The anniversary of that signature achievement was the main impetus for the book and served as its thread, as Namath sat in his kitchen, watched a replay of the game for only the second time and took copious notes. Then, 50 years ago in January 1969, he spurred the New York Jets to a victory in Super Bowl III, backing up his legendary guarantee in what’s still regarded as one of the greatest upsets in sports history. I think you can be a player,” Namath wrote.Ī player, indeed, as well documented by history.Īs a senior, Namath led Beaver Falls to a WPIAL title - years later, he chose coach Larry Bruno to present him for his Pro Football Hall of Fame induction - and helped the University of Alabama win a national championship a few years after that. His coach at the time, Bill Ross, demurred. A budding, multisport talent at Beaver Falls High School entering his sophomore year, Namath decided to quit football so that he could focus on baseball and basketball. In the book, he paints the hometown scene that set him on a course with destiny as a future pro football superstar. In my mind’s eye, I see those scenes, and I cherish them just so much.” And I can see Linwood (Alford, his best childhood friend).

He never touched a dag-gum rod, just sat in the boat with rain coming down, and he’s just watching me fish.

She’d always turn to me and say, ‘Joey, straighten up,’ because I kind of walked hunched over. “Oh, man,” he said, “I think about walking to school up Seventh Avenue with my mom. So it’s not surprising that in his new autobiography, 'All the Way: My Life in Four Quarters,' stories about his hometown sprout throughout.Īsked in an interview last week to pick his favorite hometown tale, Namath, who turned 76 on May 31, chuckled and mentioned many. He might have achieved the pinnacle of his profession 50 years ago on Broadway, but Joe Namath’s roots remain pure Beaver Falls.

All the way joe namath