James Mangold May Direct Biopic on New York Jets QB Joe Namath

The National Football League has more than its share of larger-than-life athletes, but only one was known as "Broadway Joe". Legendary New York Jets quarterback Joe Namath was one of the league's original superstars, and now James Mangold may be bringing his story to the big screen.

Mangold is in talks to direct a biopic on the Hall of Fame QB, and if he agrees it would reunite him with his 3:10 to Yuma screenwriters. Born in Beaver Falls, PA, Namath would go on to play college ball at the University of Alabama under Paul "Bear" Bryant before being drafted by both the St. Louis Cardinals and New York Jets in 1965. He chose to play for the latter, spending the majority of his career with the Jets and becoming notorious for his glitzy sideline outfits and womanizing persona.

This wouldn't be Mangold's first shot at a film on Joe Namath as he was attached to another biopic some years ago that had Jake Gyllenhaal in the lead role. 

When Mangold plans to fit this into his schedule is unclear. He could conceivably fit it in before The Wolverine sequel shoots in 2016.  [THR]