Its 50 years since Super Bowl III, the game that made you a legend.
Howd you deal with the tension before the game?
We had fun in the locker room before the game.
Coach [Weeb] Ewbank didnt know whether to have the defense or offense introduced first.
Having played in a couple of bowl games, I said, Coach, introduce the seniors first.
You famously guaranteed to win that game.
Did that upset your teammates?
For 10 days, were being told by oddsmakers and the media that we did not have a chance.
The Colts were a good team, but we knew what we could do.
I was angry when I said that.
He said, Were gonna kick your ass.
I said, Wait a minute, big boy, were gonna win the game I guarantee it.
Yeah, my teammates were upset but in a humorous way.
And you won, 16-7.
Why did that game touch so many people?
There are more underdogs in the world than there are favorites.
Our win was enjoyed by so many people because they are underdogs like we were.
Were all underdogs from time to time.
You were a 60s trendsetter sports, fashion, nightlife.
Do you ever think you were recognized more for style than substance?
It is all a matter of style.
I wore white shoelaces in high school when my teammates wore black.
I taped my shoes white in college.
I was getting recognized for it because I was in New York.
But you have to catch somebodys eye with substance, not just because you are stylin.
Your TV pantyhose ad in the early 1970s broke new ground for a male sex symbol.
I got a chuckle out of it.
I thought, This is cool.
So we thought about it awhile.
We knew there would be a segment of society that wouldnt understand it, or would find it offensive.
Then I said, Wait a minute, this is terrific.
I need to go for it.
