44 Years Ago Today...

[Golden Rott]

The Jets open up their 1971 pre-season schedule with an exhibition game against the Lions in Tampa Stadium. The Lions won the game 28-24, but far more significant than the score was the knee injury suffered by Joe Namath. Reserve running back Lee White took a handoff from Joe. He was hit and fumbled the ball. Namath tried to make the tackle after Lions LB Mike Lucci recovered the fumble. He got hit by another defender and tore up his knee. Namath would return for the last 4 games of the 71 season and go 2-2. The Jets would finish with a 6-8 record.



The following week the Jets played the Chiefs on Monday Night Football. The Youtube clip above is the opening of that telecast. It opens up with the clip of the play where Namath got injured and finishes up with an interview of Namath by the great Howard Cosell. This also represents Frank Gifford's MNF debut. Bad memory, but a great video. Enjoy!!

 

[NewMFS62]

I thought the game was against the L.A. Rams.
Anyhow - Just before that happened, my wife walked into the room and asked "What's the score?"
That was the first of many times her mere presence in the room has led to something bad happening to the Jets. Now when I hear her coming, I switch the station before she enters the room.
But, who's superstitious?
BTW- White played his college ball at Weber State. To this day, I root for them to lose every game in humiliating fashion.
Later

 

[sg3]

Thanks for bringing that up Rott

I remember walking downstairs ashen faced and my family asking whether I needed to go to the emergency room.

Bad when your season ends in August.

 

[Elias]

I love these throwback posts. This is definitely a sad moment though

 

[Jetsfanatic]

I remember that night all to well! Namath was nuts trying to make the tackle off a fumble in a pre-season game! I still remember the numbness I felt when the announcer said..."Joe Namath is out for the season." Actually he returned late November and almost pulled a huge upset against a playoff bound 49er team.

 

[Bronx]

And Gifford passes away a day after you posted this, Wow

 

[Namath12]

I remember it all too well. We all look forward to the season so much. Then your season can be over before it starts. Not exactly the same situation, but I remember feeling the same way when Vinny went down.

It's the worst aspect of being a football fan.