Joe Willie Namath Trivia Quiz

Answer: Alabama

Joseph William Namath, born in Pennsylvania, played for the Alabama Crimson Tide from 1962 to 1964. His coach at Alabama was the legendary Paul "Bear" Bryant. In 1964, Namath led 'Bama to the 1964 NCAA national football title.

Answer: St. Louis Cardinals

After Joe Namath finished his collegiate career, he was an extremely touted young quarterback. The St. Louis Cardinals of the NFL drafted Namath in the first round, but Namath opted to sign with the AFL's New York Jets. In 1965, Namath was named the AFL Rookie of the Year.

Answer: 12

Joe Namath made the green and white Jets' uniform number 12 famous, especially after the Jets' victory in Super Bowl III. Namath's jersey number was retired by the Jets after he had retired from football. Other NFL quarterbacks with a retired number 12 uniform include Jim Kelly (Bills), John Brodie (49ers) and Bob Griese (Dolphins).

Answer: He became the first pro quarterback to pass for over 4000 yards in a season

Joe Namath made history during the 1967 AFL season when he became the first quarterback to pass for over 4000 yards in a season. His final total was 4007. Namath's record would stand until 1979 when Dan Fouts of San Diego threw for 4082 yards. In 1967, Namath led the Jets to a winning season at 8-5-1, but the Jets finished second to the Houston Oilers in the AFC regular season. Namath did not rush for any touchdowns in 1967.

In his career, he scored seven TDs.

Answer: George Sauer

Joe Namath backed up his "guarantee" of a victory over the Colts by performing well in Super Bowl III. He completed 17 of 28 pass attempts for 206 yards. His receiving targets were George Sauer with 8 catches for 133 yards, Matt Snell went 4-40, Bill Mathis had 3-20, and Pete Lammons had 2-13. Namath became an instant celebrity after the victory.

The triumph made Joe Willie a hero for many AFL fans. George Sauer played for the Jets from 1965 to 1970, catching 309 regular season passes during his career.

Answer: Bad knees

Joe Namath seriously injured his knees during his final season in college, and his running ability was never the same again. He needed constant medical attention throughout his pro career, and he endured numerous surgical procedures on both knees. After Namath had retired, he needed to have knee replacement surgery on both his legs.

Answer: Broadway Joe

"Broadway Joe" was a perfect nickname for Joe Willie Namath. He enjoyed the bright lights and the limelight of Manhattan. He was a charismatic player who always seemed to be at the center of the action, both on and off the football field. Namath was most certainly on the "A-list" of people to be invited to celebrity parties. "Joe Cool" was quarterback Joe Montana's nickname. "Joltin' Joe" referred to Mr. DiMaggio.

Answer: Bachelors III

After the Jets' Super Bowl victory in 1969, Joe Namath decided to open a Manhattan bar called "Bachelors III". It was a popular spot on the Upper East Side, but perhaps too popular. NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle became concerned over the bar's alleged ties to big-time gamblers and other "unsavory" individuals. Rozelle ordered Namath to sell his interest in the bar, but Namath refused at first.

In fact, Joe Willie threatened to retire rather than divest himself of ownership. In the end, a compromise agreement was worked out, and Namath sold his shares in Bachelors III.

Answer: Mickey Mantle

Joe Namath and retired New York Yankees' idol Mickey Mantle annnounced at a highly publicized press conference in 1969, the formation of an employment agency entitled "Mantle Men and Namath Girls, Inc". The business venture began in 1970. After some initial success, the company eventually folded.

Unfortunately, Mantle suffered a long history of business failure after his retirement from baseball in 1968.

Answer: Los Angeles Rams

Joe Namath signed with the Los Angeles Rams in May 1977. He played in only four games in his final season, throwing three touchdown passes and five interceptions. For his career, Namath tossed 173 touchdown passes and gained over 27,000 passing yards. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1985.