What commercials does Joe Namath do?
A look at “Broadway Joe” and his advertising legacy
(By Carmichael Phillip)
Joe Namath, famously known as “Broadway Joe,” has had a substantial presence in the commercial world—stretching from bold campaigns in the 1970s to modern-day endorsements aimed at senior health. Let’s explore the highlights of his advertising journey, supported by examples, quotes, and video insights.
Beautymist Pantyhose (1974): A Trailblazing Moment
In 1974, Namath starred in a groundbreaking Hanes Beautymist pantyhose commercial. The ad opens with a slow reveal of silky legs—turns out, they belong to the star quarterback himself. The voiceover suggests Beautymist “can make any legs look like a million dollars,” and Namath quips:
“Now, I don’t wear pantyhose… but if Beautymist can make my legs look good, imagine what they’ll do for yours.”
Namath embraced the humor, even shaving his legs—joking that he “did it all the time before taping his ankles and knees for football.”
This iconic moment marked a bold crossover of a football icon into a product category dominated by female consumers. It resonated deeply—even inspiring bodybuilders like Arnold Schwarzenegger—and remains the most frequently recalled commercial in Namath’s career.
Noxzema Shaving Cream with Farrah Fawcett (1973 Super Bowl)
One of Namath’s earliest big-screen pairings came during Super Bowl VII in 1973. He appeared in a cheeky Noxzema shaving cream ad alongside Farrah Fawcett. Cited by Time magazine as one of the most memorable Super Bowl spots of the era, the ad featured Fawcett singing to Namath as she applied shaving cream to his face.
The playful, flirtatious tone made it one of the first blend-of-sex and humor ads during the Big Game, and solidified Namath’s status as a crossover celebrity.
Ovaltine & Brut Cologne (1970s–80s)
Beyond pantyhose and shaving cream, Namath also fronted commercials for Ovaltine milk flavoring and Brut cologne. A preserved clip on YouTube shows him pitching Ovaltine in a friendly, neighborly tone—a performance that connects to his larger-than-life persona.
These appearances underlined his versatility and propelled him into mainstream commercial culture, alongside late-night TV appearances and stage gigs.
Brut Tie‑in (Pop Culture)
While not as heavily reported, Joe Namath also featured in Brut ads, reinforcing his association with relatable, groomed masculinity. These roles added to his charm and market appeal during the era.
Medicare Coverage Helpline & Medicare Advantage (Since 2018)
Fast-forward to 2018, Namath became the face of Medicare Coverage Helpline and Medicare Advantage ads—broadcast widely during open enrollment from October to December. These spots often emphasize your entitlement to additional benefits like dental, vision, or hearing.
According to iSpot.tv, in a recent 30-day period, his spots had over 220,000 airings, covering messages such as “Check your zip code,” “New benefits: home delivered meals,” “Eliminate co‑pays,” and “Upgrade your benefits.”
A recent YouTube upload titled Joe Namath Medicare Commercial highlights him urging seniors to explore their full Medicare options.
However, the company producing these ads—now Blue Lantern Health—has faced scrutiny. A February 2024 analysis flagged concerns over aggressive marketing tactics, misleading senior consumers, and regulatory violations. Namath’s frequent presence in these spots—running thousands of times—is symbolic of the deep reach of Medicare Advantage advertising.
The American Prospect
Brut and Other Lifestyle Ads
Though video archives are limited, Namath’s image has extended to lifestyle brands including Brut cologne. His swagger and public persona reinforced the brand personality. Though not always headline-grabbing, these ads added to his broad endorsement portfolio.
Reddit Reactions & Public Opinion
Public commentary spans admiration to weariness. On Reddit’s CommercialsIHate subreddit, users shared:
“Joe Namath has now gone from medicare to hearing aids”
and
“At his age with all his money he should find better things to do…”
But another user paid homage to his early fame:
“And it all started with a pantyhose commercial, 1974.”
These voices reflect nostalgia for his iconic spots and fatigue from overexposed senior-health messaging.
Why Namath’s Ads Resonate
Namath’s commercial success is rooted in his unique personal brand:
Cultural crossover: Football, Broadway, cologne—he represented both athleticism and flamboyance.
Wikipedia
Bold choices: From pantyhose to Medicare, he’s unafraid to stray from safe options.
Trust and recognition: His Super Bowl legacy gives credibility, especially in the Medicare-age demographic.
Video Examples of His Most Memorable Spots
Beautymist Pantyhose (1974) – Viral for its humor and shock value on YouTube.
Noxzema – Super Bowl 1973 – Pairing him with Farrah Fawcett, immortalized as a period piece..
Medicare Advantage Spot – Features him advising, “You’re entitled to extra benefits,” on YouTube.
How Much He Earns & Why He Keeps Doing It
While Namath’s overall wealth is around $25 million, he continues to appear in commercials—likely due to both financial motives and the desire to stay visible. A forum discussion suggests he’s paid handsomely—even for Medicare ads—though exact numbers aren’t disclosed.
As one Reddit user put it:
“He’s being doing sponsorships ever since his football days, so I guess that’s just his job.”
Reddit
The Full Commercial Roster
Product/Brand Year(s) Notable Feature
Noxzema Shaving Cream 1973 Super Bowl spot with Farrah Fawcett
Beautymist Pantyhose (Hanes) 1974 Broadway Joe in stockings; iconic, widely remembered
Ovaltine Milk Flavoring 1970s–80s Neighborhood-infused trust appeal
Brut Cologne 1970s Lifestyle branding, reinforcing his public image
Medicare Coverage Helpline / Advantage 2018–present Repeated seasonal campaigns targeting seniors
MDHearingAid Recent Often paired in same campaign lineup as Medicare spots
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Namath’s endorsement trajectory paralleled his career long after retiring from football. His early ads shaped athlete-as-celebrity precedent. The pantyhose commercial proved powerful enough to influence cultures and sports gear choices, even reportedly inspiring Jets players to wear stockings under uniforms.
More recently, his Medicare campaigns showcase how celebrity trust is leveraged in senior marketing. That said, critics point to ethical issues when vulnerable demographics are targeted.
The American Prospect
Final Thoughts
From bold 1970s crossovers with Hanes and Noxzema to health-focused campaigns today, Joe Namath has crafted an enduring commercial legacy. Whether in pantyhose, aloe shaving cream, flavored milk, or Medicare plans, his charm and credibility remain central. His ads reflect both an evolving personal brand and changing consumer landscapes—from mass-market surprise to niche eldercare trust.
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