Post by Lithfan on Jan 29, 2016 6:41:37 GMT -5
January 29, 1985
The National Football League unvelied the Hall of Fame's Class of 1985. In his 3rd year of eligibility, Joe Namath was voted in. In an ironic twist, also going into the Hall in 1985 was Pete Rozelle. The same Rozelle who 16 years earlier had suspended Namath for refusing to sell his ownership stake in the nightclub Bachelors III. Rozelle's heavy handed approach prompted Joe to temporarily retire from the game in the summer of 1969, just a few months after winning the Super Bowl. After about a month, Joe relented and met with Rozelle. Joe ultimately sold his state in the nightclub, per Rozelle's wishes, and reported to training camp several days late to prepare for the upcoming season.
16 years later, they would appear on the podium together for induction into the Hall. The 1985 HOF class was considered a superstar class. In addition to Namath and Rozelle, OJ Simpson, Roger Staubach and Frank Gatski (Center for the Cleveland Browns in the 1940s) were also inducted in 1985. Namath was the first Jet player to be inducted into the Hall.
2 years later, he would be joined by Don Maynard.
The National Football League unvelied the Hall of Fame's Class of 1985. In his 3rd year of eligibility, Joe Namath was voted in. In an ironic twist, also going into the Hall in 1985 was Pete Rozelle. The same Rozelle who 16 years earlier had suspended Namath for refusing to sell his ownership stake in the nightclub Bachelors III. Rozelle's heavy handed approach prompted Joe to temporarily retire from the game in the summer of 1969, just a few months after winning the Super Bowl. After about a month, Joe relented and met with Rozelle. Joe ultimately sold his state in the nightclub, per Rozelle's wishes, and reported to training camp several days late to prepare for the upcoming season.
16 years later, they would appear on the podium together for induction into the Hall. The 1985 HOF class was considered a superstar class. In addition to Namath and Rozelle, OJ Simpson, Roger Staubach and Frank Gatski (Center for the Cleveland Browns in the 1940s) were also inducted in 1985. Namath was the first Jet player to be inducted into the Hall.
2 years later, he would be joined by Don Maynard.
