New York Jets legend Joe Namath, who questioned the severity of Geno Smith's knee injury with an in-game tweet on Sunday, offered a mea culpa on Tuesday.
Namath's apology came one day after it was revealed Smith' injury is a season-ending ACL tear.
"My bad Geno," the Hall of Fame quarterback tweeted. "In the dark ages we players had the say. I hope you heal and play as long as you choose! Joe."
Smith, in his first start since Week 17 of the 2014 season, lasted only 24 plays. His right knee was bent awkwardly on a second-quarter sack by Baltimore Ravens linebacker Matt Judon.
Smith, replaced by Ryan Fitzpatrick, watched the second half on the sideline in street clothes. That didn't sit well with Namath, who evidently felt Smith could've been playing.
"If you've got a right knee injury keeping you out of the game why are you standing on the sideline the entire 2nd half? How bad can it be," tweeted Namath, whose career was hampered by multiple knee surgeries.
After the game, Smith told reporters he was "begging" to return, but he didn't receive clearance from the medical staff, which determined it was a potentially significant injury.
On Monday, an MRI revealed the tear. Smith, 26, is visiting Dr. James Andrews on Tuesday for a second opinion, but the team doesn't expect a different result.
On Sunday night, Smith took the high road, tweeting back at Namath, "Somebody tell Joe that the doctors have the final say on whether you can or cannot get back into the game...... and also that I love him!"