Table of Contents

New York Jets

Founded in 1960

The team was originally named the New York Titans before rebranding as the Jets in 1963.1)

Original League

They were one of the eight original teams of the American Football League (AFL).2)

Iconic Name Change

The name “Jets” was chosen to signify the modern era and because the team played near LaGuardia Airport.3)

First Championship

The Jets won their only Super Bowl (Super Bowl III) on January 12, 1969.4)

Joe Namath

Quarterback Joe Namath famously guaranteed the Jets' Super Bowl III victory against the heavily favored Baltimore Colts—and delivered.5)

First AFL Title

The Jets won their only AFL Championship in 1968, paving the way for their Super Bowl appearance.6)

Original Colors

Their original team colors were navy blue and gold.7)

Current Colors

Their current green and white color scheme was adopted in 1963.8)

Home Field

The Jets played at Shea Stadium from 1964 to 1983 before moving to Giants Stadium.9)

Shared Stadium

They now share MetLife Stadium with the New York Giants in East Rutherford, New Jersey.10)

Super Bowl III MVP

Joe Namath won MVP despite not throwing a touchdown pass, thanks to his effective game management.11)

Draft Day Surprise

In 1983, the Jets passed on Dan Marino, a decision that haunted the team for years.12)

The Sack Exchange

In the 1980s, the Jets' defensive line earned this nickname due to their relentless quarterback pressure.13)

First Playoff Win

The Jets' first playoff victory came in the AFL in 1968 against the Oakland Raiders.14)

The Miracle at the Meadowlands

The Jets were part of this infamous 1978 game against the Giants, although the term primarily applies to the Giants' blunder.15)

Longest Play

Antonio Cromartie returned a missed field goal 109 yards for a touchdown in 2007, tying the NFL record.16)

Greatest Draft Pick

Many consider Joe Namath, drafted in 1965, the Jets' most significant pick.17)

Fireman Ed

The Jets’ unofficial mascot, Fireman Ed Anzalone, is known for leading the “J-E-T-S, Jets! Jets! Jets!” chant.18)

First Monday Night Football Win

The Jets defeated the Cleveland Browns in the inaugural Monday Night Football game in 1970.19)

Broadway Joe

Joe Namath's charismatic personality and success made him an NFL icon, earning the nickname “Broadway Joe.”20)

Herm Edwards' Speech

Coach Herm Edwards' “You play to win the game!” rant is one of the NFL’s most famous press conference moments.21)

Curtis Martin

The Hall of Fame running back is one of the greatest players in Jets history, leading the NFL in rushing in 2004.22)

First Head Coach

The Jets’ first head coach was Sammy Baugh, a Hall of Fame quarterback from his playing days.23)

2009 AFC Championship Run

Led by rookie QB Mark Sanchez and coach Rex Ryan, the Jets reached the AFC Championship game but lost to the Colts.24)

2010 AFC Championship

The Jets made back-to-back AFC Championship appearances in 2010, losing to the Pittsburgh Steelers.25)

The Butt Fumble

A memorable lowlight occurred in 2012 when QB Mark Sanchez ran into his lineman's rear, resulting in a fumble.26)

Longest Game

The Jets played the longest game in NFL history, an AFC playoff match against Miami in 1982, lasting over 77 minutes.27)

Ken O’Brien

The quarterback was drafted in 1983 ahead of Dan Marino, but he still had a successful career with the Jets.28)

First Rookie QB to Start

Richard Todd became the first rookie QB to start for the Jets in 1976.29)

Record-Setting Kick Return

In 2018, Andre Roberts had one of the NFL’s best seasons as a return specialist, earning Pro Bowl honors.30)

Largest Comeback Win

The Jets overcame a 30-7 fourth-quarter deficit to beat the Miami Dolphins in 2000, the “Monday Night Miracle.”31)

First Playoff Game in MetLife

The Jets played their first home playoff game at MetLife Stadium in January 2011.32)

Vinny Testaverde's Comeback

Testaverde led the Jets to a 10-6 record in 1998, their best season in years.33)

Jets’ Hall of Famers

The team boasts legends like Curtis Martin, Joe Namath, and Don Maynard in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.34)

First Winning Season

The Jets recorded their first winning season in 1966 with a 6-6-2 record.35)

Boomer Esiason Era

Former Bengals QB Boomer Esiason played for the Jets from 1993 to 1995.36)

Ownership

Woody Johnson, heir to the Johnson & Johnson fortune, purchased the team in 2000.37)

First Pick in NFL Draft

The Jets have had the No. 1 overall pick just once, in 1996, selecting Keyshawn Johnson.38)

2002 Division Title

The Jets won their first AFC East title since 1998 in 2002 under coach Herman Edwards.39)

Only Super Bowl Appearance

Super Bowl III remains the Jets’ only trip to the big game.40)

Defensive Excellence

The 2009 Jets’ defense, coached by Rex Ryan, ranked first in the NFL.41)

Youngest QB

Sam Darnold became the youngest quarterback in NFL history to start a season opener in 2018.42)

Since Joe Namath, the Jets have struggled to find a consistent long-term quarterback.43)

Future Optimism

The Jets’ passionate fanbase continues to hope for a return to Super Bowl glory.44)