They both want to smile no matter what."Įarl Christy of Perryman, Md., was an underdog. "They both want to be the driving force in the room. "They have a kindred spirit," said Christy's wife, Belinda Womack, a longtime Tampa Bay gospel/jazz singer. He's been an inspiration for everyone that I know. When Earl was a rookie, he connected with everyone. "On our football team, we were in it together," Namath said. New York was led by a dashing, flashing quarterback in white shoes: "Broadway" Joe Namath, who famously guaranteed the win. Fifty years ago Saturday, in Miami's Orange Bowl, Christy, a kickoff and punt return specialist, was a member of the underdog New York Jets of the American Football League that pulled off one of the great upsets in sports history, beating the heavily favored NFL Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III. His mind drifted sometimes.Įarl is feeling it. He was always delightful, chirping about his internet sports show or the Lord or his days in New York. He'd hand me his business card, which was actually his New York Jets football card. Over the years, I'd seen the ebullient Christy in the press box at Bucs games. "I can still go, man!" the 75-year-old retired school teacher and former NFL player said as he ran an awkward down-and-out and hauled in the football in his condominium parking lot. TARPON SPRINGS - Earl Christy said throw it.
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