Joe Namath’s legendary No. 12 was retired nearly four decades ago, but if taking that number out of retirement meant helping the Jets get a star veteran quarterback that they haven’t had since perhaps Namath himself, then he is all for it.
Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers, two future Hall of Famers that don No. 12, could be on the move this offseason, while Jets owner Woody Johnson says he is willing to “spend big” on a quarterback if needed. So, especially in the case of Rodgers, Namath wants the Jets to get him at all costs, even if it means bringing his number back into circulation for the first time since it was retired in 1985.
“I hope it can come true but it’s farfetched,” Namath told Tiki and Tierney on Thursday. “I know Mr. Johnson is trying to get a quarterback, and if there’s a way he can get Rodgers…I’m a big Rodgers fan. I noticed he wears No. 12 of course.”
Tiki and Tierney wisely noted that Namath was supposed to be the last Jet to ever wear that number, but Namath, above all else, wants to see his former team finally on top of the football world, even if it means seeing his number worn again.
“It’s on ownership, and it’s different ownership, it’s different people,” Namath said. “I sure like Rodgers. If he’s there, yeah, I want him to wear his number. We establish ourselves and we got a real respect for our numbers. Aaron Rodgers…it would be great to have him in New York.”
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