New York Jets legend Joe Namath has described his current relationship with the franchise as "uncomfortable".

Namath spent 11 years with the Jets between 1965 and 1976 and is widely regarded as their greatest ever player.

However, the 70-year-old believes that his forthright views on the current state of the franchise have lead to an uneasy feeling between himself, owner Woody Johnson and coach Rex Ryan.

"Expressing myself and giving my opinions. None of us when we're in position to be critiqued, if it's not good, we don't like to hear it," Namath told The Rich Eisen Podcast.

"And I know it's been uncomfortable for the Jets, Mr. Johnson, Rex or whatever. It's uncomfortable for me. It has been for me since I've been around and noticed a subtle change in our relationships."

Namath's number 12 jersey has been retired by the Jets and the 1969 Super Bowl winner and MVP was also inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1985.