SAN FRANCISCO — Jets legend Joe Namath said he is not sure if Peyton Manning is going to retire after Super Bowl 50, but if he does still want to play and the Broncos release him, Namath has an idea about where Manning could go.
“If he’s physically fit and the Broncos don’t want him, I’d give him a good look right out there in New York Jet territory,” Namath said Friday in San Francisco. “How about that? Would you take him on the Jet team if he’s healthy? There’s a few other teams out there that might take him if he’s healthy.”
Namath was doing interviews to promote Panini NFL Trading Cards and their digital trading card app. Namath does not think the Broncos will want to get rid of Manning, even though most people believe this is the final game for him with Denver, which has Brock Osweiler waiting to take over.
“They win this game, you don’t think they want him?” Namath said. “They lose this game, you don’t think they’d still want him? I think the Broncos would want him under any circumstances if he’s physically fit.”
Namath, who has been critical of the Jets in recent years, liked what he saw in 2015 from the team. He praised general manager Mike Maccagnan and coach Todd Bowles, and said he is looking forward to seeing how they improve the team this offseason after going 10-6, but missing the playoffs.
The Jets have been trying to replace Namath since 1976, when he left. The latest to try was Ryan Fitzpatrick, who had a strong season as the team’s starter.
“When it comes to Fitz, he had a great … a good season,” Namath said. “I know he would like to improve his accuracy throwing the ball. You’ve got to have two or three quarterbacks, so maybe they’re going to be in the market for another quarterback, too.”
Bowles, the first-year coach, impressed Namath with how he made the Jets a disciplined team. Namath never mentioned former coach Rex Ryan by name, but it was clear he believed Bowles had the Jets playing more disciplined than Ryan did.
“Winning 10 games is pretty damn good, especially the first year out of the box,” Namath said. “It’s the guys on the field that do the winning and they follow the leadership. They represent it on the field. A lack of discipline on the field, a lack of poise on the field, sometimes reflects the kind of coaching you’re getting. The kind of coaching the Jets are getting right now is very impressive to me.”
Namath also touched on a few non-Jets topics. He likes the enthusiasm of Panthers quarterback Cam Newton. Namath was criticized for being flashy when he played, which Newton is dealing with now.
“I learned this years ago about the New York Yankees. When I’d move around the country, there were a lot of folks who didn’t like the Yankees … Yankee haters,” Namath said. “When you win, there’s those people out there that want to see you lose. They don’t like Cam’s dancing because he’s winning. They don’t like him expressing himself that way.”
Namath also had some thoughts on Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel and his issues.
“I don’t know what he’s done. I know him,” Namath said, saying the details of the latest Manziel incident are not clear yet. “I’ve had the pleasure of meeting him and visiting with him for a short while and I like him. I think he has talent to play in the NFL. How old is he?”
Manziel is 23.
“Damn, we all make some mistakes,” Namath said. “I remember I made a mistake when I was 24. Wait a minute, it might have been more than one. I’m just pulling for him. I hope he can mature, stay healthy and continue to develop.”