New York Jets

History of the New York Jets, one of the NFL’s most colourful and unpredictable franchises:

 

✈️ Founding and Early Days (1960–1967)

  • The Jets were founded in 1960 as a charter member of the American Football League (AFL), originally called the New York Titans.

  • They played at the old Polo Grounds and struggled financially and on the field.

  • In 1963, a group led by Sonny Werblin bought the team, rebranded them the Jets, and moved them to Shea Stadium in Queens.

  • The name “Jets” was chosen to reflect modern air travel, their proximity to LaGuardia Airport, and New York’s fast-paced image.

🏆 Joe Namath Era & Super Bowl III (1965–1976)

  • In 1965, the Jets signed Alabama QB Joe Namath to a then-record $427,000 contract, instantly giving the team star power.

  • Namath’s swagger and passing ability made the Jets contenders.

  • 1968 Season: The Jets went 11–3 and won the AFL Championship.

  • Super Bowl III (January 12, 1969): The Jets upset the heavily favoured Baltimore Colts 16–7. Namath famously “guaranteed” victory days earlier—one of the most iconic moments in NFL history.

  • This win gave the AFL credibility and helped solidify the AFL–NFL merger in 1970.

  • After 1969, the Jets declined, with injuries and poor roster moves hurting their chances.

📉 Years of Struggles and Near Misses (1970s–1990s)

  • Through much of the 1970s, the Jets were mediocre, and Namath left the team in 1977.

  • The 1981 Jets, led by QB Richard Todd and the famed defensive line known as the “New York Sack Exchange” (Mark Gastineau, Joe Klecko, Marty Lyons, Abdul Salaam), made the playoffs.

  • In 1982, they reached the AFC Championship Game, losing to Miami in the infamous “Mud Bowl.”

  • The team yo-yoed through the 1980s with playoff appearances but no breakthrough.

  • In the 1990s, the Jets struggled mightily, including a 1–15 season in 1996, one of the worst in franchise history.

🟢 Bill Parcells, Herman Edwards & Rex Ryan Eras (1997–2010)

  • In 1997, legendary coach Bill Parcells took over, quickly making the Jets competitive.

  • 1998 Season: Behind QB Vinny Testaverde and WR Keyshawn Johnson, the Jets went 12–4, won the AFC East, and reached the AFC Championship Game, losing to the Denver Broncos.

  • Under coach Herman Edwards (2001–2005), the Jets had several playoff runs, highlighted by the 2002 AFC East title and a Wild Card blowout win over the Colts.

  • The Eric Mangini era (2006–2008) was short, but in 2008 the team made headlines signing QB Brett Favre.

  • Rex Ryan (2009–2014) brought swagger back, emphasising defence and a brash personality.

    • With rookie QB Mark Sanchez, the Jets reached back-to-back AFC Championship Games (2009, 2010), beating the Patriots in a huge upset in the 2010 playoffs before falling to Pittsburgh.

  • This was the last sustained period of success for the Jets.

⚠️ The Long Playoff Drought (2011–Present)

  • Since 2011, the Jets have endured one of the NFL’s longest playoff droughts (they last appeared in the postseason in the 2010 season).

  • A revolving door of QBs (Geno Smith, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Sam Darnold, Zach Wilson) and coaches plagued the team.

  • Highlights were few:

    • 2015: Ryan Fitzpatrick led the Jets to a 10–6 record, but they narrowly missed the playoffs.

    • The defence occasionally had bright spots with stars like Darrelle Revis (“Revis Island”), Muhammad Wilkerson, and later Quinnen Williams.

  • In 2023, the Jets made a blockbuster trade for future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers, hoping to end the drought.

  • Rodgers tore his Achilles just four snaps into the season, crushing playoff hopes, though the team’s elite defence (led by CB Sauce Gardner) kept them competitive.

  • Rodgers returned in 2024, but injuries and offensive struggles persisted. As of 2025, the Jets are still chasing that elusive playoff return.

✅ Quick Facts

  • Founded: 1960 (as New York Titans)

  • Super Bowls: 1 win (Super Bowl III, 1969)

  • AFL Championships: 1 (1968)

  • Stadiums: Polo Grounds → Shea Stadium → Giants Stadium → MetLife Stadium (current, shared with Giants)

  • Notable Legends: Joe Namath, Don Maynard, Curtis Martin, Darrelle Revis, Kevin Mawae, Mark Gastineau

 

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