The Associated Press

NEW YORK - Joe Namath knows exactly what Chad Pennington is going through.

When he was the New York Jets' quarterback in 1970, Namath broke his right wrist against the Baltimore Colts and missed the rest of the season. It was the first time Namath ever missed time in the regular-season because of an injury.

The following year, he injured his left knee in the first exhibition game trying to make a tackle on a fumble return and did not return until late November.

Pennington broke and dislocated his left wrist in a preseason game last week and is out 12 weeks. Namath said he has left messages for Pennington, who had an outstanding year in his first season as a starter in 2002.

"It's tough, you're out there trying to help out but you know you're not doing that much," Namath said at the Jets' annual kickoff luncheon in New York City. "You'd like to contribute more to the team. You almost get hesitant at times to suggest things because you're not really taking part in the action, and you have to overcome that.

"It gets awful long. You have to find productive things to do. It's very frustrating."

Namath guaranteed victory in Super Bowl III, then quarterbacked the Jets to their 16-7 upset win over the Colts in 1969. He is the most recognizable Jets player ever and recently became an ambassador for the organization's 40th anniversary campaign.

He also is confident in 39-year-old Vinny Testaverde, who is now the starter. Testaverde is entering his 17th season in the league.

"I believe he's got a lot left," Namath said. "People talk about his age. Come on, man. Times have changed, the athletes have changed. His ability is still there. I'm just excited for Vinny now."

Asked whether he had any advice for Testaverde, Namath said, "I don't think we have to tell Vinny anything other than we're pulling for him."

During the luncheon, Jets coach Herman Edwards addressed the crowd and said there is no cause for concern with Pennington out.

"One thing I can say about this football team: we handle inconvenience pretty well," Edwards said. "We've done it before and we'll do it again."

The Jets signed Jamie Martin on Tuesday to bolster their depth at the position. Rookie Brooks Bollinger is the backup going into the season opener against Washington Sept. 4, but that could change depending on how quickly Martin learns the offense.

Martin has started studying the offense and will not play against Philadelphia Thursday.

"I'm not sure how I'm going to help yet," Martin said. "I'm going to come in and learn as quickly as I can."

The Jets attended the luncheon before boarding buses to Philadelphia. All proceeds of the luncheon will go to the Alliance for Lupus Research. Team owner Woody Johnson became involved in fund-raising because a family member was diagnosed with the disease six years ago.

Johnson said he had spoken with Pennington and expects the Jets to be just fine without him.

"Vinny's fabulous," Johnson said. "Vinny helped us win last year and he'll help us win this year."

VIKINGS: An Eden Prairie police officer was fired Wednesday for allegedly obtaining credit cards in the name of Minnesota Vikings running back Michael Bennett and stealing game tickets.

Department spokeswoman Stephanie Grant said an internal investigation confirmed allegations of "misconduct relating to theft and fraud" against the officer, Brent Griffith.

Griffith, 37, who also worked part-time as a security guard for the Vikings, was charged Tuesday with financial transaction card fraud and theft over $500 for allegedly stealing nearly $1,500 worth of game tickets from a team official.

Hennepin County Attorney Amy Klobuchar said more charges were possible.

According to the criminal complaint, Griffith admitted to a detective that he applied for credit cards in Bennett's name. He said he knew it was against the law, but did it to pay his expenses.

Earlier this month, Bennett reported receiving letters from three credit card companies that opened accounts in his name. Bennett said his correct name and Social Security number were used, but the wrong maiden name of his mother was given.

Bennett said he received bills totaling $117.80 from four convenience stores.

Police said personal information about several players, including credit card applications, a medical bill, a 1099 tax form and court papers were found in Griffith's work locker.

A search of the officer's home turned up 18 season tickets that had been taken from the apartment of Vikings assistant equipment manager Aaron Neumann, police said.

49ERS: San Francisco claimed defensive tackle Charles Hill off waivers from Houston Wednesday. The Texans waived Hill, their third-round draft choice last year.

The team also waived receiver Fred Coleman.

COLTS: Indianapolis waived free agent wide receiver Roy Williams Wednesday.

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