Jets legend Joe Namath is reconsidering his recent criticism of the team’s current quarterback.
Namath had described Zach Wilson’s performances against the Cowboys and Patriots as “awful” and “disgusting,” but he walked back those descriptions during a Monday appearance on “The Michael Kay Show.”
Wilson, the No. 2 pick in the 2021 NFL draft, played arguably the best game of his career Sunday night in a narrow loss to the Chiefs. And Namath noticed.
Indeed, the Super Bowl III MVP described his previous comments as a product of frustration.
“I said it. I take it back. I hope he stays for 10 years,” said Namath. “As a fan, you get really frustrated. I didn’t think for a minute they were going to get rid of him. Of course, they’re gonna stick with him. And he’s going to improve. Hopefully he’ll keep improving, and hopefully we’ll start winning games.”
Wilson, despite committing a costly fourth-quarter fumble, was poised and accurate in the pocket, completing 28 of 39 passes for 245 yards and two touchdowns without an interception.
It seems like @RealJoeNamath has changed his mind on #Jets QB Zach Wilson, ‘yeah that was a PO’d fan [on his criticism & wanting him traded], I’ll tell you that, I take it back I hope he stays for 10 years’ 🤣 🎥 @YESNetwork #TakeFlight @TMKSESPN @ESPNNY98_7FM pic.twitter.com/gU9dyMD8be
— Paul Andrew Esden Jr (@BoyGreen25) October 2, 2023
“He played well. He played pretty darn good, and that’s what we want to see,” added Namath. “Believe me, I am a Jet fan. I want us to do well. I get fed up when something goes wrong, of course. And I’m tired of losing.”
Namath, who suggested the club should trade the struggling third-year pro last week, received pushback from Jets star wideout Garrett Wilson among others within the organization.
Just seven days later, the most prominent player in franchise history is looking forward to seeing Wilson build upon the momentum he generated Sunday night. The Jets play the Broncos in Denver on Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET.
