Joe Namath, who became one of the NFL's first stars in the Super Bowl era, was born on May 31, 1943.
Namath was a standout quarterback at Alabama who went on to play for the New York Jets in the AFL and NFL. He led the team from 1964 to 1975, earning the nickname "Broadway Joe" as not only a quarterback, but a bona fide entertainer.
He famously guaranteed a win for the Jets ahead of Super Bowl III in 1969. Not only did New York win that game, but Namath was named the game's MVP.
Unfortunately, Namath has been more infamous in his later years. He once participated in the Super Bowl coin toss while drunk -- but also enthusiastic, for what it's worth -- and then there was the time he tried to solicit a kiss from an ESPN reporter.
Not exactly heroic, but definitely memorable.
