Often critical of his old team, Joe Namath has an unusually high opinion of fellow former New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez.
The Denver Broncos quarterback is two teams removed from his days in New York, and Namath, who has watched him closely, believes the Broncos are in good hands with "The Sanchize" under center.
"I'll tell you what, Denver has at least one quarterback that can still play, contrary to what people around here think, and that's Mark Sanchez," Namath told Newsday Sports on Tuesday. "My mind, my experience, sees a quality person and a quality player.
"I still believe he's going to be around 12 to 15 years, whether he's the starter or not. He's good for any team he's on."
Namath added that he hasn't been impressed by what's gone on between the Jets and their 2015 starter, Ryan Fitzpatrick, but thinks it was wise for Fitzpatrick to avoid competition with Sanchez in Denver.
"I don't think he can beat Sanchez out," Namath said. "He's got a younger body (than Fitzpatrick), a stronger arm, and he's a guy that has some experience."
Namath expressed his admiration for Sanchez's toughness, and his ability to endure through rough times.
Some still have a hard time shaking the image of Sanchez at his worst with the infamous butt-fumble, but, in comparison to the quarterback play the Broncos had last season, the 29-year-old won't be a drop-off.
