History of Matt Snell in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 10, 2026

Matt Snell was an American former professional football player, a fullback renowned for his time with the New York Jets in both the American Football League (AFL) and National Football League (NFL). Before turning professional, he played college football at Ohio State. Snell holds significance as Jets' owner Sonny Werblin's first major acquisition, preceding even Joe Namath. His 1964 signing was a pivotal moment, as the New York Giants offered him significantly less despite drafting him. The Jets had selected him as their first-round choice.

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Full Timeline

August 18, 1941: Matthews Snell Born

On August 18, 1941, Matthews Snell was born. He later became a professional football player.

Others born on this day/year

1959: Received Newsday's Thorp Award

In 1959, Snell was awarded Newsday's Thorp Award for being the outstanding high school football player in Nassau County.

1961: Played right halfback at Ohio State University

In 1961, Snell played right halfback at Ohio State University, often blocking for Bob Ferguson or Paul Warfield.

1962: Moved to defensive end at Ohio State University

In 1962, Snell was moved to defensive end at Ohio State University.

1963: Named starting fullback at Ohio State University

In 1963, Snell was named starting fullback during his senior year at Ohio State University, rushing for 491 yards and 5 touchdowns. He was also named his team's most valuable player.

1964: Signed with the New York Jets

In 1964, Snell signed with the New York Jets after the Giants offered him a smaller contract. This signing was Jets' owner Sonny Werblin's first coup, prior to Joe Namath's acquisition.

1966: AFL Eastern Division All-Star

In 1966, Snell was named an AFL Eastern Division All-Star.

1967: Torn knee cartilage

In 1967, Snell suffered a torn knee cartilage.

1969: Sporting News All-AFL fullback

In 1969, Snell was named The Sporting News All-AFL fullback.

1970: Torn Achilles tendon

In 1970, Snell suffered a torn Achilles tendon.

1971: Severe knee bruise

In 1971, Snell hurt his knee in the preseason and was diagnosed with a severe "knee bruise", causing him to miss nine games.

1972: Ruptured spleen

In 1972, during Week 4 against the Miami Dolphins, Snell suffered a ruptured spleen, which resulted in its removal and ended his season.

1973: Appeared in first Miller Lite beer commercial

In 1973, Snell appeared in the first Miller Lite beer commercial.

1973: Sold Restaurant and Focused on Defco Securities, Inc.

In 1973, after his playing career, Snell sold his restaurant, Matt Snell's Fifth Down, to focus on his new company, Defco Securities, Inc.

2000: Named to the Ohio State Football All-Century Team

In 2000, Snell was named to the Ohio State Football All-Century Team as a defensive end.

November 29, 2015: Inducted into the Jets' Ring of Honor

On November 29, 2015, Snell, along with Emerson Boozer, was inducted into the Jets' Ring of Honor.

2018: Revealed reason for not speaking to the Jets

In 2018, Snell revealed that the reason he hasn't spoken to the Jets was because Leon Hess refused to give him a reference for a future job despite promising to do so.