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New York Jets Team History The team commonly referred to as the New York Jets began in New York as the Titans, who joined the fledgling American Football League (AFL) during its inception in 1960. Originally using the Polo Grounds for their stadium, team ownership changed shortly after the team’s start, prompting a subsequent stadium move. The Titans relocated in 1964 to Shea Stadium, nearby LaGuardia airport, where they shared the field with the New York Mets. Shortly thereafter, the Jets installed coaching legend Weeb Ewbank, winner of two consecutive NFL championships with the Baltimore Colts, in the head coach position. The team name was changed from the Titans to the Jets because of the airport traffic overhead.
In 1965 the New York Jets established their reputation among football greats with the signing of rookie quarterback Joe Namath from the University of Alabama . Namath was considered a liability by NFL teams due to his bad knees, but his freewheeling passing style and devil-may-care attitude was considered a perfect fit for the “modern” 60’s flair of the AFL. Namath led the Jets to the 1968 AFL championship, where “Broadway Joe” made history by guaranteeing a victory in the Super Bowl over the NFL powerhouse Baltimore Colts, who were listed as a 19 point favorite. The Jets followed through on that promise with a 16-7 victory, a game which gave the AFL credibility going into a merger with the NFL the following season.
In the ‘80s the team reached the playoffs four times, anchored by the legendary “New York Sack Exchange,” a strong defensive line featuring players like Mark Gastineau and Joe Klecko. The Jets played their last game at Shea Stadium in 1983, when they relocated to New Jersey’s Giant Stadium to begin playing in 1984. In 1986, the Jets jumped out to a 10-1 lead under quarterback Ken O’Brien, but faltered late in the season to see their stadium mates the New York Giants take it all.
The Jets franchise experienced much frustration from season to season during the 1990’s, until they were able to put together a deal that would bring head coach Bill Parcells over from the New England Patriots in 1996. Under Parcells, who brought with him Curtis Martin, one of the all-time great running backs, the Jets experienced a turnaround and several winning seasons, including the AFC Eastern Division title in 1998.
The following year Parcells decided to move on, leaving the team in the capable hands of defensive coordinator Bill Belichick. However, Belichick immediately jumped ship, leaving the Jets in a coaching scramble. They have since gone through a series of head coaches, including Al Groh, Herman Edwards and the current head coach Eric Mangini. The Jets made it to the playoffs under Mangini in the 2006 season, only to suffer a loss to the New England Patriots in the Wild Card game. New York Jets Memorable Moments
January 9, 1969
Joe Namath famously guarantees a victory for the New York Jets in Super Bowl III. January 12, 1969
The New York Jets defeat the heavily favored Baltimore Colts 16-7 in Super Bowl III.
April 1983
The Jets select Ken O’Brien over Dan Marino in the NFL draft. Marino would go on to break nearly every major NFL passing record.
September 21, 1986
In one of the most exciting shootouts in NFL history, Ken O’Brien and Dan Marino combine for ten touchdown passes and over 800 passing yards as the Jets defeat the rival Miami Dolphins 54-45 in overtime.
September 1997
Bill Parcells takes over as head coach of the Jets. He would lead the team to the AFC championship game the following year.
November 6, 2005
Curtis Martin scores his 100th career touchdown at home against the San Diego Chargers.
New York Jets Records
All-time regular season franchise record: 320 - 391 - 8
All-time playoff franchise record: 8 - 11
All-time franchise passing leader: Joe Namath - 27057 yards
All-time franchise rushing leader: Curtis Martin - 10302 yards
All-time franchise receiving leader: Don Maynard - 11732 yards
New York Jets Playoff Results
2006
AFC Wildcard Game: lost 16 - 37 at New England Patriots
2004
AFC Wildcard Game: won 20 - 17 at San Diego Chargers
AFC Divisional Playoff: lost 17 - 20 at Pittsburgh Steelers
2002
AFC Wildcard Game: won 41 - 0 vs. Indianapolis Colts
AFC Divisional Playoff: lost 10 - 30 at Oakland Raiders
2001
AFC Wildcard Game: lost 24 - 38 at Oakland Raiders
1998
AFC Divisional Playoff: won 34 - 24 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
AFC Championship Game: lost 10 - 23 at Denver Broncos
1991
AFC Wildcard Game: lost 10 - 17 at Houston Oilers
1986
AFC Wildcard Game: won 35 - 15 vs. Kansas City Chiefs
AFC Divisional Playoff: lost 20 - 23 at Cleveland Browns
1985
AFC Wildcard Game: lost 14 - 26 vs. New England Patriots
1982
AFC Wildcard Game: won 44 - 17 at Cincinnati Bengals
AFC Divisional Playoff: won 17 - 14 at Los Angeles Raiders
AFC Championship Game: lost 0 - 14 at Miami Dolphins
1981
AFC Wildcard Game: lost 27 - 31 vs. Buffalo Bills
1969
AFL Divisional Playoff: lost 6 - 13 vs. Kansas City Chiefs
1968
AFL Championship Game: won 27 - 23 vs. Oakland Raiders
Super Bowl: won 16 - 7 vs. Baltimore Colts
All-time playoff record: 8 - 11
SOURCE: Pro Football Reference |
New York Jets HISTORY 
