From the Bear to Broadway

Forty-two years ago today, the first New York megastar of the television age was born when the Jets signed Alabama quarterback Joe Namath to a contract worth a reputed 400 large. Just the day before, Namath had won the MVP of the Orange Bowl in a losing effort, as the Crimson Tide were defeated by Texas, 21-17, a loss that oddly enough did not cost 'Bama the A.P. national championship, despite the fact that Arkansas finished the season undefeated (O BCS where wert thou?).

Namath was an athletic prodigy dating back to his days at Beaver Falls High in PA, where he was a three-sport superstar and upon graduation was offered a contract with the Chicago Cubs. He started under center for three All-American seasons in Tuscaloosa, and Bear Bryant would later call him the greatest athlete he'd ever coached. Nevertheless, Namath showed early signs of the personality that would one day lead to a Suzy Kolber sideline smackdown. He was a noted carouser even as an undergrad, and in his junior season was dropped by the Bear from 'Bama's Sugar Bowl roster for missing curfew.

The reported disciplinary problems did nothing to affect his pro football value, however. He was drafted by the Cardinals in the NFL and the Jets in the AFL. Obviously, Broadway was already calling to 'Bama Joe, and as for the Jets, owner Sonny Werblin admitted that the signing was more than just a pure football decision. "Namath has the presence of a star," Werblin said. "You know how a real star lights up the room when he comes in. Joe has that quality." You know the quality he's talking about - the kind that can stand in the presence of the dear departed Mr. Please Please Please and not suddenly blend into the wallpaper (if anybody can tell me the story of this photo, rest assured that there's some top-drawer No Mas swag in it for you).