BY The Cincinnati Enquirer
OXFORD - Former players and assistant coaches of Wilbur Charles "Weeb" Ewbank are expected at his funeral today in this college town where he formerly played quarterback, coached football and basketball, and captained the Miami University baseball team. Former NFL head coach Chuck Knox and Hall of Fame player Art Donovan are among those who plan to attend, Lucy Ewbank, the coach's widow, said Friday.
Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Namath indicated he wanted to attend, but might have to stay home with his children today, Lucy Ewbank said. "He was trying to find a sitter. I'm not expecting him," she said.
Namath was Ewbank's quarterback when the New York Jets upset Baltimore 16-7 in the third Super Bowl, giving the AFL its first title over the more-established NFL.
Ewbank, 91, died Tuesday at his home. The Hall of Famer had been hospitalized briefly a year ago with a heart problem.
Other former players were also expected at the funeral. Jets owner Leon Hess offered the use of his plane for Jets players to fly in. "I'm sort of dreading it, having to face all those people," Lucy Ewbank said. "They want to pay their respects. I understand that."
The funeral service is at Oxford Presbyterian Church, with burial at Oxford Cemetery.
