By Kofi Outlaw

Jake Gyllenhaal (RENDITION, ZODIAC) has been tapped to play football hall-of-famer Joe Namath, in a biopic about the life of the famed New York Jets quarterback.

The film will focus on Namath’s meteoric rise from golden-armed prodigy, to Champion football player, and all-around icon for the turbulent times of the 1960’s. It will explore how Namath, a vehement non-conformist, led the New York Jets, and the entire fledgling AFL to football glory in Super Bowl III, helping to establish football as America’s TV sport du jour.

In addition to football, the film will utilize Namath’s status as a 60’s cultural icon to explore historical events such as the Alabama Civil Rights Movement (Namath was QB at the U. of Alabama at the time,) the sexual revolution (sure he enjoyed that) and the war in Vietnam. A script by writer David Hollander (THE GUARDIAN) should be completed when the current WGA strike ends.

If a Joe Namath film seems like it’s been a long time coming, it’s because the famed quarterback has been notoriously picky about having his life portrayed on screen. He has only in recently given his blessing, having read a strong script by Hollander, and approving of the athletic Gyllenhaal to handle the titular role.

Jake Gyllenhaal as Joe Namath? We’ve all seen the tabloid shots of Jakey’s iron-man cycling outings, and his wild, untamed facial hair. Should make him a pretty good choice for the role. Rant back and let us know how you would referee this call.