Watch: Rare 1975 Crossover of NFL Legend Joe Namath in Action With Now-Deceased Soccer Icon Pele

Joe Namath and Pele are two of the greatest athletes in American football and soccer, respectively. The NFL and soccer fans considered both of them to be the most technically gifted players in their sport. However, there was a time when both the sports legends actually met each other. We roll back to 1975 when Pele made a surprise move to play soccer in America, a year prior to that.

While living in America, the Brazilian started to take a liking to American football.

The legendary crossover of an NFL legend and a soccer icon!

Namath and Pele were shooting for an ad commercial in Hempstead, New York. Coincidently, both legends were present in New York for those few years. Namath spent the majority of his career playing for the New York Jets, while Pele was playing for New York Cosmos, a soccer club.

Pele had developed a keen interest in the NFL after moving to America. Fast-food chain service, Subway, decided immediately grabbed the opportunity to bring the Brazilian legend on board along with NFL legend, Joe Namath.

Subway termed Pele as their first global ambassador and the latest ‘Famous fan’ for that period.

It was a delightful moment for every sports fan in America to watch both the legends share the same pitch. Later on, the Brazilian soccer legend revealed that the New York Giants did try to offer him a contract.

Whilst in conversation with Page Six, Pele said, “I still remember once, Joe Namath asked me if I have ever thought of kicking field goals in the NFL. My answer to him is that I cannot score any goals with a helmet on”.

Pele spent three years of the latter part of his soccer-playing career in the US. The Brazilian had surprised his fanbase after coming out of retirement and making a controversial move to America.

Pele made America start loving soccer!

Just before his first game in America, a journalist openly asked Pele why he had decided to come to America. The Brazilian soccer star revealed that he was in the US to help the sport grow.

Read More: “Founding Fathers of Sports”: Michael Jordan, Muhammad Ali, Pele in Unearthed Picture With Legends Melts Twitter After Sad Demise of Brazilian Soccer Icon

Pele clarified that winning a championship was not his first priority in America. However, the soccer legend ended up winning the title during his last season in America.

During his last game, the mood in the stadium was quite emotional. The newly established American soccer fans weren’t ready to let the Brazilian go. Pele’s final goal of his career was a screamer from 30 yards out. During the last few moments, it began to rain. The fans will never forget a Brazilian newspaper’s headline the next day that quoted, “Even The Sky Was Crying”.

Watch this story: “Goodbye to the Eternal King Pele”: Usain Bolt Joins David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Soccer World in Mourning the Saddening Loss of GOAT Pele

What do you think about this legendary crossover between Joe Namath and Pele? Let us know in the comments below.