This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 12/10/2001.
Joe Namath rode to fame and fortune on the strength of his whip-like right arm, but Namath's 60-yard lightning bolt strikes to Don Maynard and Richard Caster began at a more northlerly part of his body, namely the head in which was stored the game plan and the eyes that read formations and spotted receivers in the open. Those attributes, which were kept well protected by green and white New York Jets helmets such as this one that he wore during the 1970s, cocked the arm that threw for 27,663 passing yards and 173 TDs in his carrer, not to mention his MVP performance in the Jets' monumental Super Bowl III upset of the Baltimore Colts. This may be why Joe Wille's ghostly presence seems to accompany the helmet, creating the impression that his eyes are peering out through the birdcage face mask above the ash streaks on his cheeks. Because Namath was every lineman's most desired target, and often a sitting duck, no explanation is needed for the nicks, scratches and other damage that gives the helmet its character. The Riddell helmet has the Jets' logo on either side and a handwritten "12" is on either end on the underside above each ear hole. The interior padding shows good game use. The helmet comes with an additional letter of authenticity explaining why how Namath gave this helmet to oneof his lady friends.