Joe Namath gives advice on handling the eventual Sam Darnold era

Legendary quarterback Joe Namath recently gave some advice on how the New York Jets and their fans need to handle the eventual Sam Darnold era. It’s all about the little things that lead to bigger things.

When the New York Jets drafted quarterback Sam Darnold in the 2018 NFL Draft, fans couldn’t believe that by luck, he was available for the taking with the No. 3 overall pick. Now, it’s all on the organization to not only surround him with the right coaching and training but also prepare him for the future.

Who knows when the eventual Darnold era will happen for the Jets but they must undoubtedly put him in a situation to succeed. From surrounding him with top talent to building a culture of learning and growth, patience is needed as Darnold is developed to take his career to the next level.

Of course, when it comes to veteran quarterbacks, especially those that actually won a Super Bowl, their advice is the most ideal in the grand scheme of things. Such is the case with legendary and former Jets quarterback, Joe Namath.

More from The Jet Press

Namath knows a thing about success as to date, he’s the only quarterback in Jets history that took them to a Super Bowl and did his part in winning. Not only did the Jets deliver but it was one of the biggest surprises and upsets in sports history.

Decades later, the Jets have yet to find their franchise quarterback that has delivered like Namath did back in the day but hopefully, Darnold can be everything they need and then some. But for him to reach such a reality, it’s all about the little things that lead to bigger things for everything to come together.

In an article written by Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News, here is what Namath said about what Darnold needs in order to be successful:

“It’s going to take a combination of things — communication, learning. Darnold has got to want to grow. He’s got to be strong. He’s got to be open to learning. And the experience of the full-speed-ahead is a great teacher. But it’s a double-edged sword. Is he ready? That will come to light,” Namath added. “You can’t bulls–t your teammates.

Darnold has quite the journey ahead of him but so far has said and done all the right things. It’s all about making sure he grasps and understands everything needed to ensure consistent success. From mastering the playbook, delivering on the gridiron, and most importantly, earning the respect of his teammates which will also win over the fan base.

Darnold has a great teacher in Josh McCown who will do his part in getting him ready for when his number is eventually called to lead the Jets from under center. In order to succeed, he must be a leader on and off the field since he can easily be the spark that ignites the entire organization to finally be a playoff contender again.

Must Read: The great importance of Josh McCown in 2018

Overall, Darnold has the skill-set to deliver but everything must be taken one day at a time. It’s all a process and just like Namath said, there will be good days and bad days but his strength to get through any and all obstacles will be key to his development. Most of all, making sure that he’s completely bought in on the culture being established by the leadership regime. If he believes that the Jets are rebuilding to finally field a competitive team and does his part, every single teammate around him will also be bought in and that’s when the real magic will finally start happening.

Home/Jets News