Want to live a long and healthy life? NFL Hall of Famer Joe Namath has some wise advice.
Joe Namath was a winner throughout his football career. In high school, he won a Class AA state championship in Pennsylvania, followed by a college national championship in 1964 at Alabama. Then, in 1969, Broadway Joe led the New York Jets to a monumental upset victory over the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III and was named the game’s MVP. Today, Joe is still winning—at the game of life. This past May, Joe celebrated his 80th birthday, but he is not about to let his age slow him down. He is physically active and deeply involved in the Joe Namath Foundation, which benefits children’s charities and neurological research. So how does he do it? What’s the secret to a long and healthy life? My Hometown Health recently spoke to Joe, who shared the helpful advice he has gathered from many people over the years about how to live a longer and healthier life.
Joe, let’s start with the basics. What do you do for exercise?
I try to get at least 20 minutes of aerobic exercise four or five days a week—usually swimming or working out on my NordicTrack Ski Glide—anything that raises the heartbeat above normal. I don’t do any jogging or running to avoid stress on my knees. I’ve had problems with my knees since I tore the ligaments in my right knee in college. But I’ve been lucky to have great doctors take care of me. Dr. Jim Nicklaus performed four knee operation on me during my career with the Jets. He was a pioneer in treating athletic injuries and was the team physician for the three New York City sports teams—the Jets, Knicks and Rangers. Eventually, I had both of my knees replaced in 1992 during a single operation. More than 30 years later, they are still working for me. I’ve had both of my hips replaced as well as my right shoulder just recently.
What about your diet?
I stay away from wheat and steak. Every now and then, I enjoy a hamburger, but for me, a good healthy meal is a serving of fish, like salmon, and lots of vegetables.
You also practice meditation. Is that correct?
Yes. I was introduced to transcendental meditation (TM) in the early 1970s by Bob Oates, Jr. He also helped me write the book A Matter of Style. He introduced himself to me during a practice at Shea Stadium and said that he thought TM would help my game. And it did. I also got help from Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, who worked with the Beatles and helped bring transcendental meditation to America. Every day, I set aside time to simply sit quietly and repeat a mantra, not a word but a sound. For me, TM brings deep rest to my body and clarity of thought to my mind.
You also take power naps. Tell us about that.
Well, I learned about that from Bob Hope. We were working together on a television special and Mr. Hope was supposed to be on stage but wasn’t there. I asked where he was, and someone said, “Oh, he’s taking his power nap.” Whenever I feel tired, which is most days, I take a power nap, no more than 20 minutes.
What other healthy habits have you picked up over the years?
Well, I am a big believer in drinking lots of water and keeping the body hydrated. Also, I end each shower with cold water. I learned that from Dave Herman. He was our starting right guard on the Super Bowl team. He was a big guy from Ohio who played for Michigan State. One time, in the showers, Dave just started growling so loudly that I had to ask him what he was doing. He said he was ending his shower with cold water. I tried it and have been doing it ever since. It’s not only invigorating it also increases circulation and reduces inflammation.
Any final thoughts?
When I was taking acting lessons, I learned something important from my teacher. He said that an actor needs to see his or her body as an instrument, a tool that is used to communicate a message to the audience. That thought stuck with me. Your body is an instrument that has been given to you, so it is your responsibility to take care of it.
That’s what I try to do every day.