Hall of Fame New York Jets quarterback Joe Namath didn’t miss an opportunity to eviscerate current quarterback Zach Wilson on Monday.
A moribund 15-10 loss to the New England Patriots, in which Wilson The average was a paltry 4.4 yards per attempt once again exposed his shortcomings since New York made him the second pick of the 2021 NFL Draft. Wilson, who often appeared indecisive on the field, is ranked 33rd overall in the quarterback rankings since taking over after Aaron Rodgers tore his Achilles tendon in four games this season.
Namath, who led the Jets to the 1969 Super Bowl title in their only appearance as quarterback, was quite forceful in his criticism of Wilson.
He called Wilson’s play “disgusting” and suggested the team “send him to Kansas City to play someone like him.” [Patrick] Mahomes maybe. Maybe he would learn something.”
He had just started.
“I wouldn’t keep him,” Namath told host Michael Kay on ESPN New York Radio. “I’ve seen enough of Zach Wilson, okay? I’ve seen enough.”
Namath, 80, laughed at Kay’s question about whether Wilson was “out of his depth.”
“I’m just saying I don’t believe in him,” Namath snapped. “I don’t think he has a future as a good player and I think they made the wrong choice when they signed him.”
Namath was also angry about head coach Robert Saleh’s continued support of Wilson and appeared to join general manager Joe Douglas in calling for his firing.