Icon and Advertisements
Namath's nickname "Broadway Joe" was given to him by Sherman Plunkett, a Jets teammate. The "Joe Willie Namath" moniker, Namath's full given name, was popularized by sportscaster Howard Cosell. He originated the fad of wearing a full-length fur coat on the sidelines, a habit which was adopted by many players after him. The NFL has since banned this, requiring all team personnel (players, coaches, athletic trainers, etc.) to wear league-approved team apparel. Namath stood out from other AFL and NFL players by wearing low-cut white shoes rather than traditional black high-tops (thus the nickname "Joe Willie Whiteshoes"). Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end L. C. Greenwood paid tribute to Namath when wearing gold shoes in the 1970s. Today, the NFL often fines players for not wearing shoes that match those of their teammates.
Namath also appeared in television advertisements both during and after his playing career, most notably for Noxzema shaving cream (in which he was shaved by a then-unknown Farrah Fawcett (video clip)) and Hanes Beautymist pantyhose; both commercials contributed to his becoming something of a pop-culture icon. He has appeared in advertising as recently as 2003.
Namath also opened several bars under the name Broadway Joe's in both New York City and in Tuscaloosa, Alabama (location of the University of Alabama). These continue today with moderate success.
Namath spent many years appearing as a booster for golf tournaments and other good causes, such as youth camps, including football camps, and lately for arthritis. He has served as a March of Dimes volunteer for over 40 years. Most recently, he was the March of Dimes' WalkAmerica Honorary Chair from 1998–2007. He also holds a celebrity golf outing annually on Long Island, New York to benefit the March of Dimes.
Namath made many notable remarks during the NFL Films presentation of NFL 75 Seasons. Recounting his 1969 Super Bowl performance, he said "It was such a feeling of elation, joy, tickling explosions inside, the teammates we did it, we were #1." "The same three words keep coming back: 'We did it. WE DID IT.'" Namath's infectious and genuine joy at recounting this made it natural for NFL Films to feature this quote in advertisements for its series.
Talking about the Raiders he said, "You were always playing a tough football team, and some of the guys cheated. Some of the guys kicked and bit and hit ya in the back, some of that kind of stuff, hit ya in the back of the head, and it's on film."
Talking about "The Guarantee," Namath said, "t was not planned, it wasn't premeditated; it was just anger and frustration, and I really believed we were gonna win the game."
Speaking about teamwork, Namath said: "Life isn't always easy, and football isn't always easy. Football convinced me that life is a team game."
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