Barber Motorsports Park and ZOOM Motorsports announced that former University of Alabama quarterback and Pro Football Hall of Famer Joe Namath will be the grand marshal for the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama on April 27.

Namath played from 1962-64 for legendary coach Paul “Bear” Bryant at the University of Alabama, where he led the team to a national championship in 1964.  He went on to play for the New York Jets, leading the team to a win over the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III, among many other division championships. He finished his career playing for the Los Angeles Rams.

Nicknamed “Broadway Joe” and “Joe Willie,” he was inducted into the Professional Football Hall of Fame in 1985.

“We are honored to have another well-respected athlete as our grand marshal,” said Gene Hallman, President of ZOOM Motorsports. “His presence will add to the fun-filled weekend, and what a great opportunity for fans to get up-close with a true legend.”

Namath’s participation in the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama will benefit the Arthritis Foundation of Alabama.  Details of fundraising efforts surrounding the race weekend will be announced at a later date.

“I am excited to be a part of this world-class event,” Namath said.  “I’m really looking forward to meeting the fans at the race, and finally seeing this motorsports park that I have heard so much about.”

Tickets for the fifth Verizon IndyCar Series race at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Ala., start at $15. Children 12 and under are admitted free with a ticketed adult, courtesy of Alabama Power. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.barbermotorsports.com.