The
New York Jets were 17-point
underdogs in
Super Bowl III in 1969, so Namath's guarantee was especially shocking. The Jets (then of the
AFL) defeated the NFL Baltimore Colts 16-7, as Namath was named
MVP.
Namath was famed for his flamboyance and his womanizing, as well as his football skills. His popularity helped make the young upstart AFL (American Football League) into a serious rival of the established NFL.
While one of the most famous quarterbacks in history, his career stats aren't that impressive, with 173 touchdown passes, but also 220 interceptions.
Joe Namath played for the Jets from 1965-1976 and for the Los Angeles Rams in 1977. He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1985.