New York Jets

The metropolitan area of New York is home for the American NFL team, New York Jets. The Jets are part of the Eastern Division of the AFC, which is the American Football Conference in the NFL. Despite being a New York team, the Jets play their home games at the Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The New York Giants, of course, also play there.

The Jets, who were once known as the New York Titans, were established in 1960 as a [charter] member of the American Football League. They were only known as the New York Titans for three years, before Sonny Werblin bought the geam and renamed them. The Jets officially joined the NFL when the AFL merged with it.

The greatness of the New York Jets can be remembered by their top players over the decades:

• Broadway Joe Namath 1965-1969, and then in the mid to late 70’s after he recovered from his injuries.
• Post Joe Namath years, which was in the late 70’s to late 90’s. The 1983 season was the team’s last year playing in Shea Stadium, and they made their move to the Meadowlands in 1984.
• Chad Pennington Era, 2000 – 2007. He was obviously the top player the Jets had in awhile.
• Brett Favre signed up with the Jets on August 6, 2008. All though he hasn’t been with the Jets for long, the fans are already referring to him as “Jet Favre”.

One of the Jets earliest accomplishments was being the first ever AFL team to successfully take on an NFL team at a World Championship Game. It was Super Bowl III, and the Jets won against the Baltimore Colts. They also won two AFL East Championships, in 1968 and 1969, as well as AFC East Championships in 1998 and 2002.

Their play offs appearances have been numerous, beginning in the early years with the AFL in 1968 and 1969. The Jets played in many NFL play offs in 1981, 1982, 1985, 1986, 1991, 1998, 2001, 2002, 2004, and 2006.

Many Pro Football Hall of Famers were once associated with the Jets, including coach Weed Ewbank from 1963-1973, Don Maynard from1960-1972, Joe Namath from 1965-1976, John Riggins from 1971-1975, Ronnie Lott from 1993-1994, and Art Monk from 1994. Time will only tell if Chad Pennington and Brett Favre will end up in the Pro Football Hall of Fame as well.