The Jetstream History of the New York Jets

The New York Jets have had quite the history. They have basically seen it all—bad leadership, Super Bowl victory, and turnarounds that defied the odds. All these experiences have shaped them into the unique franchise they are today. If you know anything about the Jets’ story, you have probably heard about the Broadway Joe’s legendary guarantee that contributed to their lone Super Bowl victory. But their story goes beyond a tale of wins and losses to a saga of resilience, passion, and an unbreakable team-fans connection.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into the full history of the Jets, uncovering everything that makes this team worth fighting for.

Titans of New York

New York City already had the New York Giants, but in 1959, they felt they were ready for another—and sure, they were. Harry Wismer was granted the charter franchise that was called the Titans of New York. They were so named because Wismer believed titans were greater than giants. But Wismer’s management was quite questionable and by the third season, they were spiraling down the dark hole of bankruptcy.

In 1963, a group headed by Sonny Werblin brought them out of bankruptcy. Werblin renamed the team, giving them the name, “New York Jets.” Life in the AFL didn’t automatically become rosy for the Jets under the new leadership. They continued to struggle on the gridiron, recording three straight losing seasons in the first three years of the new ownership.

But in 1968, the team finally sprung to life as they closed out the season with an 11-3 record, winning their first divisional title. They went on to win the AFL Championship Game against the Oakland Raiders, defeating Oakland 27-23. Their successes of that season can be attributed to head coach Weeb Ewbank and quarterback Joe Namath, who was selected first overall in the 1965 AFL Draft. Namath’s insane abilities transformed the team, making them too hot to handle for opponents.

Super Bowl III Champions

The Jets’ incredible 1968 season became even more impressive when they faced the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III. The Colts were heavy favorites to win the game but Namath and the resilient Jets’ roster determined to play like champions. In fact, before the game, Namath had guaranteed a win for the Jets. Responding to a heckler at a sports banquet in Miami, he said, “We’re going to win the game. I guarantee it.” You don’t see that type of confidence often, especially when you’re an 18-point underdog. But that’s what being a Jet was all about—believing when no one else did and delivering the unexpected.

In the game, Namath did back up his boast with an electric performance. He was named the Super Bowl MVP after helping the Jets to a stunning 16-7 upset. The game’s significance went beyond just glory for the Jets, it gave the AFL legitimacy as a rival league to the NFL. The victory played a major role in paving the way for the historic 1970 merger which forever changed the landscape of professional football.

The Jets won the AFL East the following season but lost to the Kansas City Chiefs in the divisional playoffs.

Post Merger

At first, the merger seemed like a curse that kept the Jets in mediocrity for more than a decade. During that period, they endured a frustrating 11-year playoff drought. Returning to the playoffs in the 1981 season, they lost their first game to the Buffalo Bills in the wild-card round. The following season, they improved greatly, flying all the way to the AFC Championship Game which they eventually lost to the Miami Dolphins.

In the early 1980s, they established one of the league’s most famous front-four defensive lines, the “New York Sack Exchange.” The line consisted of Mark Gastineau, Joe Klecko, Marty Lyons, and Abdul Salaam. The four players were invited to ring the ceremonial opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange and that served as the inspiration for their nickname. They accounted for 54 of the Jets’ total 66 sacks in the 1981 season, leading the team into their first playoffs since 1969.

Unfortunately, however, sacks were not official stats until 1982 so their record remains unofficial. Nevertheless, it remains forever etched in the hearts of fans how truly ferocious the New York Sack Exchange was. The Jets returned to the AFC Championship Game in 1998 under the legendary Bill Parcells but were unable to overcome the Denver Broncos.

The 2000s Era

Clearly, the Jets weren’t the most successful team. Going into the 2000s era, they had played only two Conference Championship games, losing both. While things never really clicked for them, their resilient spirit remained. With the Jets, you’re never certain of what to expect as they maintain a never-give-up attitude—Super Bowl III was one of such moments.

Another time, the Jets showed their strong will to fight was in a game dubbed, “Monday Night Miracle” in 2000. In that jaw-dropping encounter, the Jets erased a 30-7 fourth-quarter deficit against Miami. Vinny Testaverde threw four touchdowns, including a wild Jumbo Elliott score, forcing overtime. John Hall went on to seal a 40-37 win with a nerve-stealing 40-yard field goal.

The Jets hired Rex Ryan as head coach in 2009 and selected USC quarterback Mark Sanchez in the draft of that same year. Under Ryan, the Jets reached back-to-back AFC Championship Games, powered by a dominant defense and Sanchez’s leadership. But they fell short both times, falling to the Colts in 2009 and the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2010, unable to take that final step to the Super Bowl.

But through it all, the fans have stuck by them. Since moving to Shea Stadium in 1964, the Jets have consistently drawn at least 54,051 fans per game. Now calling MetLife Stadium home, they have maintained an unbroken streak of sellout crowds for over 25 years.

Team Achievements