Limping for Life

Only eight years ago, the passing records that Tarkenton is closing in on seemed like the future property of another man. But this season Joe Namath leads the N.F.L. only in throwing interceptions--19 in his first eight games. His arm is still sound; it is the Namath knees that are all but gone. Before each game they are strapped so securely in metal braces that, Joe says, "they cut off my circulation." They also cut down his mobility. Says Miami Dolphin Linebacker Doug Swift: "You know where he's going to be all the time. He's handicapped."

Part of what is hobbling Joe is his team. As recently as last year, Namath's spot in the passing pocket was secure. No more. He has been sacked more often than any other quarterback. The Jets are also dead last in defense. Furthermore, Coach Charley Winner has made almost no moves to vary his offense or bring along a back-up quarterback. So Joe is out there Sunday after Sunday, limping for his life. "I'd like to say it can't get any worse," he says, "but I am not really sure it won't."

He is not looking for sympathy, however, and he boils at suggestions that he should retire. "It's tiresome as hell to lose, but I still enjoy the game." He has retreated from the glitter of Manhattan's night life and rents a house in a quiet neighborhood of Garden City, a Long Island suburb. "I've only been to New York City once in the past eight weeks --the traffic's too damn bad," says Namath. But not as rough as the Sunday traffic on the field.

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