Originally published Sunday, December 16, 2007 at 12:00 AM
People in Sports | Joe Namath
Joe Namath: "Broadway Joe," 64, received his diploma Saturday from the University of Alabama, where he quarterbacked the Crimson Tide to...
Joe Namath: "Broadway Joe," 64, received his diploma Saturday from the University of Alabama, where he quarterbacked the Crimson Tide to a national championship in 1964 but left school to become one of pro football's biggest stars.
Now 42 years later, the Pro Football Hall of Famer received his diploma from Dr. Robert Olin, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, among 900 graduates at Coleman Coliseum.
Namath completed a 30-hour program over the last five years to earn a bachelor of arts degree in interdisciplinary studies.
"It was fun, but it was hard," Namath said at a Friday news conference. "I had a very difficult time getting myself to sit down and spend the time [studying]."
Known for his electric smile and shaggy hair, Namath delivered on his famous guarantee that the AFL's New York Jets would beat the NFL's heavily favored Baltimore Colts in pro football's 1969 title game — better known now as Super Bowl III.
But Namath said he always regretted not finishing his degree, particularly because of a promise to his mother.
"It was a hole in my being, an empty spot," he said, "because I did tell someone I would finish."
The Associated Press
Copyright © 2007 The Seattle Times Company
UPDATE - 02:35 PM
Cavendish wins Tour stage; Armstrong plays it safe
Auto Racing | Tony Stewart bumps his way to win
Jockipedia Web site tracks athletes
Lance Armstrong a solid 10th in Tour de France's first stage
NEW - 05:13 PM
Roger Federer beats Andy Roddick for record 15th Grand Slam

2009 fireworks time lapse
With strict parking rules enforced at this year's July 4th celebration on Wallingford Ave North, less cars and more spectators filled the streets.
Entertainment | Top Video | World | Offbeat Video | Sci-Tech
shopping

events for Sunday, Jul. 5th
- REI Summer Sale and Clearance
- Jaxx Boutik Summer Sale
- Seattle Premium Outlets July 4th Summ...
- Kibbn Storewide Summer Sale
editors' picks
More shopping guides- Plasma and LCD beware; OLED screens ready to go mainstream
- Former NFL MVP McNair killed
- Landmark Smith Tower mostly vacant
- Russell Branyan, Mariners fight off the Red Sox
- Property taxes: Appeals shoot up in King, Snohomish Counties
- Palin takes to Web for hints of political future
- Fourth of July festivals and fireworks in Seattle, the suburbs and beyond
- Palin links resignation to 'higher calling' and blasts media in Facebook posting
- The Blotter | Man pistol-whipped after argument at nightclub
- Hard times for tourist towns means good deals for travelers
- Palin resigning as Alaska governor
782 - Seattle Mariners at Boston Red Sox: 07/05 game thread
247 - Palin links resignation to 'higher calling' and blasts media in Facebook posting
160 - Hatred for the NBA runs deep, but don't take it out on the players
121 - Tukwila residents rally against light-rail noise
110 - Former NFL MVP McNair killed
110 - Property taxes: Appeals shoot up is King, Snohomish Counties
100 - Tent City on campus: UW stalls decision
87 - Anti-tax rally in Olympia attracts about 1,500
57 - Man found dead in King County Jail was on trial for rape
39
- Plasma and LCD beware; OLED screens ready to go mainstream
- Property taxes: Appeals shoot up in King, Snohomish Counties
- Merchant Marine veterans fight for recognition
- Hard times for tourist towns means good deals for travelers
- Landmark Smith Tower mostly vacant
- Close-up | Prison guards intercept carrier pigeon with a cellphone
- Pre-grill drill: marinate steaks
- Amtrak cleared for 2nd daily train to Vancouver, B.C.
- Concert Review | Green Day blasts off 4th weekend with KeyArena show
- Tent City on campus: UW stalls decision



