January 2, Joe's Big Bucks
The day after the Orange Bowl, Joe Namath signed a Jets contract for a then pro football record amount reported to be $427,000.
January 9, Huarte Aboard
Heisman Trophy winner John Huarte of Notre Dame signed a contract worth about $200,000, adding more than $600,000 worth of QB talent to the Jets roster in a week.
January 25, Wounded Knee
Namath, 23 days after signing his contract, underwent surgery in New York's Lenox Hill Hospital to repair right knee cartilage and ligament damage.
July 28, Joe Unveiled
Namath played in his first game situation as a pro as the Jets' rookies beat the Boston Patriots' rookies in Lowell, Mass.
September 18, More Joe
After sitting for the season opener, Namath made his pro debut in the second quarter vs. Kansas City, made his first start (19-for-40, 287 yards, two TDs) in a 33-21 loss at Buffalo (Sept. 26), and got his first starting victory (10-for-25, 180 yards, two TDs) in a 30-20 win over the Patriots at Fenway Park (Nov. 14).
December 20, And Finally...
Namath was named the AFL’s Rookie of the Year after completing 164 of 340 passes for 2,220 yards, 18 TDs and 15 interceptions.
| Regular Season Record: 5-8-1 | |||||
| 09/12/65 | @ Houston | 21-27 | Stats | ||
| 09/18/65 | Kansas City | 10-14 | Stats | ||
| 09/26/65 | @ Buffalo | 21-33 | Stats | ||
| 10/03/65 | @ Denver | 13-16 | Stats | ||
| 10/16/65 | Oakland | 24-24 | Stats | ||
| 10/23/65 | San Diego | 9-34 | Stats | ||
| 10/31/65 | Denver | 45-10 | Stats | ||
| 11/07/65 | @ Kansas City | 13-10 | Stats | ||
| 11/14/65 | @ Boston | 30-20 | Stats | ||
| 11/21/65 | Houston | 41-14 | Stats | ||
| 11/28/65 | Boston | 23-27 | Stats | ||
| 12/04/65 | @ San Diego | 7-38 | Stats | ||
| 12/12/65 | @ Oakland | 14-24 | Stats | ||
| 12/19/65 | Buffalo | 14-12 | Stats | ||
