Joe Namath: Johnny Carson was a mean drunk

Joe Namath looks back on his friendships with many of the most popular celebrities from his football playing days, including Mickey Mantle, Johnny Carson, Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley.
Want to see more? SUBSCRIBE to watch the latest interviews: bit.ly/1R1Fd6w
Episode debuted nationwide in 2010.
Watch full episodes each week on TV stations across the country. Find the airing time and channel for your city:
www.grahambensinger.com/index....
Connect with Graham:
FACEBOOK: / grahambensinger
TWITTER: / grahambensinger
INSTAGRAM: / grahambensinger
WEBSITE: www.grahambensinger.com/

[@jasonb4988]

I grew up in NYC in the 70’s and Joe Namath lived in our building on E. 79th St. I was a kid and he gave me a signed football. Always very nice to me .. I then saw him later in life when I was in my 20’s. At that time he lived in Ft. Lauderdale .. he still remembered me ! That was, and my friends couldn’t believe it .. nice times and a truly nice man.

[@theodorejay1046]

Sign of a real man that recognizes & appreciates his young fans 🙏

[@steveconn]

My grandma lived on E. 81st and East End Ave. I know that area well!

[@Detritus_of_Yorkville]

Grew up in 200 East 78th and remember seeing him!

[@AllanRigberg]

It was 76th and first

[@dominicakenu4450]

Sincere thanks for sharing you life experiences with La Namath.

[@pamcampbell6991]

In 1969 Joe was such a super star. I was in art school in NYC and myself and a couple of friends saw him at his bar. We asked for his autograph, and he was so gracious. What a seemingly humble and polite man.

[@calisongbird]

I’m not even a football fan and I’m charmed by Joe Namath and his stories. He has a lot of charisma.

[@rexhargrove5172]

I shared an elevator with Broadway Joe when I was 12 years old. He called me “kid”, he was wearing the fur and sunglasses at 8:00am … one of the best memories ever.

[@joemckim1183]

Was this still during his playing career?

[@richardplantan4375]

@Carmine Dingle What is so sad and pathetic?

[@TalmboutJonAfrica]

@@doniellestenson3502 "how dare you" lmao

[@lisetteeliseparis7070]

So lucky you caught a glimpse of him like that, pretty cool.

[@Mr-Soto]

Probably coming back from a delightful night of cocaine, whiskey and muff diving

[@sardu55]

Boy, Joe can tell a story. He doesn't say a bad thing about anyone, even though he probably could if he wanted to. Class guy. Had a blast with his life.

[@777jones]

Spot on. He chooses to view life as a success rather than something to complain about.

[@morbidmanmusic]

Calling someone an angry drunk after they're dead... classy.

[@xman777b]

​@@morbidmanmusic Carson was garbage.

[@hughjohnson1382]

Except Zake Wilson….doesnt have much good to say……jet should have drafted an Utah guy instead of BYU boy.

[@msr1116]

Johnny Carson himself admitted he was not at all pleasant while intoxicated. There was another side to him away from the camera that only came out after his passing, when people likely felt it was safe to talk about his unsavory personality traits Carson was charming on camera but a different person otherwise--a grudge holder and retaliatory. Joan Rivers is one example. Wayne Newton too.

[@dwevors]

When Joe speaks of Elvis you can see genuine warmth and admiration in his eyes. Reason, the biggest star in the universe took time for his Dad! This speaks volumes about the kind of man Elvis was and Joe Namath is!

[@bobabooey285]

There is a Dean Martin story about Elvis when Elvis was over Martin's house Martin's kids went nuts for Elvis but the only thing they remember is Elvis saying their dad was the coolest guy he new....Elvis was classy

[@ValleyoftheRogue]

@@bobabooey285 Dean Martin was Elvis's favorite singer when Elvis started out in show business.

[@hulkhogan3480]

The way his face lights up when asked about Mickey

[@stevevalkos6308]

yes - true joy

[@jbratt]

I got his autograph as a kid at a local minor league game. He was in his Yankee uniform and hit homeruns after signing autographs. The kid in front of me got his glove signed and was pretty excited and ran off without taking the glove. Mickey looked at me a smiled wondering if the kid would come back. I kinda shrugged my shoulders and smiled back. The kid came back and grabbed his glove. Mickey looked back at me and chuckled and signed the 8x10 I had. Still have it.

[@michaelwalker7570]

Mickey signed the back of Stevie Ray Vaughans favorite guitar with a big black magic marker. Stevie was so proud of that.

[@garylobo348]

In another ESPN documentary about the life of Stab Musial, they asked Joe about him. Stan was from PA also and you should have seen how Joe's face lit up when asked. He looked like a 12 year old kid when he said " One of the highlights of my life was when those STL Cardinals would come to Pittsburgh and I got to meet Stan The Man Musial!" He could've lit up a Christmas tree with that smile. That's the beauty of Joe Namath. His genuine humility and appreciation for what he got to achieve in life is rare, very rare in Superstars, and that's exactly what Joe Willie Namath, as Cosell used to call him, is. As an aside, I grew up in St. Louis, speaking of Stab the Man. But did you know that when the Jets drafted Joe, he was also drafted by another team? The old St. Louis Football Cardinals drafted him as well in 1966. Joe had a real tough decision to make. Go to the established NFL and get underpaid by that miserable skinflint Bill Bidwill, or go to NY and make millions, become Broadway Joe and make history when leading his team to victory in SB III, which put the upstart AFL on even terms and force the merger between the two leagues. Good decision Joe!

[@Bunnicula71]

I really like the positivity too, and to think, were this man's sins committed today he would be cast as a demon. Booze is a huge problem for so many folks, and it was the only game in town back in the day.

[@henrymartinez4030]

Joe Namath is still the coolest Dude ever. God bless him.

[@johnadams2063]

Amen brother amen!!!

[@jimiwilson4322]

100%!! Beaver falls Joe!

[@michaelhungate7506]

He's sure is. Seems to be genuinely good ole fella..

[@treydrier3169]

Namath is one of the good guys. My dad ran into him at an airport (wearing a fur coat with a beautiful woman by his side) and asked him if he would be kind enough to sign an autograph for his son (me). Namath said "sure, what's his name?" He penned a few sentences and autographed it. My dad never forgot that moment. Said he was such a nice guy with a big smile. I still have it.

[@robertwatson2834]

You are a low life loser...but I`m sure you already know that!!

[@michaeljames8408]

@Castlebury21 Awsome Comeback,,, I busted a gut when I read your reply to Daniel boys comment...

[@tmo4330]

@Daniel Treadwell You don't have any class and never will.

[@280StJohnsPl]

@Castlebury21 BAM.....well done !

[@280StJohnsPl]

@Daniel Treadwell Too late....you have been had asshole !

[@shaunelijah7634]

LISTEN to how HUMBLE this man is. He's talking about other famous people as though each were his idol and better than him. But Joe and what he did for football was as great as the best sports heros that ever lived. God bless Joe

[@trents5864]

Great kind man one of few left

[@bernieudo4399]

The great ones never think they're better than others.

[@davemojarra4734]

He wasnt great. No offense intended.

[@bernieudo4399]

@@davemojarra4734Say that after you've been blindsided in the knee by a Detroit Lion on a contract hit.

[@benadams3569]

@@davemojarra4734 "no offense, but I'm gonna say something that you will find offensive." That always cracks me up when people do that shit.

[@jefolson6989]

Namath seems like a happy man, and sees the world with wide eyed wonder and humility. Great to see someone look back on his life without bitterness. It's a lesson in seeing the good and positive in everything.

[@richhoops2413]

He constantly pivoted, and mentioned how big of a fan he was of THEM. What a class act. And it seems genuine

[@413BattleLeague]

Joe is such a stand up guy. My uncle worked with him down in Florida recently and got him to sign a JETS hat and personalize it for my father who was a longtime fan of Joe since he was a kid, and had stage 4 cancer. He took it a step further and made sure to give my dad a call to just talk to him a few minutes. Im telling you it made my dads life so much better to experience talking to one of his idols as a kid. It was one of the main things that happened to him in his final days that really just made him so incredibly happy.

[@toddweller]

What a class thing to do! That's awesome.

[@topsypart2880]

413BattleLeague that's why he was so well liked .

[@arautus]

That's a great tribute to Joe !

[@tomrader6806]

that's awesome man-I wasn't even born until 1980 and I'm a Jets fan because of Joe Namath-I'm a huge history buff and he's awesome

[@kelvinkloud]

cool story... its probably why hes survived so long. always a carouser etc., but just as many stories of what a heart the guy had. he never forgot his humble penn roots.

[@devorahepstein2589]

The reason for his popularity is he was (and still is) one heck of a nice guy.

[@vangogo6819]

And handsome too, I remember him back in his Football days, handsome but humble, just the right combination.

[@elizabethmcleod246]

My girlfriend slept with him in the late 70’s.

[@BobbyTucker]

@@elizabethmcleod246 , How nice....

[@fultonvillejetfan8342]

The best.

[@henrygregor7336]

@@elizabethmcleod246 Haha, lol, good one. You wouldn't just be speaking for a friend, would 'ya?

[@bencovington1121]

I was around Namath a few times and he was not at all like the media presented him. He was always cordial and would stop and talk to anyone. A good guy.

[@remeyrune6009]

One of the people you can listen to their stories for hours and hours. You can see his face light up with each memory. A great man

[@horsehide3039]

Broadway Joe is one of the genuine nice guys that also happened to be a sports superstar. So refreshing to see.

[@sull6976]

Love that story about Elvis and his dad. Giving back to his pops, you could tell that made Joe really happy just remembering it.

[@dogmanky]

Thanks for posting. Joe was my childhood hero. As a kid in Alabama, I'll never forget sitting on the edge of the bed with my dad opening up packs of football cards hoping I would get a Joe Namath card. And it happened. A memory that will live with me forever.

[@Missditabomb]

Awww, how sweet. :o)

[@Jason-si8iu]

Roll tide

[@supernova1607]

What a humble guy...how sweet he was so happy to remember all the famous person he met. He doesn't understand I bet that thousands of people have memories of him being kind to them while meeting him. You can tell that he was raised well..depite the fame he shows respect for others

[@jossstine5295]

I worked, for awhile, at Bachelors 111 in Fort Lauderdale. Joe was, and still is, TOP shelf. Always a gentleman, and actually on the shy side. I can't say enough good things about this guy. Everybody Loved him.

[@johnbougae8314]

A great tipper too!

[@lendrury2771]

@@johnbougae8314 yeah he could really tip the whiskey glass. Dudes a stew bum

[@andrewpotok2661]

Joe has a disease called alcoholism. Ur an not a nice person. It's sad the comments u made. Have a nice day

[@georgefortier2887]

@@lendrury2771Says a bum

[@snidelywhiplash]

I was touched by how Joe got all watery-eyed talking about his dad and Elvis.

[@brooklyn7189]

This is absolutely Joe... saw him at a memorabilia show.. was standing literally 10 feet from me and he is EXACTLY the same... sweet, down to earth nice man

[@tommiller6580]

My parents house was 3 houses down from the Namath 's house when he was in high school and I was in 6th grade. Wonderful guy, wonderful family that lived in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania. His mom used to make the best potato soup in the world. I remember him playing street tag football out in the street . In high school he was good at basketball, baseball and football. An all around talented guy . He came from a great family that really didnt have a lot of money like the rest of us. After he graduated high school and went to Alabama to play football . I only seen him twice since he was drafted by the New York Jets, even have a NFL football with his signature . After he won Superbowl lll and signed about a dozen balls for the neighbors. Great guy and a great family.

[@patrickmorgan4006]

@Jack Redford Really? It's funny. I thought everyone knew he was from Beaver Falls PA. That was one of the things that I liked best about him, that he was one of so many great athletes from western PA. John Unitas, Stan Musial, the Griffeys, Joe Montana, Dan Marino, and many more.

[@rooseveltnut]

What a sweet, tactful, classy guy.

[@christophercordova616]

This man is a treasure, he always seems so happy with his life and grateful with how lucky he is. Never focuses on the fact that he's one of those names that causes even bigger smiles from big celebrities, too.

[@RubySlippers1100]

YES! He is a treasure!♥️👄😎

[@coreyoldknow272]

Joe is a real man . He is awesome. All of us sometimes go through some tough road but he always keeps its down to earth and real

[@LoveAlwaysAlwaysLove]

What a great storyteller! Every memory he revisits is wholly entertaining. Wonderful voice.

[@Geotubest]

Nice interview. Sheesh, Namath has charisma oozing out of him. Seems like a great guy to hang out with.

[@mfcobb1]

CC Rider

[@michaelquintana1161]

@@mfcobb1 thats where he makes and eats a sandwich inside the grocery store... LOL hillarious....i saw it as a kid and i was like WOW!!!

[@michaelserby7697]

Cool dude 💙🇺🇸

[@teofilstevenson]

The charm, charisma, star of NYJets combined with the social life of NYC? Oh my the life Joe has lived and the stories he has.

[@TalmboutJonAfrica]

@@teofilstevenson he has enough memories and crazy stories for 10 lifetimes

[@bigswingface5847]

Joe Namath is one of the Top 10 Coolest Guys to ever live on Earth.

[@jeffjones2586]

Big Swing Face Who, besides Elvis, Sinatra,The Beatles and Snoop Dogg? There are only 2 slots left. lol

[@NotEvenRelevant]

Eastwood

[@kevinp8212]

Yes!

[@arthurcodyjarrett3306]

Hendrix @@jeffjones2586

[@kevinkev9996]

Not nearly as cool as my barber

[@whaler3232]

Wow...I never realized what a delight Joe is, and can tell a good story too!

[@karlamaecanine5614]

Gotta love Broadway Joe😍I love how his eyes light up talking about other celebrities!

[@cocktailhotel]

I worked as a bartender at the famous and private Lakeside Golf Club in Toluca Lake, CA from 99' - 02'. One afternoon I came on shift in the main bar, it was the day of the annual Los Angeles Sportswriters Golf Tournament. I was looking around to see how many members and guests were in the room at tables talking and whatnot. A few minutes later I did a double-take at a table of a guy sitting alone, looking like he was waiting for somebody. And it was Broadway Joe Namath. I saw lots of celebs there all the time, but Namath was bigger than life to me. When you're a bartender you have to keep your composure and contain yourself. I walk over to the service area of the bar for waiters, an open hatch into the dining area, and I make the few drink orders that were there. And as I walk back the other way down the stretch of the bar, Joe gets up and walks right to me at the bar. I make him an Absolut on-the-rocks with a lemon peel at his request. I bring it over to him, and we start talking like two cool dudes just hanging out for about 15 minutes. He asked me about the club history, of which is enormous and dates back to the late 1920's with legendary stories all its own. I let him know that me and my dad were big fans of his during his Jets days. He loved and appreciated it like a kid. I was in awe. I called my dad the following day to let him know. He got a big kick out of that. And this was a place where you could let your hair down. The club wasn't open to the public. I'll never forget that day and how great it was to fall into a comfort zone of chatting with such a legend for that special moment in time. Joe was the greatest because of how equally engaging he was off the field, as well as on. He doesn't try or care to intimidate anyone. He just is . . . and you gotta love him for that.

[@jensz9360]

Namath is a damn legend!

[@bennettpisek5566]

I echo JH’s post; thanks for sharing that special moment with us.

[@bernieudo4399]

Beautiful story. Joe is a class act. Read Cosell's "Like It Is" (1973) & if Joe wasn't a good guy then Howard would've said so. Imagine if Joe enjoyed an O line like Dallas or Pittsburgh in the '70s. We'd be talking three more rings.

[@gulmerton2394]

Nowadays, you would’ve done a selfie to put on social media instead of calling your dad to “tell” him about it.

[@gregwatson8219]

Carson ok but snobby man. Letterman kissed his ass publicly. Jay Leno much classier than both

[@steventesta6782]

There will never be another like Joe namath, so cool and charismatic my boyhood idol.

[@Squirrel36]

Or sexy!

[@danamay1718]

What a nice guy. He's so friendly.

[@dhaley8847]

what a life Joe Namath has had! and still a really humble good guy

[@ped5906]

Namath is a class act! We don't have many of those in any time period. Thank you, Joe.

[@angelajoseph6709]

PE D He is indicative of a more mannerable era of folk who used titles of respect like Mr. and Miss and Mrs. THAT needs to come back! Even Elvis had it toward elders. Beautiful and needed today.

[@sludge4125]

A drunken lecher.

[@michaelt3308]

@@sludge4125 Your Mom?

[@michaelt3308]

@@sludge4125 Sure did Sparky....

[@sludge4125]

@@angelajoseph6709 I used to like his yearly hints at retirement. Nothing screams narcissism quite like that. Of course, ultimately, they had to tear the Ram jersey off of his back.

[@BIGHAMZA]

I remember I met Joe Namath about 15 years ago when I was working in Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. I was walking out of the Clinic exit and he walked in and I said Oh Shit, Joe Namath. He turned around and smiled and I said I love you Joe, and he gave me a hug and said I love you too Baby. What a Moment.

[@cmoulder3157]

what a good chap! I wish I could have a moment like that with someone as cool as broadway joe

[@aze216]

What a great story!

[@sirql8]

Sounds like something Joe would do.

[@damnmuggle]

Lmao you fucking liar

[@dougfielding8215]

@Hank, the Angry Drunken Dwarf You speak as if you know this from experience.

[@Musabe009]

What a genuine fellow! This interview makes me have flashbacks of all the years

[@QueerAndUnplugged]

Some people have "IT". Other's don't and never will. Joe has "IT"...which is kindness and compassion for others. That's what makes Joe a "big man" in my book.

[@annalisabeck9192]

Old School, I miss people like him to share good times with. A good man. Just be honest and really enjoy life, positive energy. Well spoken kind so interesting I would love to have a nice meal share stories laugh include some more a few other good story tellers. , have some adventures. Joe is so attractive comfortable with himself when he smiles I just want to smile back . He has been around this earth a little while now aging so gracefully. They broke the mold creating Joe Namath . I can’t think of any younger man in the public eye that can hold candle to him. Can you? Let me know. Born in 59 grateful I grew up in the times I have.

[@1518karen]

What? Have you heard Joe's Medicare ads? He should be ashamed of the lies that are being told to seniors citizens. Medicare hotline? Phooey! Joe, do you need the money that bad?

[@robertstv8045]

Namath is very articulate and interesting. Great smile and charisma.

[@ethanhill9738]

Roberts TV: I was a NYJ fan as a youth. Joe Namath was a hero. I would had bet whatever amount the NYJ would cover the point spread for Super Bowl 3 though I was 9 years old.

[@HockeyVictory66]

Joe still has his smarts. Great to hear him reminisce about the stars he knew.

[@devtakhar5482]

The Best Ribs In Town , The Second Best Ribs Couple Of Places , My Other Buddy Had Good Ribs To. Joe Namath You Are A Legend Sir !

[@313girl5]

My grandmother God rest her soul...loved Joe. I remember when we'd see him play or just on t.v. in general she'd just say "Ahhh there's my Joe!" 😍 Good memories 😊

[@bobsilver3983]

Remember when Joe was on The Brady Bunch. Joe Is a great person, a very cool guy!

[@jsam4462]

Bobby playing sick.

[@MM-yn9db]

Best ever is Joe on the Flip Wilson show with Flip as Geraldine, definitely on you tube.

[@gregorytoms6043]

What a life to be able to look back on

[@fotm07]

this was a nice comment gregory, i agree

[@jx14aby]

Nonsense. Sex is not a sin. It is the joy of life.

[@jeffjones2586]

Eric Engesser Thank God he's God and not you. Jesus said, "Take the beam out of your own eye before you remove the speck in mine." Also, "Judge not lest yea be judged." You're not a Christian you're a Pharisee. You have a spirit of legalism that needs to be dealt with asap. It's hampering your walk.

[@normanalvarez5751]

Eric Engesser like Bill Clinton huh

[@oldiesgeek1]

+JX14aby Not even adultery?

[@scottharrisohn6972]

This is why Namath is a legend. Class act, hes seen and done it all.

[@Cowboy1959]

Joe is a class act. He never has a bad word to say about anybody, and is always forgiving of their shortcomings. Likewise, he's always open and honest about his own life, and he always seems so happy and grateful to have had the experiences he's had. As affable and funny as Johnny Carson was on TV, the general consensus is that he was a surly SOB off-camera. There are a lot of stories about incidents where he was a hard person to be around, both drunk and sober.

[@mjp96]

Really? I never knew this.

[@andrewpotok2661]

What proof do u have of Joe being a jerk

[@jimquantic]

I've heard that about Elvis, never full of himself with people, made everyone feel welcome. And especially, with older people, yes sir and yes mam.

[@garychen7574]

Yep, exactly, that's Elvis...few months back I heard Rick Springfield on the radio say he was flying to Hawaii once (in economy) and Elvis was on that flight. A bit before the final descent, Elvis got out of his seat and walked down the aisle asking anybody if they wanted an autograph. Rick said he never seen or heard of any other celebrity ever doing that!

[@jazzmanchgo]

Elvis had his "issues", Lord knows, but I've never heard it said that he wasn't a truly nice, decent man. He was a country boy from Tupelo, and he never lost that basic politeness and sense of decency.

[@tomswinburn1778]

Elvis was a "southerner". That pretty much explains his approach to people. Courtesy was just something you learned from birth.

[@goondocksaints9597]

@@tomswinburn1778 I was told at an early age that the definition of a southern lady or gentlemen was 'someone who makes sure everyone around them is comfortable'. It seems Elvis was indeed a southern gentlemen.

[@WECOOK1969]

Elvis fan here

[@cookecodd158]

Haha. Fascinating man. Looking younger than his 74 years. Thanks.

[@melaniexoxo]

I've never been a football fan but Joe Namath was a strong memory from my childhood in the late 60s.

[@charlesbarboza8591]

Here we have a LEGEND speaking humbly about other LEGENDS. He’s got nothing but nice things to say about people. He strikes me as a real gentleman. Old school Gentleman.

[@jeffharrison1277]

What a personable dude!!!

[@jimmyaviles6220]

Love Mr.Joe Namath...my favorite football player EVER!!

[@tripprawlings9284]

Love the use of the word “tavern”..old school.

[@Porsche996driver]

Because he’s from north of Pittsburgh, that’s still what they call it. It has a community feel right, also they serve actual meals.

[@ChrisLawton66]

@Sid Sidney admittedly my time in Ireland was limited to only a few years, but I never hear anyone say "tavern", only pub. What part of Ireland uses "tavern" in your experience?

[@sirphineasluciusambercromb9114]

@@ChrisLawton66 Irish American vs the Irish probably

[@sirphineasluciusambercromb9114]

@@ChrisLawton66 I'm British, but I respect the toughness of Yank footballers and the Irish all over the world. Look at how badly our empire crushed them, and still they kept fighting on. True men and women indeed. Those are the Irish.

[@IPlayOneOnT.V.]

Oh, so do I. I was going to write that comment. But, you got here first.

[@nategaris3457]

What a sweetheart! Broadway Joe was the the best. The epitome of a decent human being!

[@jacobvieira1338]

74 and still looks amazing! Long live Joe Willy!!

[@cooldaddy5252]

Yeah, amazingly old!

[@davidmcdonald358]

We lived in Fort Lauderdale growing up. When I was 8-10 years old, my dad blew an engine on our boat. Many boats passed us with no help. Out of no comes two men in a Boston Whaler asking if we needed help. I had a Tshirt that stated Ellsworth on it. The pilot of the boat asked if I was from Ellsworth ME. I grabbed my father's arm and said OMG, Joe Namath knows where Ellsworth Maine is. My dad who was not into sports thought nothing of it. The second man, who happened to be Joe's uncle, jumped on our boat. He and my father were in real estate developing of which they had many mutual friends and new several of each others projects. To get to the point, my dad was explaining to Joe where we lived in the intercoastal. Joe just kept shaking his head up and down. Finally, after my dad repeating himself several times, Joe says, "Dick, I know where you live. You have been my neighbor for two years." I almost feel off the boat. I saw him many times after that and he always remembered my name. A very nice man. Unfortunately I was a very shy kid so I never really spoke to him much. My my mother and father did often and to this day, my mom has always stated he was a humble kind man. I always wonder if he would remember the kid from Ellsworth, Maine.

[@nevzatogulozturk]

Man, you gotta love Broadway Joe… Such an uplifting guy, he can legit run for president if he wants to, the guy has “it” you know…

[@carlosdyer5868]

I never met him but every interview or show he has done or been on, he comes across as someone who is approachable and not full of himself. I admired him as a kid and admire him still.

[@richierudd]

You can see Joe is just a down to earth good guy who didn't let fame go to his head.

[@michaelinhouston9086]

I recall during a preseason game (or some other basically meaningless game) Joe Namath getting injured tackling a guy who had intercepted a pass. Joe was criticized for putting his body in harms way. Joe's comment was along the lines of 'If you are not going to go all out, why go at all" - I really respected him for that and often think of that quote when somebody talks about slacking off on something.

[@bobma6342]

Paul Naumoff of the Detroit Lions in 1971

[@benkeel2966]

Listening to Joe recall those days in New York, giggling while talking about meeting Sinatra, he takes us all into the room with him and we become him. What a life. What a story. You can see his face light up. He really appreciates all of it❤

[@robinjohnson7522]

Me and my dad watched Joe Namath all the time on tv. Never will forget it.

[@claystone7729]

I always liked JOE Namath. Guys like him are almost non existent today.

[@2ManyGuitars214]

Had the pleasure of playing in his charity softball game in New Haven in the late 1980s. Always a gentleman and a fun guy, very personable.

[@Louwebster0798]

What a great guy! He has always been one of my sports heroes. His heart for children is is just wonderful and his charitable giving is a wonderful legacy!

[@thequickthinker]

Great interview! It's apparent that you showed Mr. Namath the respect he deserves and he responded with sharing such great stories!

[@vleldaddio210]

Joe got it spot on when he stated" when the spirits get in You do things that later you feel bad about doing them !" We all do awful things when drunk I know right this minute I can remember dozens of times ! I can only Judge Myself not someone Else . Joe you took a lot brutal hits while playing 🏈, some more because of the sauce . Hope you are in good health !

[@napoliansolo7865]

I love Joe! He's such a humble guy and seems pleased to share his life. Thank you Joe!

[@2weeksupnorth539]

Imaging being in the same room as Elvis and Joe

[@panteraxenos4789]

Would have been surreal.

[@exitscreaming]

Joe's a legend , what a life he's lived

[@robinsinpost]

Wow. That looked like the definition of a nice guy. So relaxed and positive and smiling and laughing all the time.

[@Jeffbambam]

I grew up in Alabama where I idolized Joe Willy it was Bear Bryant ,Elvis ,Joe Willy, the Jackson 5,Evil knviel, bat man and my dad's stories of meeting Joe Willy and what a stand up guy he really was . I had a autograph my dad got for me from Joe that I lost in a fire and it crushed me.But Joe always has done this, now a old man, Proud.God bless you Joe !

[@Jeffbambam]

@Macro Economics plz share.

[@dianem8254]

I met Joe twice at his Bachelor III bar in Ft Lauderdale in the early 70's. He stood at the bar & spoke to anyone who spoke to him including my husband & I. What a sweet friendly gentleman 😍 Also gave me his autograph on my placemat another time at the Sea Grill Seafood restaurant in Lauderdale 💋

[@Sinneric]

Joe Namath always struck me as a real straight shooter. Man tells it like it is. We could use more like him, in today's age especially.

[@fenderstratguy]

Elvis....what a genuinely kind humble person....always going well out of his way to make the other person feel special. What other superstar was ever that genuinely nice?

[@mackenziepuetz-bateman919]

Broadway Joe, a living legend

[@jeanjones1846]

Joe and Elvis... I've never heard a bad story. Miss and love Elvis.

[@EvilEyeGypsy]

A couple of country gentlemen there.

[@GeekTimeTV]

I got to work with Joe twice back in 2004. He was the coolest guy. He'd talk about soorts for hours with me. We threw footballs and just got to have a blast. Years later, I went to his book signing in Manhattan. Joe looked down the line, saw me and yelled, "i know that guy over there!". I got to the table and he asked how not only I was, but EVERYONE that I was working with back in 2004. He remembered everything. All the people he cones into contact with and he remembered a bunch of video nerds from a couple of jobs years earlier. The man is a real guy. True blue. I cant say enough about Joe Willie Namath. One if a kind.

[@txdrmr]

Namath kicks ass! As another poster said, What an amazing life!!! Love that Namath seems more humble and down to earth compared to some others with his amount of fame. Called Frank, Mr. Sinatra. Fantastic interview!!

[@MrPaglissi]

It's unfortunate that this has such scarce views. This is fantastic work. No agenda ; just fantastic interviews and superb editing.

[@Ciciulins]

MrPaglissi I guess this is also televised

[@balerjohnson3099]

Graham has many great interviews on youtube..I subscribe to his channel . He has great guests and actually allows the guest to tell their stories .

[@ellenw391]

Perhaps if the poster hadn't used such a mean, misleading title on such a wonderful interview more would have watched. I very nearly passed it by based on the title, and thought it would be a hateful video. Instead I heard charming story after charming story, each and every one said RESPECTFULLY by Namath.

[@ellenw391]

So White Tony? Even if what you said is true, how does that make my opinion wrong? The poster questioned something & I gave my logical opinion along with my personal opinion. You may choose to disagree, but I still think I hit it spot on.

[@BennieWilll]

Ellen W I agree, he didn't say Johnny was a mean drunk. He said when Carson drank he sometimes played tough, but that he was his sweet self and felt bad afterwards.

[@electriceyeslide5959]

Namath is awesome. He comes from a time when men were men. People were taught manners and respect. They partied and did their thing, but sports stars from his era understood they weren’t better than anyone else. They were fortunate and they had that attitude. Love Namath. Good guy.

[@jc.938]

Well said!

[@TrustNone35]

Joe Cool. He seems like a very nice guy. Man, has he lived an amazing life or what?

[@1Cruzer4u]

An American Classic Just a down to earth good guy...

[@StephanieManley]

What a well-spoken man. I would love to hear more of his life story.

[@jazzmanchgo]

@Marco Deo Bring it on!

[@davewanamaker3690]

There is an excellent book on Joe byn Mark Kriegel. It's called NAMATH: A Biography.. Best story of Namath out there. Think you would enjoy it.

[@a.perkins907]

@Jack Redford Yes tell your story!!

[@jazzmanchgo]

@Jack Redford . . . and Joe lived to start another game!

[@dbcooper692]

you know I was at Joe's very last game at the Los Angeles Coliseum. The Rams lost that game to the Minnesota Vikings and it was the national league championship game. Joe played the entire second half. I can say it was very sad seeing Joe walk off the field for the very last time! Just thought I would tell you a little story!

[@bigdogpete43]

Joe Namath had a rifle for an arm. Injuries killed his career, but one of the all time greats.

[@jacobbricker4516]

P

[@written12]

@Blake R amazing game when Joe and Unitas faced each other, sometime in the 70s, a regular Sunday. Joe passed for more than 500 yards, Unitas for more than 300. Jets won. Incredibly exciting game. Richard Castor, and Don Maynard among the receivers.

[@written12]

Incredible arm and ability to read defenses.

[@fabortolbortolotti367]

Great interview. Graham asked great questions and let Joe respond . Joe is an interesting, intelligent, insightful man and one of the all time Great quarterbacks . I have a great deal of respect for Joe and his contributions to football . I wish that the interview was longer !

[@sherryd3299]

Joe seems like a classy guy. Nice stories. Very enjoyable to watch.

[@hyperman1010]

what an incredibly humble guy, considering where his star was. great interview, great guy.

[@janeceeastwood8035]

Joe Namath is a gentleman and a class act.

[@jvidr]

I’ve always loved Joe Namath. He and Ali and Elvis were three of my childhood heroes.

[@christophertyler5544]

Elvis is the star that everyone always says was the nicest man whether with Paupers or other Kings

[@jonschultz4751]

MI

[@kathleen0954]

You have said it. I was one of those who experienced his sweetness, openness, unassuming and inquisitive nature during the years from 1973 until he passed in 1977. It's all true. There was just no one in the wide world like him.

[@jazzmanchgo]

Elvis had his issues and his faults, Lord knows, but virtually every account confirms that he was a gentleman, always respectful, always deferential to his elder. He was a country boy from Tupelo, and he was "raised right," as they say. There's a wonderful story about when the legendary Memphis radio DJ Dewey Phillips died; Elvis made it his business to go to Dewey's funeral, and when Dewey's wife, Dorothy, thanked him for coming, he simply said, "Miss Dorothy, Dewey was my friend." Elvis was a living legend by then, could have been as arrogant and rude as he wanted to be, but he still addressed his friend's wife as "Miss" -- that's real Southern manners, and Elvis never lost that.

[@sfmc98]

@@kathleen0954 I actively search to find someone say something, anything bad about Elvis. Like the cynic carrying the lamp looking for an honest man. I still have yet to find it. How were you so lucky that you go to know him?

[@kathleen0954]

@@sfmc98 Thank you... what an interesting comment. To your question, it happened I had been in love with him since the age of 8 or so. When I found out he had opened in Las Vegas I was about 15, and begged my grandma-who always took one of us (I have two siblings) to San Francisco each year-to take me to see him instead. After that my sister and brother never got another trip with her! She and I went twice a year for 4 days at a time, for the next 7 years. He did two shows a night, so we saw eight shows every time we went.. It took a little over two years to become familiar with his entourage...including his dad and bodyguards, and in February 1973, first his dad, then Joe Esposito invited me to Elvis' after-the-late-show parties, which were usually small and intimate. That's how it happened. I was just 17 when I first met him, and the next several years were a great adventure. He loved people, could put you at ease right away because of his open and riveting personality, and would sing any song you mentioned or happened to compliment him on. He was sweet, soft-spoken and open-faced, strikingly handsome, with a quick wit and humor, and yet with all his fame, talent and good looks, could have sat at anyone's dinner table (king or pauper as someone said) and be just like family.....I think this is why the world loved him. People knew he could relate to them whoever they were. He was kind to the Elvis impersonators (who would actually come to his shows), and when the audience laughed at them, would shush the audience and exalt the person, complimenting his jumpsuit and asking where he got it. Well, I could go on and on, but that's the skinny answer with a little bit more than what you asked for! Be well and thanks for inquiring!

[@tonywalton1052]

He loves everybody. Everybody was great. Welcome to 2017

[@wendeqallab6656]

A great football player and a good guy. He never cursed or had scandal when he played . A gentleman always not like todays players.

[@stevenmiller7267]

Ole Class Act Joe... you will always be Top Shelf Joe.. on and off the field.. one of the Greatest, for those who didn't grow up watching him play, and I chuckle thinking of his commercials and movies

[@rivaridge7211]

I loved the Elvis story - he was very respectful of older people and it's not surprising to hear of his kindness towards Joe's father. Very often, when called "Mr. Presley" (when meeting someone for the first time) Elvis would stop them and say, "Mr. Presley is my father's name - please call me Elvis." Hearing the interview made me recall this. Thanks for the post!

[@kelvinkloud]

in the south, they taught respect.

[@fredcapolongo6984]

Imagine Joe Willie and Elvis all the women they could get

[@juicewalter7715]

Beautiful , they don't call him Broadway Joe for nothing

[@bluetickfreddy101]

The good ole days Wonderful interview with a legend Glad to say i witnessed this incredible era

[@donaldcassidy1592]

My Alabama man Joe Willy! Part of NFL history and quite the gentleman.