Old-School Comparison Column: Joe Namath or Jim Kelly: Who's the Best?

This 'Old-School' Comparison Column looks at the very distinct careers of two Hall of Fame quarterbacks - Joe Namath and Jim Kelly - who each, left their indelible impressions on the annals of NFL history in two very different fashions.

While Namath was the ballyhooed "Broadway Joe," known as much for his off-field exploits as his on-field performance, Jim Kelly will likely be remembered as the gun-slinging master of the hurry-up offense who led the Buffalo Bills to four consecutive Super Bowl appearances.
Here is a look at each quarterback, followed by my analysis and selection on which player I believe was the better of the two. So without further adieu, let's get busy.

Joe Namath

While I only caught the final five seasons of "Broadway" Joe Namath's professional career, there is no denying the Hall of Fame quarterback's impact on the game, no matter how brief.

While Namath is remembered as much for his good looks, charming ways and off-field lifestyle, the former No. 1 draft pick also had plenty of moxie and courage on the field to go along with his big arm.

Namath, you may have heard, led the New York Jets to one of the most memorable performances in league history by guiding the Jets to a stunning 16-7 upset victory over the powerful Baltimore Colts in 1968 in Super Bowl III.

Namath also became the first quarterback to throw for 4,00 yards in a single season, accomplishing the feat in 1967 before winning the 1968 AFL Player of the Year award along with a unanimous All-Pro selection and MVP honors in Super Bowl III.

Namath's pre-game "guarantee" of victory remains one of the most memorable in sporting history. Unfortunately, Namath was plagued with knee injuries throughout the majority of his career though he still managed to throw for 27,663 yards and 173 touchdowns in 12 seasons with the Jets and one with the Los Angeles Rams.

Namath was an all-pro four times in his career, (1967, 1968, 1969, and 1972) and was named to the all-time AFL honor team in 1969. He was also elected to four AFL all-star games and one AFC-NFC Pro Bowl.