On this day in 1969 (January 12), Joe Namath stole the headlines. His guarantee and subsequent performance helped transform an entire sport.
Prior to Super Bowl 3, the AFL was looked upon as a near-laughable league not worthy of the NFL’s attention. Once it was all said and done, and the Kansas City Chiefs backed it up the following year, today’s modern football era was born.
Namath deserved the accolades he received over the course of his career, if only for that one gigantic moment. He deserved the headlines.
But the New York Jets defense deserved the standing ovation.