Broadway Joe Fired Up for Aaron Rodgers-led Jets

Hall-of-Fame QB Joe Willie Namath says Gang Green's new signal caller 'gives us a legitimate chance of making the playoffs'

Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

The only quarterback to ever bring a Super Bowl title to the New York Jets didn't hold back when discussing Gang Green's current outlook.

Jets' legend Joe Namath appeared during NFL Network's schedule release coverage Thursday night, taking time to chat with show host Rich Eisen. 

The soon-to-be 80-year old Namath sent a welcome message out to four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers while setting high expectations for the 2023 Jets.

"He [Rodgers] lifts us up right away. And, you know, he gives us a legitimate chance of making the playoffs," said Namath, the Super Bowl III MVP.

The Green & White own the longest active postseason drought of all franchises in America's four major professional sports leagues (NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL). Gang Green hasn't qualified for the NFL Playoffs since 2010 when Rex Ryan was at the helm. 

"The Jets' fans, Rich [Eisen], it's been a long time. They've been loyal," said Namath. "We haven't even been to the playoffs in too long, let alone win another championship. So, yea, I said let him [Rodgers] wear the number [Namath's retired Jersey No. 12], please. I want a championship; the fans do." 

The 1960s heartthrob suggested that the running 12-year postseason absence could end in 2023.

"I gotta believe every player on that Jet team, right now, is looking forward to winning a championship," said Namath. "First thing, make the playoffs. Next thing, you win that Super Bowl."

This past January, Namath addressed the team’s need for an accomplished quarterback like Rodgers. He also expressed his willingness to un-retire his vintage No. 12 if Rodgers wound up landing with the Jets.

Rodgers chose not to take Namath up on the offer and will wear No. 8 (from his Cal days) with Gang Green.

Eisen asked Namath about the idea of permitting Rodgers to don the retired jersey number.

"Absolutely.," said Namath. "At the time, Tom Brady was also available. When the subject came up about No. 12, I didn't know what to do. I said look, it's a different franchise,  its ownership's different. I don't know who owns these numbers. I checked that two times in the history of the NFL, players' numbers that were retired [were re-issued]."

Pro Football HOFer @RealJoeNamath believes the @nyjets are going to be serious playoff contenders in 2023 👀

📺: 2023 NFL Schedule Release on NFL Network pic.twitter.com/X4pdixBDm3

— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) May 12, 2023

Namath shared the examples of Seattle's Steve Largent honoring Jerry Rice's request to wear No. 80 and Denver's Frank Tripucka's No. 18 going to Peyton Manning.

"Aaron, I like the way he handled that. He's got a lot of class," said Namath.

Rodgers recognized Namath's well-deserved legendary status during his introductory press conference on April 26.

"There’s some iconic names that have played here, probably none more iconic than number 12. I heard what he said about unretiring his number, but to me, 12 is Broadway Joe and I didn’t want to even go down that path," said Rodgers.

Earlier in April, Sports Illustrated scribe Matthew Verderame deemed Namath the "Jets’ All-time Best Draft Pick."

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