Superstar quarterback Joseph William "Joe Willie" Namath (1943–) was born in the steel mill town of Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania and rose to fame as an All-American under coach Paul "Bear" Bryant at the University of Alabama.

"To be a leader, you have to make people want to follow you, and nobody wants to follow someone who doesn't know where he is going," Namath once said.

A first-round draft pick with a record-setting contract, Namath became the face of the New York Jets (1965–1976). He had long hair, white cleats, and flair—on and off the field. The media called him "Broadway Joe." And he delivered.

"I was the appetizer, entrée, and dessert all rolled into one for New York's mischievous media," he said.

He was the first NFL quarterback to throw for over 4,000 yards in a season (1967). And just before Super Bowl III, he guaranteed victory against the heavily favored Colts—and then led the Jets to a stunning 16–7 upset.

"The game is choreographed," he said. "It is mental, it is physical, it is a battle. You feel the hits. You see the velocity."

Off the field, he was a sensation—starring in movies and memorable commercials. Pantyhose and shaving cream? Only Joe. "When you have confidence, you can have a lot of fun. And when you have fun, you can do amazing things," he said.

Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1985, Namath’s legacy is electric: 27,663 yards, 173 touchdowns, and an enduring spark of charisma.