New York Jets: Ranking the 5 best quarterbacks in team history

1. Joe Namath (1965-76)

There was never any doubt who the top-ranked Jets quarterback of all-time is. Joseph William Namath. Broadway Joe. The pride of Beaver Falls, PA. Super Bowl III MVP. New York’s all-time leader in passing yards (27,057), touchdown passes (170) and interceptions (215). Five-time Pro Bowler. Hall of Famer. Football and cultural icon.

I realize that is a lot of interceptions but it didn’t really matter. Namath probably had the strongest arm and quickest release of any New York signal-caller and he had a gunslinger’s mentality from time to time. He was aggressive. He took chances down the field. However, in the most important game in team history, Namath was brilliant in leading Gang Green to that improbable 16-7 victory over the Colts, a win that showed the world that the American Football League (AFL) was for real.

Namath called many of his own plays back then and he was mistake-free in that Jan. 1969 contest in Miami, completing 17 of 28 passes for 206 yards for an impressive passer rating of 83.3. Three days before the game, Namath guaranteed that the Jets would win it. Remember, the odds makers in Las Vegas had set the Jets as 18-point underdogs. He showed remarkable poise and field leadership in that contest, one of the most important games in NFL history.

Next: NFL 2017: Ranking the 30 best tight ends

Even if the Jets win another Super Bowl (I have been waiting forever for that) and a new hero comes along, Namath has established himself as not only the greatest Jets quarterback ever but also the greatest player in franchise history.