The Jets have had a mostly rough history, but here are five notable moments from Jets history:
1. “The Guarantee” – Super Bowl III: In Super Bowl III (1969), Jets quarterback Joe Namath famously guaranteed victory over the heavily favored Baltimore Colts. The Jets went on to win the game 16-7, securing their first and only Super Bowl championship in franchise history.
2. “The Monday Night Miracle” (2000): In a Monday Night Football game against the Miami Dolphins, the Jets staged a remarkable comeback. Down 30-7 in the third quarter, quarterback Vinny Testaverde led a furious rally, culminating in a game-winning touchdown pass to wide receiver Jumbo Elliott in overtime, resulting in a 40-37 victory.
3. “Fake Spike” (1994): In a game against the Miami Dolphins, Jets quarterback Dan Marino appeared poised to spike the ball to stop the clock. However, Jets quarterback Boomer Esiason faked a spike and instead threw a touchdown pass to wide receiver Fred Baxter, helping the Jets secure a surprising 28-24 victory.
4. “The Sack Exchange” – 1981-1985: While not a single play, the dominant defensive line of the Jets during the early 1980s, nicknamed “The Sack Exchange,” was a notable highlight in the team’s history. Led by Mark Gastineau and Joe Klecko, the defensive line terrorized opposing quarterbacks and became one of the most feared units in the league.
5. “The Butt Fumble” (2012): While not a positive moment for the team, the infamous “Butt Fumble” involving Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez has become an enduring and often-referenced play. In a Thanksgiving Day game against the New England Patriots, Sanchez collided with his own teammate’s backside, resulting in a fumble and a Patriots touchdown.
These are just a few notable moments from Jets history, but there are many more memorable moments that have occurred over the years.