Joe Namath’s historic knee brace returns to Hall of Fame collection

Refurbished and restored, one of the most iconic pieces in the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s collection has returned for public viewing in the Lamar Hunt Super Bowl Gallery inside the museum in Canton, Ohio.

JOE NAMATH'S knee brace, developed and patented in 1969 by Dr. Jack Castiglia at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York, is considered the first “functional” knee brace (designed to provide stability for an unstable knee joint).

Namath, who was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1985, wore the brace during the season prior to Super Bowl III. It is displayed with other items commemorating the Jets’ 16-7 upset victory over the Baltimore Colts in that championship game.

“It’s so satisfying to see another Ohio History Fund grant used effectively for the benefit of Ohioans,” said Megan Wood, executive director and CEO of the Ohio History Connection. “Since 2012, we have given more than $1.4 million in grants that are funded by people's donations, including parts of state income-tax refunds.

“This result — Joe Namath’s historic knee brace once again being on display at the Pro Football Hall of Fame – is what it’s all about.”

Ohio History Connection presented the Hall with the grant for $3,552 earlier this year, when the brace was removed from display to undergo its restoration. No direct state funding was involved.

The months-long project involved a seven-step process that included the use of Japanese paper and an acrylic emulsion to repair deteriorating pieces of synthetic material on the brace.

The Joe Namath knee brace conservation project was funded in part by the Ohio History Fund, a grant program of the Ohio History Connection. Donations to the Ohio History Fund make this program possible For more information, go to www.ohiohistory.org/historyfund.

“Thank you to the Ohio History Connection for awarding the Hall of Fame the generous grant and to ICA Art Conservation for the detailed and skilled work to bring this unique and historic artifact back to life,” said Jon Kendle, Vice President of Museum & Archives at the Hall. “The Pro Football Hall of Fame is thrilled to proudly display Joe Namath’s knee brace for the public to enjoy once again.”



 

The Namath knee brace is back on display in the Lamar Hunt Super Bowl Gallery within the Hall of Fame. This specifically designed knee brace was for Hall of Famer @RealJoeNamath after his historic Super Bowl season.

The conservation treatment for Joe Namath’s knee brace is… pic.twitter.com/HcklJx1kpN

— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) November 1, 2024