The Painful Truth About Joe Willie

Mark Kriegel's work now stands as the definitive biography of Joe Namath. It is a painful story as the very sad truth about Joe is exposed. This football great, and sporting icon for my generation, clearly popularized the professional game. However, the "off-the-field" side is beyond disturbing. What was billed as cool about "Broadway Joe" turns out be horrible psychological problems dulled only by "booze and broads." Namath's desire to escape a reality everyone perceived as so desirable only confirms the extent of his mental instability.
Kriegel's work illustrates this ever so clearly.

The book is quite in depth from Namath's childhood up and to the point of his greatest triumph, Super Bowl III. I think the content after January 12, 1969 becomes sparse. The next thirty years of Namath's life are presented in far fewer, less involved, pages. I am not sure if the author simply tired of his subject or if there is literally nothing left of Namath to write about. Tiring of the alcoholic, dysfunctional, Namath would be understandable. The possibility that "Broadway Joe" simply became a bore after Super Bowl three very real too. So, either way one can not blame Kriegel.

A good book overall but be prepared to learn just how Namath actually failed to live up to his potential because of the lifestyle led. The injuries were just a cop out.

The only thing's that's missing is Namath himself.

This is a very good read about a superb athelete who overcame serious injury (time and time again) to become a starring NFL quarterback who transcended the game to become ulitmately, a 60's icon.
Namath could be compared with Mickey Mantle, another legend whose career was also shortened by alchohol and injuries. They both had New York City as their workplace (and the biggest media market) and they both were kings of it. At times they were the best, but not neccesary well liked.
Although the book tries to touch on all the facets of his life including his rarely talked about childhood, the thing that will surprise readers the most would probably be that Joe Namath was not just a great football talent but he was a great athelete, period. The book makes note of his great running ability in high school and because of his achievements in high school baseball, the promise of a future in professional baseball loomed for Mr. Namath as well. But because he happened in the early 60's and well before ESPN tapes everything and everyone with a slice of talent, we can only be left with stories of how great Joe Namath really was before crippling knee injuries left him only as a great armed quarterback. Also, A point to note is that Joe Namath the student is revealed here. Many times Namath would take opposing game reels home to his appartment to study them and prepare himself better for the next game as he called all his own plays---something unheard in today's game. However the downside of Namath also comes into focus as well---the drinking, the greed, the inablity to become a team player, it's all here. The book loses points because Namath's voice is not here to help describe any of this or tell us what happened at any time. We are left with interviews and stories of what Namath and associates said to the media back when.

Namath A Disapontment

Before I read this book I liked Namath. I've seen him play at Alabama. After reading it I see him as selfish, money hungry drunk. The book is good, Namath is not.
AW Moble, Alabama