Dave Herman, who helped protect Joe Namath in the Jets’ historic Super Bowl III win, died Wednesday at 81.
For most of his 10-season career, Herman played at right guard but head coach Weeb Ewbank shifted the offensive line around in the 1968 postseason, including moving Herman to right tackle.
Following the Jets 27-23 win over the Raiders in the AFL title game, Herman was tasked with Bubba Smith, the Colts star defensive end. The Jets, 18-point underdogs, defeated the Colts 16-7.
Herman was selected by the Jets in the 1963 draft out of Michigan State and made his debut in 1964.
His job became even more vital in 1965 as New York picked Namath, the star quarterback from Alabama who would become the face of the AFL.
One of the best linemen in the game, Herman was named to the All-AFL teams from 1967-69 and was an AFL All-Star from 1968-69.
The Post would later include him on its list of 100 greatest Jets and Giants of all-time.
He played all 10 of his seasons with the Jets. For several years following his retirement, he announced Jets games on WOR radio with Marty Glickman.
Herman was diagnosed with CTE in 2014. He is survived by his wife, Roma, four children, four siblings and five grandchildren.
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