Under the Lights

Even before his Hall of Fame career reached its conclusion in 1977, Namath found a second home on the screen. Removed from his on-field performances, Namath found a way to captivate home audiences with the same regularity. Frequent television and talk show appearances, together with headlining movie roles, kept Namath in a well-deserved spotlight.

A place in the spotlight

A season removed from his first Super Bowl appearance, Broadway Joe hosted The Joe Namath Show – a conversational segment that saw Namath delve into the lives of athletes and entertainers – alongside American sportswriter Dick Schaap. Though the 13-installment broadcast lasted only a single season, it provided the foundation for Namath’ subsequent television appearances. A casual smile and observational demeanor made the Beaver Falls native a natural on the screen, and the world took notice.

When the NFL mandated that athletes appear unshaven, Namath negotiated a groundbreaking deal with razor provider Schick, to shave his token Fu Manchu in one of television’s first massive endorsement deals.

In 1974, you could discover for only $1.69 what a 31-year-old Namath already knew: Beautymist pantyhose can make any leg look amazing. “If Beautymist can make my legs look good, imagine what they’ll do for yours” he delivered, though for once, no one was focusing on his smile. Noxema shaving cream, Brut Cologne and Ovaltine flavoring also benefited from his endorsements.