Established
1960
City
New York
League History
1970 - Present / National Football League
1960 - 1969 / American Football League
Team History
1963 - Present / New York Jets
1960 - 1962 / Titans of New York
Nickname
Jets - The New York Jets are one of the most beloved teams in the NFL, and their nickname has a long and storied history. The team was initially founded as the Titans of New York in 1959 but changed its name to “Jets” after two years. This change was due to public opinion and ownership preference; they wanted a more modern moniker that better reflected their high-flying style of play on the field.
New York Jets Origin
So, where did this unique name come from? It is believed that it originated with co-founder Harry Wismer's admiration for an airplane he saw at La Guardia Airport – an early jet model called "the Jet Age." He thought this would make an excellent mascot for his new team, so he combined it with "New York" to create what we now know as “the Jets."
Since then, fans have embraced this nickname wholeheartedly—even when times were tough on or off the field! It has become synonymous with success and resilience through adversity, something every true sports fan can appreciate! The Jets' logo features wings symbolizing flight (and victory!), further reinforcing its identity as one of America's premier football franchises.
Whether you're cheering them on from home or attending games live at MetLife Stadium (or anywhere else), you can be sure your passion will be heard by saying.
Championship
Super Bowl 1
1969
AFL Championships 0
Stadium
2011 - Present / MetLife Stadium
2010 / New Meadowlands Stadium
1984 - 2010 / Giants Stadium
1964 - 1983 / Shea Stadium
1960 - 1963 / Polo Grounds
Owner
2000 - Present / Woody Johnson
1999 - 2000 / Estate of Leon Hess
1977 - 1999 / Leon Hess
1964 - 1977 / Leon Hess, Sonny Werblin, Phil Iselin
1960 - 1964 / Harry Wismer
- 1963
- 1963
- 1968
- 1984
- 2000
- 2010
-
Werblin Purchases the Titans
Wismer agreed to sell the team but attempted to prevent the sale with a bankruptcy filing. He contended that the move into Shea Stadium would lead to sufficient revenue to make the team profitable. A bankruptcy referee granted the league the authority to sell the team to a five-man syndicate composed of David A. “Sonny” Werblin, Townsend B. Martin, Leon ... -
ReNamed the Jets
Werblin also announced a new name for his team, the Jets, which had been selected from among 500 candidates submitted by “friends, enemies, and advertising agencies”. The name was chosen over Dodgers, Borros, and Gothams. The team’s colors were changed to green and white. In a press release, the team stated the reason for the selections: The site of the ... -
Super Bowl III Winner 1968
Super Bowl III was the third AFL-NFL Championship Game in professional American football, the first to officially bear the name “Super Bowl.” The game, played on January 12, 1969, at the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida, is regarded as one of the greatest upsets in American sports history. The heavy underdog American Football League (AFL) champion New York Jets defeated ... -
Hess Full Ownership
Hess acquired full ownership of the Jets on February 9, 1984, when Helen Dillion sold her 25% interest to him. Leon Hess became well known for his Hess Corporation gas stations; however, he also played an instrumental part in the development of the Jets during his tenure as co-owner and eventually sole owner. Hess had often fought for improvements while ... -
New Owner Woody Johnson
With the team for sale, two potential buyers were found in Cablevision and philanthropist Woody Johnson whose grandfather, Robert Wood Johnson II, expanded Johnson & Johnson. Johnson was unknown among the other NFL owners at the time of his $635 million purchase of the franchise. However, Johnson had a passion for sports according to former Knicks general manager Ernie Grunfeld ... -
MetLife Stadium Opens – Jets
MetLife Stadium is the home stadium for the New York Giants and New York Jets of the NFL and is the only facility home to two NFL franchises. The stadium opened in 2010, following the closing and demolition of the Giants’ and Jets’ previous home, Giants Stadium. MetLife Stadium will host Super Bowl XLVIII in 2014.
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
New York Jets History
The New York Jets history begins in 1960 when the team joined professional football as the Titans of New York. Just three years later, they rebranded as the Jets and quickly became a staple in the league. Over the decades, they have built a passionate fan base and established themselves as an iconic part of New York Jets football NFL.
The highlight of New York Jets history came in 1969 when quarterback Joe Namath boldly guaranteed victory before Super Bowl III. The Jets went on to defeat the Baltimore Colts 16–7, securing their first and only Super Bowl championship. This victory gave credibility to the AFL and cemented Namath’s place as one of the most legendary players in NFL history.
New York Jets Achievements
Throughout the years, the Jets have showcased Hall of Famers like Curtis Martin, Joe Klecko, and Don Maynard. Memorable moments continue to shape New York Jets football NFL, including Mark Sanchez’s five-touchdown performance against the Buffalo Bills in 2010, which set a franchise record at the time. These milestones remain celebrated parts of New York Jets history.
In total, the Jets have won four division titles, two AFC Championships, and that iconic Super Bowl victory. While recent seasons have been challenging, optimism remains under head coach Robert Saleh. With new talent and a strong foundation, the franchise looks forward to writing the next successful chapter in New York Jets history. Fans remain hopeful that future achievements will add to the proud tradition of New York Jets football NFL.
For a deeper look at the full journey of the team, visit the New York Jets Wikipedia page.
Sports Fan Products
New York Jets Team History
In Mount Rushmore New York Jets: Who Reigns Supreme?, we take a deep dive into the storied history of the New York Jets to determine which four players deserve a spot on the team's prestigious Mount Rushmore. Join us as we discuss the legendary figures who have shaped the
NY Jets Mount Rushmore: Joe Namath, Curtis Martin, and the Greatest Gang Green Legends
Dive into the rich history of the New York Jets as we carve out their very own Football, Mount Rushmore, featuring iconic legends like Joe Namath, Don Maynard, Curtis Martin, and Joe Klecko. This video celebrates the Jets' most incredible moments, highlights their all-time best players, and...
Retired Number
12 / Joe Namath
13 / Don Maynard
28 / Curtis Martin
73 / Joe Klecko
90 / Dennis Byrd
– / Weeb Ewbank
*Blue is this team’s history
