What is Joe Namath Doing Right Now?

By Jason Bolton July 22, 2024 09:21

Photo by Espn.com

Eighty-one-year-old Joe Namath, the iconic quarterback who helped engineer one of the greatest upsets in Super Bowl history as he led his New York Jets to their first-ever NFL title back in 1969, is still a revered figure today. Though his days in the NFL are long gone, Namath's legacy echoes through generations and remains extremely impactful as he gives back to various charities.

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Defying Adversity with Wellness

Following his playing career, Namath continued to face problems both physically and personally. Back in the early 2000s, he publicly talked about his battles with alcoholism and depression as well as taking treatment at a substance abuse program. Namath has also spoken out in recent years about the impact all his concussions from back in his day might have had on him later, and he's used that notoriety to bring attention to traumatic brain injuries.

Namath moved closer in this direction when he led the charge to open the Joe Namath Neurological Research Center at Jupiter Medical Center in southern Florida in 2014. Its purpose is to explore emerging therapies that reverse brain injury and enhance long-term recovery in individuals with traumatic brain injuries.

The Charitable Efforts

Namath has not only worked for charity in the field of neurological research. He founded the Joe Namath Foundation, a non-profit organization established in 2017 as an umbrella for three vetted children's charities, and has been financially supporting medical research on neurological disorders.

The foundation's mission is to grant funds qualified as children's charity and neurological research qualification criteria organizations to improve the quality for kids through its families.

Taking up the Spotlight

The NFL legend has not played pro ball in decades but is still a public figure. He has since continued to act, appearing in stage productions, including four adaptations of "The Caine Mutiny Court Martial" on Broadway during the 1980s. Namath is also a regular guest on television and enjoys sharing his stories with the younger generation of fans.

In 2019, Namath released his memoir "All the Way: My Life in Four Quarters," which introspectively explored everyone's limited viewpoint of Broadway Joe. The book explores Namath's humble origins, his superstar ascent, and the struggles he has faced off the field during his life to provide a portrait of more than just the legendary quarterback.

Retirement and Staying Connected

Namath, meanwhile, has continued to be active in charitable endeavors and public appearances while relaxing into retirement. He has plenty of time to spend with his family, two daughters, 9-year-old Olivia Rose and Jessica Grace.

Leaving a Lasting Legacy

Looking back on his career, Namath is proud of his legacy in football and the people that crossed his life. That "guarantee" of winning Super Bowl III, which the Jets did very convincingly, has become one of the sports and screen's most iconic moments, a rallying call for every underdog to believe in themselves.

The unwavering resolve of Joe Willie Namath to continue giving and trying to make a greater impact in the lives of others has solidified his national stature as not just one of the NFL's greatest players ever but also an authentic humanitarian and positive role model for today's young adult. As he goes on to the next chapter, he promises that his presence will not be forgotten, and instead, he uses him to remind people of what they can achieve if they seek it first.