The way we were...Joe Namath signs with New York Jets for $400,000

MIAMI BEACH, Fla., Jan. 2 — RICHEST ROOKIE EVER??
University of Alabama star quarterback Joe Namath looks at the Standard
Players Contract held by New York Jets' head coach Weeb Ewbank in
Miami Beach, Fla. on Jan. 2, 1965. Namath, who was picked by the
AFL New York Jets in the first round of the draft, signed a
three-year contract for $427,000, a record salary. (AP Wirephoto)

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Fifty years ago today...

Miami Beach - (AP) - Brawny Joe Namath, son of a struggling Beaver Falls, Pa., steelworker, signed the contract yesterday that made him the richest rookie in the history of pro football -- and probably any other sport.

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Miami News, Jan. 3, 1965
(Click to enlarge)