New York Jets legend Joe Namath had a few thoughts on the COVID-19 pandemic the world is facing, calling it a “monster.”
Once upon a time, there was a kid navigating the topsy-turvy decade of the 1960s. All he was trying to do was “get by.”
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One might make the proclamation that Joe Namath has never been scared of viruses. The most important player in New York Jets history (perhaps NFL history) enjoyed his nightlife, which meant mingling with many humans on a daily basis.
The only man to deliver the Jets a Super Bowl was the first of his generation—a bonafide celebrity-athlete. He has also always been extremely well-spoken, a trait that has lasted to this very day.
When discussing COVID-19, Namath offered up his thoughts in an interview with the New York Post’s Steve Serby.
“We’ve never experienced this,” Namath said. “This is a monster.”
Namath, 76, remains very involved with the Jets. Despite his one-year stint out near Hollywood with the Los Angeles Rams, Namath and the Jets have maintained a stellar relationship that’s lasted since his retirement from the game.
Every and now and again, he’ll pop in with Jets-related thoughts. Today, however, Namath recognizes there’s something much more serious at play.
“Listen to what our medical leaders have to say, and do as they’re asking us,” Namath said. “We gotta trust what the medical people are asking us to do.”
Other topics Serby hit on with Namath revolved around his stellar offensive line and Tom Brady‘s move to Tampa Bay. Namath, always the candid one, laid it out in a straightforward manner.
“How many times do you want to bat against Bob Gibson?” Namath said. “I think every team in the AFC East is happy to see Tom move.”
The most critical football-related note Namath hit involved the topic of the offensive line in football. Just as he mentioned last year at training camp, he understands the game of football always begins upfront.
“It starts up front,” Namath said. “And yes, we know the man that handles the ball every single play has what they say is the most maybe important single position on the field.
“I do remember seeing Barry Sanders — he was just mind-boggling to me how he did the things he did — he was held to minus rushing yards [13 carries for -1 yard] in a [1994] game against the Packers. And if that doesn’t tell you the importance of the offensive front. … What team’s won a championship without an outstanding offensive line?”
Joe Douglas and Joe Namath’s New York Jets are slated to pick 11th in the 2020 NFL Draft later this month.
