When the news broke about the Tim Tebow trade, Hall of Fame QB Joe Namath had some very strong words and he did not bite his tongue. Here is a short list of Broadyway Joe’s quotes against the move to get Tebow. Namath said:
He was close to shocked
I do not agree with this situation, I can’t agree with it and the Tebow move was a publicity stunt.
I really think its wrong, I can’t go for it.
I don’t think they know what they are doing over there right now. This is crazy.
On Monday Joe Namath was on the FOX Business Network and he changed his tune a bit.
On whether the Jets made a smart football move by signing Tebow:
“That’s over my head. I’d say no as a player, as a I fan I’d say you’re darn right. It’s good for the fans absolutely.”On the Jets signing Tim Tebow:
“He’s the biggest star, one of them certainly in the game today so I think the Jets have done a terrific thing here in bringing the Jet fans a real star. Now, can the star continue to play football and contribute properly without disrupting what they have there at this time? The Jets need help. they finished 8-8 last year. they’re thin with their safeties, linebackers, offensive line. It’s really a wait and see how Tim Tebow and the Jets team does. As a quarterback, I would not like this a little bit. I don’t know a quarterback, a starter in the NFL that appreciates being taken off the field in clutch situations.”On whether he has changed his mind since saying the Jets didn’t know what they were doing by signing Tebow:
“I have changed my mind slightly. You see the overview that the personnel in the Jets administration have, they give more thought to the marketing and the other edges of the business than I do. I think more of the football field, the locker room, and what they’re trying to achieve on the field. I just don’t think the team is in a position right now with their players to have a successful season next year. I think they need fixes in other areas. Whenever I see the move with Tim Tebow, that’s just telling me they really don’t have all that confidence in Mark Sanchez that they’ve been telling Mark and telling the fans certainly with the new contract and there’s an old saying amongst players in football talking about your general manger and coaches, they speak with a forked tongue.”On his bottom line call on Tebow:
“I think he’s going to help the team possibly but at the end of the day, no I don’t think it’s going to be a positive move, not in the long run. I am hoping it is, but until Tebow learns to improve his passing game, I don’t think Holmes is going to be happy, the wide receivers. There’s not one NFL team that’s used this kind of formation that hasn’t been suffering offensively. You’re gonna take your best player, your quarterback off the field, or one of your best guys and substitute and that’s showing a weakness right there.”
Joe stayed true to his word when he said as a player he wouldn’t like this move. He also realizes that the trade will make many Jets fans happy. That said, winning is the only way to keep Jet Nation happy and that is how the Jets will be graded.