The History of the New York Jets

by Gary J. Broome on April 19, 2023

The History of the New York Jets

The Early Years (1960-1968)

The New York Jets, originally named the New York Titans, was founded in 1960 as one of the eight original American Football League (AFL) members. The team played home games at the Polo Grounds in Upper Manhattan for their first four seasons before moving to Shea Stadium in Queens in 1964. 


During the team's first few years, they struggled to find success on the field. In 1963, the team was sold to a group of investors led by Sonny Werblin, who renamed the team the New York Jets. Werblin's ownership changed the team's fortunes, and he brought in head coach Weeb Ewbank in 1963.


Ewbank had previously coached the Baltimore Colts to back-to-back NFL championships in 1958 and 1959, and he quickly turned the Jets into a more competitive team. In 1965, the Jets drafted University of Alabama quarterback Joe Namath, who would become one of the most iconic players in franchise history.


However, Namath's first few seasons with the Jets were unsuccessful, and the team struggled to compete against more established NFL teams. That changed in 1968 when the Jets made it to Super Bowl III against the heavily favored Baltimore Colts.


In the week leading up to the game, Namath famously guaranteed a victory for the Jets and then backed up his words by leading the team to a stunning 16-7 upset of the Colts. Namath was named the game's Most Valuable Player, and the win is still regarded as one of the greatest upsets in NFL history.



Sources:

  • "New York Jets History" - ESPN.com

  • "New York Jets" - Pro Football Hall of Fame

  • "New York Jets Franchise Encyclopedia" - Pro Football Reference

The Namath Era (1969-1976)


The Namath Era of the New York Jets began with a bang in 1969, as the team rode the arm of quarterback Joe Namath to an 8-5-1 record and a playoff appearance. Namath had already made a name for himself in the AFL, leading the league in passing yards and touchdowns in 1967 and 1968.


In the playoffs, the Jets faced the heavily favored Baltimore Colts, who had finished the regular season with a 13-1 record. But Namath and the Jets were undaunted, and they shocked the football world with a 16-7 victory in Super Bowl III. Namath was named the game's Most Valuable Player, and his prediction of success in the days leading up to the game became one of the most famous quotes in sports history.


The following season, Namath suffered a knee injury that limited his playing time, and the Jets finished with a disappointing 4-10 record. However, Namath bounced back in 1971, throwing for over 3,000 yards and leading the Jets to a 6-8 record.


In 1972, Namath had another strong season, throwing for over 2,800 yards and 19 touchdowns. But the Jets again finished with a losing record, going 7-7. The team struggled in the following seasons, and Namath's performance declined.


Injuries began to take a toll on Namath, and he played in only four games in 1975. The following season, he was limited to just six games, and the Jets finished with a dismal 3-11 record. In 1977, Namath signed with the Los Angeles Rams, ending his storied career with the Jets.


Despite the team's struggles in the latter part of the Namath Era, his impact on the franchise cannot be overstated. He remains one of the most beloved players in Jets history, and his victory in Super Bowl III is still regarded as one of the greatest moments in the team's history.



Sources:

  • "New York Jets History" - ESPN.com

  • "New York Jets" - Pro Football Hall of Fame

  • "New York Jets Franchise Encyclopedia" - Pro Football Reference

The Kotite Years (1987-1996)


The Kotite Years of the New York Jets were a period of disappointment and frustration for the franchise. Rich Kotite was hired as head coach in 1995, following a tumultuous two-year tenure by Pete Carroll. Kotite had previously coached the Philadelphia Eagles, leading the team to a 36-44 record over four seasons.


Kotite's first season with the Jets was a disaster, as the team finished with a 3-13 record, the worst in the league. The team's offense was particularly ineffective, ranking last in the league in points scored. However, the Jets improved in Kotite's second season, finishing with a 9-7 record and narrowly missing the playoffs.


However, the Jets regressed the following season again, finishing with a 1-15 record. The team's lone victory came in the season's final game against the Seattle Seahawks, who had already clinched a playoff berth and rested many starters.


Kotite was fired following the 1996 season, having compiled a 4-28 record over two years with the Jets. His tenure is widely regarded as one of the worst in franchise history.


The Kotite Years were also marked by instability in the front office. The team had changed ownership in 1992 when Leon Hess sold the team to a group led by real estate developer Robert Wood Johnson IV. The new ownership group struggled to find a winning formula, and the team cycled through several general managers during the Kotite Years.


Despite the lack of success on the field during this period, there were some bright spots for the Jets. Freeman McNeil had several productive seasons in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Wide receiver Al Toon was one of the most talented players in the league before being forced to retire due to a series of concussions.



Sources:

  • "New York Jets History" - ESPN.com

  • "New York Jets" - Pro Football Hall of Fame

  • "New York Jets Franchise Encyclopedia" - Pro Football Reference

The Parcells Era (1997-2000)


The Parcells Era of the New York Jets began in 1997 when Bill Parcells was hired as the team's head coach and director of football operations. Parcells had previously led the New York Giants to two Super Bowl victories in the 1980s and coached the New England Patriots and Dallas Cowboys.


Parcells immediately began rebuilding the Jets, and his impact was immediately felt. In his first season, the team improved from 1-15 to 9-7 and narrowly missed the playoffs. The following season, the Jets made it to the AFC Championship Game, where they lost to the Denver Broncos.


In 1999, the Jets again made it to the AFC Championship Game, facing off against the archrival Buffalo Bills. The game was a classic, with the Jets ultimately prevailing 34-24 to earn a trip to Super Bowl XXXIII. However, they could not overcome the heavily favored Denver Broncos, losing 34-19 in the championship game.


Despite falling short in the Super Bowl, the Parcells Era was a hugely successful period for the Jets. Parcells was known for his strict, no-nonsense approach and quickly instilled a winning culture within the organization. He also made several key personnel moves, including acquiring quarterback Vinny Testaverde, who had a career resurgence under Parcells.


Parcells resigned following the 1999 season, but his influence continued to be felt in the following years. The Jets made it to the playoffs in 2001 under head coach Herman Edwards, who had previously served as an assistant under Parcells. Several players from the Parcells Era, including Testaverde and running back Curtis Martin, played critical roles in the team's success.


Overall, the Parcells Era is remembered as one of the most successful periods in the Jets' history. Parcells' influence extended well beyond his four years with the team, as he helped establish a winning culture that would endure for many years.



Sources:

  • "New York Jets History" - ESPN.com

  • "New York Jets" - Pro Football Hall of Fame

  • "New York Jets Franchise Encyclopedia" - Pro Football Reference

The Herm Edwards Era (2001-2005)


The Herm Edwards Era of the New York Jets began in 2001 when Edwards was hired as the team's head coach. Edwards had previously served as an assistant coach with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Kansas City Chiefs.


Edwards' first season with the Jets was successful, as the team finished with a 10-6 record and made it to the playoffs for the first time since 1998. The team's success was mainly due to the emergence of quarterback Chad Pennington, who had taken over as the starter midway through the season.


In 2002, the Jets again made it to the playoffs, this time as a wild-card team. They defeated the Indianapolis Colts in the first round before falling to the Oakland Raiders in the divisional round.


The following season, the Jets finished with a 6-10 record, but they bounced back in 2004 with a 10-6 record and another trip to the playoffs. However, they lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round.


Edwards' final season with the Jets was disappointing, as the team finished with a 4-12 record. He was fired following the season and replaced by Eric Mangini.


Despite the disappointing end to Edwards' tenure with the Jets, his impact on the franchise cannot be overstated. He helped turn the team around after several years of mediocrity, and his emphasis on discipline and accountability helped establish a winning organizational culture.


Additionally, the Herm Edwards Era is notable for the emergence of Chad Pennington as a star quarterback. Pennington had been a first-round draft pick in 2000, but when Edwards took over as head coach, he was given a chance to start. Pennington went on to have several productive seasons with the Jets and was regarded as one of the most accurate passers in the league during his prime.



Sources:

  • "New York Jets History" - ESPN.com

  • "New York Jets" - Pro Football Hall of Fame

  • "New York Jets Franchise Encyclopedia" - Pro Football Reference

The Mangini Years (2006-2008)


The Mangini Years of the New York Jets began in 2006 when Eric Mangini was hired as the team's head coach. Mangini had previously served as an assistant coach with the New England Patriots and worked under Bill Parcells during his tenure with the Jets.


Mangini's first season with the Jets was successful, as the team finished with a 10-6 record and made it to the playoffs as a wild-card team. The team's success was mainly due to the play of quarterback Chad Pennington, who had returned from injury to lead the team.


In 2007, the Jets started slowly, winning only one of their first four games. However, they rallied to finish the season with a 10-6 record and again made it to the playoffs as a wild-card team. They defeated the AFC East champion New England Patriots in the first round before falling to the San Diego Chargers in the divisional round.


The following season, the Jets got off to a promising start, winning their first two games. However, they stumbled down the stretch and finished the season with a disappointing 9-7 record, missing out on the playoffs. Mangini was fired following the season and replaced by Rex Ryan.


Despite the disappointing end to Mangini's tenure with the Jets, his impact on the franchise cannot be overlooked. He helped establish a winning culture within the organization, and his attention to detail and emphasis on preparation were widely praised.


Additionally, the Mangini Years saw the emergence of several key players who would play essential roles in the team's future success. These included running back Thomas Jones, who rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of his three seasons with the Jets, and wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery, who emerged as one of the team's top targets.



Sources:

  • "New York Jets History" - ESPN.com

  • "New York Jets" - Pro Football Hall of Fame

  • "New York Jets Franchise Encyclopedia" - Pro Football Reference

The Rex Ryan Era (2009-2014)


The Rex Ryan Era of the New York Jets began in 2009 when Ryan was hired as the team's head coach. Ryan had previously served as the defensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens, where he had developed a reputation as one of the best defensive minds in the league.


Ryan's first season with the Jets was successful, as the team finished with a 9-7 record and made it to the playoffs as a wild-card team. They upset the Cincinnati Bengals in the first round before falling to the Indianapolis Colts in the divisional round.


In 2010, the Jets again made it to the playoffs as a wild-card team. They defeated the Indianapolis and New England Patriots in the first two rounds before falling to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Championship Game.


The following season, the Jets missed the playoffs, finishing with an 8-8 record. However, they bounced back in 2012 with a 6-2 start to the season. They ultimately ended with a 9-7 record but missed the playoffs due to a tiebreaker.


In 2013, the Jets struggled to a 6-10 record, leading to speculation about Ryan's future with the team. However, he was retained for the 2014 season, which proved to be his last with the Jets. The team finished with a 4-12 record, and Ryan was fired following the season.


Despite the disappointing end to Ryan's tenure with the Jets, his impact on the franchise cannot be overstated. He helped establish a winning culture within the organization, and his confident, brash personality endeared him to fans and players alike.


Additionally, the Rex Ryan Era saw the emergence of several key players who would play essential roles in the team's future success. These included quarterback Mark Sanchez, who led the team to two consecutive AFC Championship Games, and cornerback Darrelle Revis, who established himself as one of the best defensive players in the league during his time with the Jets.



Sources:

  • "New York Jets History" - ESPN.com

  • "New York Jets" - Pro Football Hall of Fame

  • "New York Jets Franchise Encyclopedia" - Pro Football Reference

The Todd Bowles Era (2015-2018)


The Todd Bowles Era of the New York Jets began in 2015 when Bowles was hired as the team's head coach. Bowles had previously served as the Arizona Cardinals' defensive coordinator and played as a defensive back in the NFL.


Bowles' first season with the Jets was promising, as the team finished with a 10-6 record and narrowly missed the playoffs. However, they regressed in 2016, finishing with a 5-11 record. They struggled again in 2017, finishing with a 5-11 record for the second consecutive season.


In 2018, the Jets got off to a promising start, winning their first two games. However, they stumbled down the stretch and finished the season with a 4-12 record. Bowles was fired following the season and replaced by Adam Gase.


Despite the lack of success on the field during Bowles' tenure with the Jets, his impact on the franchise must be noticed. He helped establish a culture of accountability and discipline within the organization, and his focus on defense was reflected in the team's personnel moves.


Additionally, the Todd Bowles Era saw the emergence of several key players who would go on to play essential roles in the team's future success. These included quarterback Sam Darnold, who was drafted in 2018 and showed promise as a rookie, and safety Jamal Adams, who established himself as one of the best defensive players in the league during his time with the Jets.



Sources:

  • "New York Jets History" - ESPN.com

  • "New York Jets" - Pro Football Hall of Fame

  • "New York Jets Franchise Encyclopedia" - Pro Football Reference

The Adam Gase Era (2019-2020)


The Adam Gase Era of the New York Jets began in 2019 when Gase was hired as the team's head coach. Gase had previously served as the head coach of the Miami Dolphins, where he had a mixed record over three seasons.


Gase's first season with the Jets was disappointing, as the team finished with a 7-9 record and missed the playoffs. The team's offense was particularly ineffective, ranking near the bottom of the league in several categories.


In 2020, the Jets struggled even more, starting the season with 13 consecutive losses before finally earning their first victory in Week 15 against the Los Angeles Rams. They finished the season with a 2-14 record, the worst in the league, and Gase was fired following the season.


Despite the lack of success on the field during Gase's tenure with the Jets, his impact on the franchise must be noticed. He helped develop young quarterback Sam Darnold, and his offensive system sometimes showed promise, particularly in the second half of the 2019 season.


However, Gase's coaching style and decision-making were frequently criticized, particularly about the team's handling of running back Le'Veon Bell and the utilization of other key players on offense.


Additionally, the Adam Gase Era saw the continued emergence of several key players who would play essential roles in the team's future success. These included wide receiver Jamison Crowder, who set a franchise record for receptions in a single season in 2019, and defensive lineman Quinnen Williams, who showed promise as a disruptive force on the defensive line.



Sources:

  • "New York Jets History" - ESPN.com

  • "New York Jets" - Pro Football Hall of Fame

  • "New York Jets Franchise Encyclopedia" - Pro Football Reference

The Robert Saleh Era (2021-present)


The Robert Saleh Era of the New York Jets began in 2021 when Saleh was hired as the team's head coach. Saleh had previously served as the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers, where he had helped lead the team to a Super Bowl appearance in 2019.


Saleh's first season with the Jets got a rocky start, as the team lost their first two games by a combined score of 51-20. However, the team showed promise in Week 3, earning a decisive 26-0 victory over the Miami Dolphins.


The Jets continued to show improvement throughout the season, particularly on defense. The team finished with a 4-13 record, but several players emerged as key contributors, including quarterback Zach Wilson, who was drafted with the second overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.


Despite the lack of success in the win-loss column, Saleh's impact on the franchise has been widely praised. He has emphasized accountability and discipline, and his aggressive defensive scheme has shown promise in creating turnovers and disrupting opposing offenses.


Additionally, the Robert Saleh Era has seen the continued emergence of several key players who will be essential pieces of the team's future success. These include Wilson, who has shown flashes of the talent that made him a top draft pick, and defensive linemen Quinnen Williams and John Franklin-Myers, who have demonstrated promise as disruptive forces on the defensive line.


The Robert Saleh Era is still in its early stages, but the team and its fans are optimistic about the future under his leadership.



Sources:

  • "New York Jets History" - ESPN.com

  • "New York Jets" - Pro Football Hall of Fame

  • "New York Jets Franchise Encyclopedia" - Pro Football Reference

Conclusion


The New York Jets have a rich and storied history filled with memorable moments, iconic players, and passionate fans. From the team's founding in 1960 to today, the Jets have established themselves as one of the country's most iconic and beloved sports franchises.


Over the years, the Jets have experienced their fair share of highs and lows, from the excitement of the Namath Era to the struggles of the Kotite and Gase Years. However, through it all, the team has remained a source of pride and passion for its fans, who continue to support the team through thick and thin.

Some key takeaways from the Jets' history include:


  • The Namath Era remains one of the most iconic and beloved periods in the team's history. Namath's swagger and confidence helped propel the team to its first Super Bowl victory, and his impact on the franchise cannot be overstated.

  • The Parcells Era saw the team return to prominence under the guidance of legendary coach Bill Parcells. Parcells helped establish a culture of winning and accountability within the organization, and his impact on the franchise can still be felt today.

  • The Rex Ryan Era renewed the team's excitement and swagger. Ryan's bold personality and confident approach helped establish a winning culture within the organization, and his impact on the franchise cannot be overlooked.

  • The current Robert Saleh Era is still in its early stages but has already shown promise in establishing a disciplined and aggressive approach to defense. With young talents like Zach Wilson and Quinnen Williams, the team is poised for a bright future under Saleh's leadership.


Throughout its history, the New York Jets have been a source of inspiration and passion for fans nationwide. With a rich legacy and a promising future, the Jets will continue to captivate and inspire fans for generations.


Sources:

  • "New York Jets History" - ESPN.com

  • "New York Jets" - Pro Football Hall of Fame

  • "New York Jets Franchise Encyclopedia" - Pro Football Reference

FAQs

What is New York Jets famous for?

The New York Jets are a professional American football team famous for its history of iconic moments, legendary players, and passionate fan base. The group was founded in 1960 and has become one of the country's most recognizable and beloved sports franchises. The Jets are best known for their victory in Super Bowl III, widely considered one of the greatest upsets in sports history. The Jets defeated the heavily-favored Baltimore Colts, led by quarterback Joe Namath, to capture their first and only Super Bowl title. In addition to their Super Bowl victory, the Jets have had several iconic players, including Namath, Curtis Martin, Darrelle Revis, and many others. These players have helped establish the team as a powerhouse in the NFL and have cemented their place in football history. The Jets are also known for their passionate and dedicated fan base off the field. Jets fans are known for their unwavering loyalty and willingness to support the team through thick and thin, even during struggle and adversity. Overall, the New York Jets are a favorite team for its history of iconic moments, legendary players, and passionate fans. The Jets continue to inspire and captivate fans nationwide, whether on the field or off.

When did the Jets move to New York?

The New York Jets moved to New York in 1963, three years after the team's founding in 1960. The team was initially known as the New York Titans and played its home games at the Polo Grounds in Manhattan for its first two seasons. In 1963, the team was purchased by a group of investors led by Sonny Werblin, who renamed the team the New York Jets and moved them to the newly-constructed Shea Stadium in Queens. The move to Shea Stadium marked a new era for the team, as it provided the Jets with a modern, state-of-the-art facility and a more central location within the New York metropolitan area. The Jets would succeed in their new home, culminating in their victory in Super Bowl III in 1969. Over the years, the team has continued to play its home games at various stadiums in the New York area, including Giants Stadium and the current MetLife Stadium, which the team shares with the New York Giants. Despite the team's many moves and changes, the Jets have remained a beloved and iconic New York sports franchise.

Why are they called New York Jets?

The New York Jets are called the Jets because the team was initially known as the New York Titans but was later purchased by a group of investors led by Sonny Werblin in 1963. The new owners renamed the team the Jets as a reference to the fact that Shea Stadium, the team's new home, was located near LaGuardia Airport and thus near the jet age. The name change was also seen as a way to modernize the team's image and distance it from the previous ownership group, which had struggled to succeed on the field. The Jet's name quickly caught on with fans and has become synonymous with the team and its legacy of iconic moments and legendary players. Today, the New York Jets continue to be one of the country's most recognizable and beloved sports franchises, known for their passionate fan base and commitment to excellence both on and off the field.

Gary J. Broome

Gary J. Broome is a newbie sports blogger passionate about all things sports-related. While he may be new to sports blogging, he is eager to learn and grow as a commentator on the latest sports news and trends. Gary is excited to share his insights and opinions with his readers and strives to create engaging content that will keep fans coming back for more. He is particularly interested in football and basketball and constantly researches the latest games, players, and teams to provide his readers with up-to-date information and analysis. Despite being a newcomer to sports blogging, Gary's enthusiasm and dedication make him a promising voice in sports journalism.

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