Top 20 quarterback performances in Super Bowl history
By Joe Romano
19. Joe Namath, New York Jets, Super Bowl III
When you clicked on this list, you knew that this name was a certainty. “Broadway” Joe Namath made his infamous guarantee before Super Bowl III in 1969.
Despite sub-par statistics Namath made the Hall of Fame largely on the back of that guarantee and subsequent Super Bowl victory.
In an era of running the ball Namath stole the show. The Jets entered the game as heavy underdogs against the Baltimore Colts. The final score of 16-7 shocked the world after the Colts were 18 point favorites.
Namath and the Jets offense scored 16 points without the Colts responding. Baltimore only managed a single score as the Jets were able to control the clock and entire game.
For the era Namath played the perfect game. He went 17-of-28 throwing for 206 yards without an interception. Fellow Hall of Fame quarterback Johnny Unitas went 11-of-24 for 110 yards and a critical interception.
Those statistics earned Namath MVP honors. He is the only quarterback to win the award without throwing a touchdown pass.
This game was the Jets only Super Bowl appearance. Namath for his career would finish with more interceptions than touchdowns. His career will always be remembered for this game.