Jets' legend Joe Namath gives rave review about rookie QB Mark Sanchez

[Jetfan13]

Greenberg/AP

Hall of Famer and former Jets quarteback Joe Namath throws some rave reviews at current Gang Green rookie signal-caller Mark Sanchez (below).

Keivom/News

BY Rich Cimini

DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER

When the Jets drafted Mark Sanchez to be their new franchise quarterback, their oldest franchise quarterback - Joe Namath - was a bit concerned.

Looking back, Namath said "the one thing that scared me" was Sanchez's lack of college experience - 16starts. He immediately recalled the ominous words of USC coach Pete Carroll, who bluntly stated Sanchez wasn't ready for the NFL.

Namath has a new opinion of Sanchez, who will start the opener Sunday in Houston: He loves the kid. The Hall of Famer was blown away by the rookie's flawless performance last week in the final preseason game. Sanchez was 5-for-5 for 67 yards and a touchdown in his only series. That it came against the Eagles' backups didn't matter to Namath.

"You hear comments from Rex (Ryan) throughout training camp and you pay some credence to that, no doubt, but that first series last week showed me some stuff I hadn't seen in a while," Namath said Tuesday at a promotional appearance, addressing the media for the first time on Sanchez.

"I hadn't seen Sanchez enough, but what I saw that night in that first series, it looks like he can do everything in terms of movement and finding receivers," he continued. "He had to change where he had to go a couple of times. He used his feet well. He impressed me big-time in that series, so I'm excited about this (season) coming up."

Namath was joined by fellow Jet greats Curtis Martin, Wayne Chrebet and Marty Lyons at JFK Airport, where the team announced a corporate partnership with Jet Blue Airways. Much of the buzz focused on Sanchez, the first rookie quarterback in team history to start on opening day. Not even Namath managed that; it took him until the third game in 1965.

Broadway Joe doesn't foresee a smooth ride for Sanchez, saying he's "going to get his butt kicked a few times. ...I'm concerned with his (body) holding up." But Namath believes the Jets' No. 1 pick can succeed with a little luck and a lot of support from his running game and defense.

Namath, a legendary playboy in his day, doesn't expect Sanchez to be distracted by the trappings of celebrity.

"He won't be bouncing around," said Namath, noting that he played for an owner, Sonny Werblin, who was "a show-business man" obsessed with creating stars. "The ownership is different, the game is different, society is different."

Martin, who met Sanchez last week at a team function, said he was impressed with the rookie's charisma.

"When you're starting rookies, I've always been skeptical, but there is something I like about Sanchez," Martin said. "I got to meet him, shake his hand, look in his eye. He seems like an assertive, mature guy. I'm hoping he can be what they're expecting him to be."

Martin believes the Jets will be better with Sanchez; how much, he's not sure. "I think he can cause the team to take a step forward," he said. "I don't know how many steps forward, but I do believe, if I were a betting man, he'll help them take a step forward."

Chrebet said Sanchez "seems like a perfect fit" for the Jets and the city. "He throws a nice ball, it looks like he has a great presence in the huddle and he's definitely a smart kid," Chrebet said. "He says all the right things, he does all the right things. I think New York is going to love him

[Sperm Edwards]

Namath looks terrible.

[joewilly]

Namath looks terrible.

you try livin his life & see what you look like at that age.

well, we got 4 more days full of hope & glory. which week will the jets let us down bigtime this year?

I kinda like being ranked 4th in the dividion. nowhere to go but up. I'm rootin hard for sanchez.

[Jetfan13]

Namath looks terrible.

He's old Spermy, looks a bit like steve Carroll from The Office in that pic doesn't he?

[Sperm Edwards]

I know he's old plus he played and partied hard in his youth. But still, he looks a lot older than he did a year ago.

[joewilly]

I know he's old plus he played and partied hard in his youth. But still, he looks a lot older than he did a year ago.

yeah, he ain't been the same since suzie Kolber shot him down

[The Gun Of Bavaria]

Agreed, he looks bad. Too bad he'll go to his grave one day never seeing the Jets win another SB.

[slowmoe57]

Looks to me just a crappy haurcut thats all --

[Jetfan13]

Agreed, he looks bad. Too bad he'll go to his grave one day never seeing the Jets win another SB.

[The Gun Of Bavaria]

LOL The worst part is I'm 34 and can comfortably say that in 50 years when I meet my maker, I'll be saying the same thing.

[slowmoe57]

LOL The worst part is I'm 34 and can comfortably say that in 50 years when I meet my maker, I'll be saying the same thing.

Knock on wood.

[ThisYearsModel]

Where did J. Willie get those 1970 mega-glasses?

[The Crusher]

Namath looks terrible.

Says you. The little blonde with the 8 inch grin and cheerleading outfit begs to differ. Joe still has it.

[ZachEY]

Jets' legend Joe Namath gives rave review about rookie QB Mark Sanchez

Did he ask to kiss him?

[joewilly]

LOL The worst part is I'm 34 and can comfortably say that in 50 years when I meet my maker, I'll be saying the same thing.

I think you got bigger things to worry about what you say when you meet your maker pal

You got a lotta splainin to do

[JiF]

Says you. The little blonde with the 8 inch grin and cheerleading outfit begs to differ. Joe still has it.

Is his "it", the same as my "it".

[slowmoe57]

Is his "it", the same as my "it".

An educated guess would be no.

[joewilly]

couldn't remember what jatfansite I was logged into til I read this thread. 15 posts & no mention of the hottie cheerleader in the background. then it hit me.