This day in NY sports history: Sept. 26, 1965

THIS DAY IN NY SPORTS HISTORY

Sunday, Sept. 26, 1965

Namath makes first start for Jets

After relieving an ineffective Mike Taliaferro in the second half the previous week, Joe Namath made his first regular season start as quarterback for the Jets in a 33-21 loss to Buffalo at War Memorial Stadium. Namath, who elected to sign with the Jets for a then record $427,000 over three years after they selected him first overall in the AFL draft despite also being drafted 12th overall by St. Louis in the NFL draft, completed 19 of 40 passes for 287 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. The 22-year-old found Bill Mathis for a 3-yard touchdown to cut the Bills lead to 13-10 in the second quarter and later found Dee Mackey for a 9-yard pass to bring the Jets to within 26-18 in the fourth. Although the Jets dropped to 0-3 and would finish the season 5-8-1, Namath went on to win the AFL Rookie of the Year award - throwing for 2,220 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions - and was named to the AFL All-Star team.