Joe Namath: Overcoming alcoholism, illegal college offers and playing through concussions

Graham sits down with NFL icon Joe Namath near his home in Jupiter, Florida. “Broadway Joe” discusses his encounters with showbiz royalty from Elvis to Sinatra, his playboy reputation and how he beat alcoholism. The two also discuss playing for Bear Bryant at the University of Alabama and the Super Bowl game that helped change the sport forever.
#podcast #interview #nfl
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[@jeffsilverman6104]

Classy, wise, humble, genuine. And Joe always gave credit and respect to his teammates and opponents. He was always confident about his own talent and abilities, but he never lost sight of the people who helped and believed in him.

[@martysykes3221]

Even if I had no idea who Joe Namath was, how could anyone not like him after having watched this interview. An absolute legend with an everyman presence. What a treasure!

[@KR-ne1eb]

He's a class act ! Real person! Talks freely about his poor choices He's made in the past and how he's been able to learn and move past short coming in life . He's all about team and family. Has humility

[@michaelgreenhill2745]

Jim Brown told a story about how he invited Joe to meet him at a night club in NYC one time. When Jim got there, Joe was waiting in line like everyone else. Jim asked him, "Why didn’t you just tell the security guy at the front door who you were? He would have let you go right in." Joe said he didn’t feel right doing that. What a humble guy!

[@jimvoge2]

Joe's a class act. He is sincere, humble, funny, and very human. Great interview.

[@paul-u2y9y]

i love him , in 1970 i had 3 shoeboxes full of sports cards and i always traded for joes cards, i had cards from the 40.s on up , forget the money ,i'd just love to peruse through them to see just what i had.

[@bluewaveshows4u]

I really enjoyed hearing Mr. Namath talk! Such a well spoken and interesting man with great stories! He’s so genuine and earnest! A man with class who is very easy to admire and respect.

[@michaeltimothy70]

I was a broker on the NYSE for 30 years. Met many famous people and athletes. Just a few stand out and Joe is one of them. We spoke for about 5 minutes. More about what I did then his time with the Jets. Solid hand shake and eye to eye contact. A pure joy for me to share a moment of time with a Legend!!

[@lawrencebenjamin502]

That's great to know. Thank you for sharing.

[@AbbeFaria-o1c]

I could seriously hear him talk about his whole career and life all day. Just the way he speaks about it is so wholesome.

[@paulsummers2640]

Joe Namath is the only professional athlete that I am starstruck by. As a little boy, he was my hero. What a fine, humble man.

[@johndimond2491]

As a recovering Alcoholic he nails it on the Dry Drunk part and the rest of his share I needed to hear, especially the part about looking back on the negative things in my life usually involved my drinking. Amen

[@paul-u2y9y]

God bless F.O.B.

[@diegomontoya796]

What do you call a pos horsethief alcoholic thatbquits drinking? A pos horsethief.

[@craigobertos7451]

Glad Joe Namath is doing so well. Many great memories watching him play so many years ago.

[@stevenvargo2440]

Probably the greatest ambassador the NFL has ever had! He's charisma personified. So we'll spoken, humble and such a great story teller.

[@sunzeneise]

What’s impressive about Joe Willie is that he’s modest and respectful of all, and exudes genuine humility . Proud to be of our generation

[@plantmillionsofteees5676]

I’m a lifelong Tennessee Vol (who has spent a long life being made miserable by Alabama, most years 😂😂😂). That said, I don’t know how it would be humanly possible to not love Joe Namath. He just seems SO REAL; so down-to-earth; so chill. He just puts you at ease, and answers questions so honestly. I’ve never had the pleasure of meeting him personally (as some on this forum have), but for the few people I know who have met him, they corroborate this positive experience to the person. So God bless you, Joe Namath! You’re a gift to the world and an American treasure!

[@robmcrae5776]

What a truly great and good man. Joe knows exactly how good he was and not a inch worth's more or less. That's real humility! And such a great, deep understanding of the game and a fabulous appreciation for his rivals and detractors during his career. Man, I remember when he was at his height what an incredible experience it was to watch him play. It was truly magnetic and beautiful. And what an incredible blow it was when he was diminished by injuries. Love you, Joe!! Thanks for the memories.

[@extanegautham8950]

I drove a cab in NYC for a year in 1976....i was stuck in traffic outside the Playboy club and suddenly two guy come sort of running out the front door of the club and into my cab. One was Broadway Joe, a hero...I turned back to see who was entering the cab and recognized him. They were talking so i stayed quiet. At the red light i looked at him thru the rear view mirror, and he looked up and caught my eyes and gave me a 100 million dollar smile. I still remember it. There is more to the story, but i gotta go...Driving back to the garage at 4 am up 1st ave, i get to a light, and out of the corner of my eye, i see two tall guys and two tall sexy women throwing a football. like two hand touch. Thing is, Joe had a super distinctive snap. I smiled, b/c i had dropped them off at the hottest singles bar on the upper east side, and that, after joe was complaining to his buddy, "why you taking me out, i was getting all the girls," "laughter, I 'll take you where there are girls, dont worry!" I guess it all worked out!

[@michaelduggan1890]

Joe Namath is a true legend and one of my favourite people and athletes of all time . I read his book when I was a kid and he has been my hero since then . What he did for sports has never been equaled .

[@mr.iforgot3062]

I was a McDonald's employee for 25 years. I've met many of famous people. Joe Namath was a joy. A firm handshake and he left me a $2 tip. He was great.

[@darrylbearden8658]

met him one time, i think it was 1978, our high school football banquet, i was in my 1st year, our coach was jack hoot owl hicks, one of joe's friends and joe came by and i was able to shake his hand, was the best time of my life.

[@Bls2323]

In 2003 we had moved to Phoenix Az…I went to work for TSA part time until I could complete everything for Mesa Police Dept…during that time several famous people came through the security screening…Joe Namath came through and I yelled “Broadway Joe” he turned and smiled, came over to me and gave his smile and said “you’re telling your age, we laughed he gave me hug and handshake and told me I made his day by recognizing him….very humble man… a few weeks later Gayle Sayles came through, sweetest kindest man I ever met…so special to actually sit down and talk for a awhile (he was confused that I knew who he was since I was a bit younger, but I explained I grew up with all boys so I better have known about football, it was a religion in my household…… but then one day John Elway came through the gate, complete arrogance and certainly did not have the skills to speak with the .commoners… he ask me “don’t you know who I am” I replied,no he gave the impression he was way too high on the elite list to speak with a common working person… he is a prick and I will not never watch anything he is a part of…. Maybe a good player, but an awful human being

[@keithmerrell797]

How long ago was it you met John Elway?

[@tommac5411]

His son, John Elway jr. was arrested in Denver for pulling out some of his girlfriend’s hair, abandoning her, and the car, in the street. He was arrested a short time later at his parent’s home. Like father, like son. And if the above was not enough - John Elway had enough clout to get the judicial hearing advanced so that no reporters were present on the day of sentencing.

[@aliceflanagan3672]

Heard this about Elway before. Good advice to these players would be to always tip and always be gracious. People notice.

[@bamadad53]

Nice comment dude. I appreciate what you said about Elway. I saw him in an airport once. I turned to a coworker (we were flying on company business) and must have said loud enough for Elway to hear “dude there’s John Elway”. Elway turned and looked at me with what I’ll always think was a “who the f are you” look. I literally stopped in my tracks as he continued walking by and looked at him thinking “what a piece is sh*t”. Ever since that day if I had the tv on and Elway was on the screen I changed channels…super bowls included. Btw when I was 12 yrs old Gayle Sayers was my favorite running back. And being a running back myself I always imagined myself as being the kind of running back he was. But as you can imagine no one else saw me in that same light lol. He did inspire me though…to be a lot better than I was.

[@Bls2323]

@@bamadad53 Glad it wasn’t just me (I did recognize him that day, but wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of knowing it😂)

[@onion6foot]

Good gosh! What a fine thinker and speaker. Run for president!

[@dcredbaron]

A true inspiration to us all. What a humble gentleman.

[@michaelscully7303]

What a tremendous man and athlete. So grateful to have watched him play.

[@EdfromCanada]

Wow, what an absolutely great interview. Joe is so humble and likeable.

[@e.directmarketing932]

Many people don’t know what an athlete Namath was. Basketball star who could dunk, when that was rare. Offered deals to play pro baseball by 5 or 6 teams. Bear Bryant called him, “The greatest athlete I ever coached.” But by the time he was into pro ball at the Jets, his knees were severely battered. Of course, with that came the loss of some throwing skills. Still managed to win the Super Bowl and leave his mark. A legend. And dang, I hope I can look and sound like Joe when I am 80.

[@vanceb1]

A friend of mine played football at a high school in San Leandro, CA. It was down the road from the Oakland Coliseum. The visiting teams playing the Raiders practiced at that high school stadium. They were out there practicing when the Jets showed up. The HS quarterback was showing off and Namath came up to him and said something to the effect of, "Watch this." Namath lined up 10 balls and tossed them towards the goal posts. 7 out of 10 hit the crossbar.

[@uofa82]

Didn’t know all of that. Thanks for sharing.

[@GranmaSam]

An old boss and friend played Backup QB to Joe on the Jets. Mike Taliaferro, he is such a great man.

[@johnhinston958]

I don’t get excited by famous people. But I would love to meet Joe Naimath. Just a cool, down to earth type dude

[@gaypreator8547]

Great interview, for approaching 81 Joe Namath is doing great. This is my youth laid out before me. Great memories.

[@jimmydee1130]

This interview is at least 10 years old. Probably closer to 15.

[@gaypreator8547]

@@jimmydee1130 that’s even better I’m going to be 74 in a few weeks. I grew up with the Namath mania. ✌️😀

[@HenrySousa-n2c]

Thank you for this info...@@jimmydee1130

[@danielrosati5576]

Love Mr Namath, his honesty, integrity and faith are very admirable!!!!

[@shaneoc6575]

Even at 81 Joe is still sharp as a tack, a true legend in many ways a person everyone wants to meet it's also amazing that he can remember almost everything that happened throughout his life and career he's got such an interesting look and take on life, "football convinced me that life is a team game"

[@couerleroi1]

What an eloquent man!

[@Happyherm2468]

What a great guy. Humble, thoughtful, self-responsible. I admire Joe.

[@AudreyCourtright]

One of the most important players in pro football history.

[@shawnkeys78]

Mr Namoth. Wow. Pleasure to watch - feeling privileged to hear what he had to say. Thank you. Good interview. Respectful I appreciate that. 👍

[@lorenzosimpson8039]

The 3rd Superbowl Game against Baltimore was and still is the greatest football game of all time.

[@stevenvargo2440]

I swear if I close my eyes and just listen to the voice, I hear and see my grandfather when Broadway Joe speaks. Hungarian blood is unmistakable and very distinguished!

[@michaelpmodrowsr.4247]

This guy changed the way pro football is played to this day. If he had lost the game, then it might (the merger) not have happened the way or as fast as it turned out. Everyone playing during that time owes him a debt of gratitude. The salaries changed from that one contract. Plus he was better than any QB in his era.

[@elizabethchase6528]

The merger was a done deal by this game.... The common draft started up the year before. Superbowl 3 wasn't about football.

[@mantejhothi3460]

So cool to listen to the legendary Joe Namath

[@Bondecieo]

Forgot how long ive been sober but Joe my hats off to you brother. Its a hell of hard thing to do Live and let live. People should read some of the material in AA. They would learn happyness. Ok thanks for sharing.

[@lawrencebenjamin502]

Beautiful !!! God Bless !!

[@dyates6380]

MUCH respect for Joe Namath. I applaud him as someone who drinks more than I should and I know it, for defeating his addiction. On a side note, I've never seen a department store mannequin conduct an interview before, and it was simply amazing. YES, I'm being facetious, but this dude and his appearance is something out of the Twilight Zone, and frankly, I'm both impressed and slightly jealous of him. I'm impressed. I half expected Rod Serling to be shown in the corner smoking a cigarette ......

[@surfside16]

I remember seeing Namath laying out at the pool in Miami being interviewed before the Superbowl. He was cool as a cucumber. What a life he had. Geeze.

[@602davido]

The great Joe Namath!

[@moisesperez4659]

As many people have said, I can die in peace when I meet Joe Namath.

[@jimriley3107]

Outstanding interview. Great insight into Joe Namath.

[@jherl8307]

Loved hearing Joe talk about his life and times prodded by a guy who really knows how to conduct an interview. Graham Benzinger would ask a question and then shut up and let the interviewee speak. Most of today’s interviewers want to finish a person’s thoughts or sentences or cut them off just to show that they are in control or to show how smart they allegedly are.

[@47mphill]

Great interview! Love Joe. Watched him as a Sr play Auburn in the Iron Bowl.

[@jryecart8017]

"hays' in the barn" .... love that retort from coach

[@drumcircler]

I watched Broadway Joe slingin’ them to Don Maynard, Bake Turner, and George Sauer through the swirling winds of Shea Stadium. Joe was the best in the biz.

[@rodneyrozanek9302]

You look great Joe!! You always will be one of the great quarterbacks. Great interview Joe I'm outing in my library!🤠

[@larryroberts4071]

JOE NAMATH, AMAN OF EXTREME GOOD CHARACTER AND VALUES. WE DONT HARDLY SEE THAT ANYMORE. BLESS YOU AND THANK YOU JOE NAMATH.

[@kevinworley1254]

What an interview. Awesome & ROLL TIDE. I remember when he signed with the Jets. These guys today wouldn’t even pick up the phone for what BROADWAY JOE got his 1st contract.

[@stevemoore3951]

Thanks for posting this. I've been a fan of his for many years. Nice to see what a humble and gracious man he has evolved into.

[@russellaycock3703]

Namath had the best looking drop back, the best release and the best looking pass I ever saw. John Madden I wonder if he can still throw a football today? Would be interesting to know (and to see)!!

[@davidgaudreau6834]

My feelings exactly….well said ! 😊

[@brucewayne3602]

all comments above & below I echo ... my forever football Hero of Heros ... His Super Bowl could watch & rewatch 100's of times ... Blessings Joe - be well !!!

[@johnhaggerty1907]

I could listen to Joe all day long.He never lost that coolness about him.One of the greats.

[@beckywilliamson1577]

"Broadway JOE " I'M So THANKFUL for Sunday's Jets Games to enjoy with my Daddy from 1965-1977. Joe's stories are real ! He was & still is a Pro Football hero of mine and many others!! Love hearing those memories...❤

[@billp5656]

Joe will forever be a Bama legend

[@uofa82]

ABSOLUTELY!!!

[@tidefanyankee2428]

Crimson Tide Royalty.

[@kevinworley1254]

He never forgot his roots. Awesome‘Broadway Joe’👏👏👏

[@sneakyquick]

Joe Namath is not the best football player of all time, but he is the coolest player of all time, and he was real good. Roll Tide!

[@RobertThompson-nn9ct]

Ever seen him play?

[@ORagnar]

He was a helluva player who played with some serious injuries. He had over 4000 yards passing in a 14 game season around 1967 or so. A record that stood until 1979. Broken by the San Diego Chargers, Dan Fouts, I believe, but that was in a 16 game season. I'd imagine if medicine were as good back then as it is today he may have been able to fix his knee problem and been fine. 11

[@billp5656]

Joe could zing a ball like no one

[@plantmillionsofteees5676]

’m a lifelong Tennessee Vol (who has spent a long life being made miserable by Alabama, most years 😂😂😂). That said, I don’t know how it would be humanly possible to not love Joe Namath. He just seems SO REAL; so down-to-earth; so chill. He just puts you at ease, and answers questions so honestly. I’ve never had the pleasure of meeting him personally (as some on this forum have), but for the few people I know who have met him, they corroborate this positive experience to the person. So God bless you, Joe Namath! You’re a gift to the world and an American treasure!

[@douglasthompson9482]

Incredible stories….what a life. Super star ⭐️

[@avzeolla3960]

Still looks good after all these years!

[@jamy8575]

Namath is quite the speaker.

[@Nofuneralz]

Wow Joe is razor sharp here. Great interview

[@dreece2000]

Unexpectedly sharp. I like his style, he’s a dying breed

[@levin448]

Joe sounds like he's turned his life around. Great interview.

[@johntatum1951]

Joe Namath is an amazing guy...love that smile...and his sense of humor...a great athlete with the skinniest legs ever.

[@adammoreno4654]

Damn, I can listen to Broadway Joe all day and all of the night

[@uglyfrog7263]

Joe you are one class act!

[@mackstone1732]

Great interview loved it just wish there was more. Totally gave me a new outlook of Joe Willie.

[@stevenroberts9802]

I feel like Joe tells the truth, it's really refreshing. GOD BLESS YOU JOE!!!

[@crusader4273]

Joes the greatest.

[@the90schildmashups92]

It doesn't look like he was much affected by any concussions in his past, comparing him to Favre, Joe has much better train of thought and he seems to be feeling pretty well with that upbeat personality

[@twthomaswebb]

I met Joe in 1972 or 73 in Houston at the Ramada Inn where the professional teams stayed in Houston. I was with my parents on vacation during my father having his WW2 reunion with his shipmates. The first day i met Hank Arron when the Braves were in town, then met most all of the LA Dodgers then the Jets came in for a preseason game vs the Oilers. Joe was out at the pool with a whiskey and ? i walked up to him and asked for his autograph and photo, he agreed then i told him i had a bone to pick with him. He said you must be a Baltimore Colts fan! I told him yes we laughed... i was 12 years old! One fond memory!!!

[@joeblough261]

Graham is a great interviewer, and I've always liked Joe, but this made me respect him even more than b4. Awesome

[@HenrySousa-n2c]

...Thank you Joe Namath just for being you...I used to hit Broadway Joes in Boston on Friday night & hit the Playboy Club down the street on Saturday night(semi formal suit & tie club) in the Combat Zone & occasionally your New York club... BUT ! My favorite was the Ft. Lauderdale Bar... ...Adam, Artist, Old Naples Florida🌴🎨

[@HenrySousa-n2c]

...I must also mention,...I played flag football in the army with Terry Bradshaw on weekends in 1967 Bavarian Apls. US Army......

[@Bondecieo]

Seems like a real good shit. watched the colts game with my Grandfather. What memories. Good interview my man.

[@paulpenniman]

Great job, Graham!

[@ronlussier8570]

Refuge Recovery helped me stop drinking after 2 decades of using alcohol.

[@uofa82]

Love the Joe!🐘🛩️🏆👏❤️‼️

[@stuntpup12]

Spent two weeks at Joe’s Football Camp 1975! Amazing experience!

[@thomasrogers202]

Good questions. He listens.

[@tonyjones8425]

Joe still here droppin jewels god bless the legend!

[@kevinmartin1204]

Met Joe Namath several years ago. God is autograph. We talked for a bit absolute great guy. Great guy.!

[@TerryTutor-cv3hh]

Always loved Joe...I even saw "CC and Company" multiple times....

[@byrondcarroll]

I'm an Alabama fan and would hope to talk to him one day.

[@irock4u222]

i love you joe!

[@larry7397]

"Life is a team effort." 🎉👍❤

[@scottschaeffer8920]

Always find Joe insightful & interesting. Nice job.

[@dreece2000]

I hate to keep commenting but you can really tell he is mentally in a better place. Smiling most of the interview, it takes a lot of work to get there and i like seeing people change their life like this. Im sure he has pressure on him

[@shelms321]

Joe Namath, Your as cool as you were back in the day,

[@michaellazzeri2069]

I WATCHED THAT GAME & I KNEW MY COLTS WERE GOING TO LOSE . JETS RAN ALL OVER MY TEAM & THAT, WAS THAT. -----------------MJL, 77 Y/O

[@thomasbrady63]

He’s the coolest guy . I remember the game when he played the Colts and him and Johnny Unitas each threw for over four hundred yards . It was a quarterback shootout . I loved football as a kid and Joe Namath was the best quarterback in the game at that time and a lot of teams had some great quarterbacks . I lived and grew up in Philadelphia and the Eagles were horrible in the late 60’s and 70’s . One of the major problems was the quarterback position. Joe Namath was the Walt Frazier of football. lol. I’m sure they know each other.

[@guycraig2030]

1961/1962 , living in Omaha,,,we were KC Fans,,would spend a couple weekends a season with KC Friend,,Not sure the exact game,,but JOE STARTED the 2nd half, and from the on became Broadway Joe,,end zone DT stadium seats,,,was from the on..

[@janetstorm7881]

When this guy won the Superbowl I think I was in 5th or 6th grade, old enough to see him in commercials when he was a big handsome so-called sex symbol. I didn't follow sports on TV at all as a little kid, my thing was cartoons and barbie, but even I remember his commercials and his dreamy eyes and how cute he was back then ❤ he he seems to be going strong after all these years 😎

[@NigelTufnel612]

He was good at selling pantyhose!

[@rodneyalbertholland5615]

Good interview Why Because the interviewer Listens and let's joe be joe

[@randybailin4902]

Joe Namath wasn't the greatest player in NFL history, but he was the biggest star.

[@CamFrancisco88]

Great interview

[@ustuppy]

Joe is THE MAN.

[@paul-u2y9y]

I was a kid in those days and man don't i wish i still had those cards, but on the back of the card it might say, "Jims real fast and in the off season jim works as a carpenter" you can look it up !

[@donnastoy8783]

Yep, it was awesome beating alcoholism. But I saw him in training camp with the Rams and it was painful. The man had a million dollar arm but ten cent knees.

[@plantmillionsofteees5676]

Graham: “So how’s the body doing, Joe (after all those awful football injuries)?” Joe (answering with total honesty, in that laid-back manner in which he speaks): “Good. Good. It’s doing real good. I have 2 artificial knees. I got my neck & spine worked on. And my arms & wrists healed up. I’m doing just fine.” And he wasn’t even trying to be cute, nor was that false humility. Geez, if I had a fraction of that going on with my body, you’d be hearing about it til the end of time 😂😂😂

[@zoso73]

Almost 81 years old. Jeez he looks 70 here.

[@RaymondWard-c1y]

I want to hear about Joe’s experience with the old MNF gang.

[@Paramedic772]

What a class act!

[@stevepope5484]

Speed during the game/absolutely right!!!

[@tannermikal2]

1 word…. “IMPACTFUL” 👍

[@joeplonka6568]

Like the Bear never drank. Literally lol