstart, struggling AFL instant credibility in its war with the NFL. Although he didn't turn the Jets into instant winners, he did improve their fortunes his first three years in the league. Namath delivered on his promise as one of the most exciting players in the AFL, by becoming the first quarterback in history to pass for more than 4,000 yards. Namath was also popular off the field, especially with the ladies (which he indulged in, happily) and was known for his love of the New York nightlife. Because of this, he was dubbed "Broadway Joe" by the New York press. Namath gained his legend with not only his performance, but his mouth. After leading the Jets to the AFL championship over the Oakland Raiders, Namath, weary of all the press knocking him and his team and openly favoring the NFL champion Baltimore Colts, boldly lashed out and predicted victory for him and the Jets. He also showed his poise by talking his way out of a potentially explosive situation with Colts' Defensive Tackle, Lou Michaels. Namath and a teammate were in a restaurant talking about how the Jets were a better team than the Colts, when Michaels (who was in earshot) challenged Namath. The cocky QB, instead, bought Michaels dinner, drinks and gave him a ride home. In the game that many felt made the Super Bowl the spectacle it is today, Namath and the Jets were nearly flawless in beating the 17-point favorite Colts, 16-7. Namath became a household name and gave the Jets and the AFL the respectability they were so desperate to have. Namath continued his all-star performances in New York, although he never again played in the Super Bowl.

Was the first quarterback in pro football history to pass for 4,000 yards in a season(4,007 in 1967). Still a New York Jets record.

Named American Football League's (AFL) Most Valuable Player in 1968.

Caused a national furor when he "guaranteed" victory before Super Bowl III in 1969.

For several years, he was the entertainer of the NFL (the AFL merged with the NFL in 1970) and even dabbled in movies and television (including a memorable performance in pantyhose for a commercial).

New York Jets Single Game Passing Leader (15 of 28, 496 yards vs. Baltimore Colts 24 September 1972).

He was traded to the Los Angeles Rams in 1977, but his failing knees finally gave out and he retired at the end of the season.

Ranks 78th on NFL All-Time Yards Lost List (1,425).

Went out with Vicki Roberts first in 1982 when she was still in law school, then 20 years later in 2002, reconnecting on Valentine's Day.

Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1985.

Daughters, with Deborah Mays: Jessica Namath (aka Jessica Grace Namath), born in 1986, and Olivia Rose Namath, born in 1991.

Was offered to host Family Feud (1988) when the show was revived in 1988. Soon however, the producers had second thoughts about him, and ultimately hired Ray Combs, instead.

In 1999, he filed for divorce from his wife of 15 years Deborah Mays (born 1962), who called herself "Tatiana".

Graduated from the University of Alabama (December, 2007) 42 years after leaving school early to become a pro football legend.

First New York Jets Quarterback to pass for 400 yards in a game - 415 vs. Miami Dolphins on 10/1/67.

Tied with Babe Parilli at 17th on NFL All-Time Passes Intercepted List (220).