History of New York Jets in Timeline
The New York Jets are a professional American football team competing in the NFL's AFC East division. They are based in the New York metropolitan area and play their home games at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The team's headquarters are located in Florham Park, New Jersey. The franchise operates as New York Jets, LLC.
1940: Championship drought
In 2023, The Jets also have the longest championship drought among New York's major professional sports franchises, having eclipsed the New York Rangers' 54-year drought (from 1940 to 1994).
1957: New York Giants Vacated
In 1957, The New York Giants vacated the Polo Grounds stadium.
1958: Ewbank's NFL Championship with the Baltimore Colts
In 1958, Ewbank coached the Baltimore Colts to an NFL championship.
August 14, 1959: AFL Organizational Meeting
On August 14, 1959, the first organizational meeting of the American Football League took place, where Harry Wismer represented New York and expressed readiness for a professional football team.
1959: Ewbank's NFL Championship with the Baltimore Colts
In 1959, Ewbank coached the Baltimore Colts to an NFL championship.
1959: Team Founded
In 1959, the team was founded as the Titans of New York, a charter member of the American Football League (AFL).
1960: Titans of New York Original Uniforms
In 1960, as the Titans of New York, the Jets' original uniforms were navy blue with old gold numerals, gold pants with blue stripes, and navy blue helmets with a gold stripe.
1960: Original Titans of New York Uniform Elements
In 1960, the Jets had a uniform with elements that were combined in the 2007 throwback uniform.
1960: First Season
In 1960, the Titans, coached by Sammy Baugh, went 7-7 in their first season.
1960: Began Play at Polo Grounds
In 1960, the team began play at the Polo Grounds in upper Manhattan.
1961: Memorandum of Understanding
In 1961, Wismer signed a memorandum of understanding in late 1961 to secure the Titans' new home.
1961: Original Titans of New York Uniform Elements
In 1961, the Jets had a uniform with elements that were combined in the 2007 throwback uniform.
1961: Titans Uniform Changes
In 1961, the Titans added UCLA-style shoulder stripes, changed the pants striping, and employed a brighter shade of gold in their uniforms.
1961: Second Season
In 1961, the Titans, coached by Sammy Baugh, went 7-7 in their second season.
1962: AFL Assumed Costs
In 1962, the AFL assumed the costs of the team due to mounting debt for owner Harry Wismer.
February 1963: Franchise Sold
In February 1963, the Titans franchise was sold for $1 million to a five-man syndicate headed by Sonny Werblin.
December 14, 1963: Final Game at Polo Grounds
On December 14, 1963, the New York Jets played their final game at the Polo Grounds, losing to the Buffalo Bills 19-10.
1963: Wolf's Contributions with the Oakland Raiders
In 1963, Wolf had contributions as an executive and player personnel director with the Oakland Raiders.
1963: Titans Become the Jets; New Colors and Uniforms
In 1963, the Titans became the Jets, abandoning navy and gold for kelly green and white, with new jersey designs and white helmets featuring a jet airplane logo.
1963: Team Sold and Renamed
In 1963, the Titans were purchased by a syndicate headed by Sonny Werblin for $1 million and renamed the New York Jets.
1963: Name Change
In 1963, the franchise adopted the current name, New York Jets.
1963: Jets uniforms mimicked the 1963 design
In 1993, the Jets wore throwback jerseys and pants that mimicked the 1963 design, but the team wore its regular green helmets.
1964: Moved to Shea Stadium
In 1964, The New York Jets moved to Shea Stadium in Queens.
1964: Helmet Stripe Adjustment
In 1964, the single green center stripe on the helmet became two parallel stripes.
1965: Original Uniform Design
In 1965, the Jets had the original uniform and logo design that was modernized in 1998, with bright kelly green and a football-shaped logo.
1965: Jets Logo Decal Changes
In 1965, the Jets logo decal colors were reversed and the decals were slightly enlarged for better visibility.
1965: Drafting of Joe Namath
In 1965, the Jets selected Alabama quarterback Joe Namath who led them to victory over the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III.
1965: Classic White Uniform Based on 1965-1977 Design
In 1965, the Jets' design that was used as base for the released Classic White uniform in 2023.
1965: Jets wore regular green helmets with a white-outlined version of the 1965 logo decal
In 1993, the Jets wore regular green helmets with a white-outlined version of the 1965 logo decal.
1966: Jets defeat Patriots, impacting Super Bowl I contention
In 1966, the Jets defeated the Patriots 38-28 at Shea Stadium, removing the Patriots from playoff contention for Super Bowl I.
1966: Inception of Jets-Dolphins Rivalry
In 1966, the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins began their rivalry with the Dolphins' inception.
1968: Werblin Bought Out
In 1968, Sonny Werblin agreed to be bought out of his partnership due to disagreements over team management, though the franchise had begun to make a profit, Werblin was making all the policies and decisions himself with little or no input from his partners, much to their dismay.
1968: Advanced to AFL Playoffs
In 1968, the New York Jets advanced to the AFL playoffs for the first time and went on to compete in Super Bowl III.
1968: 25th Anniversary of the 1968 championship team celebrated in 1993
In 1993, the Jets celebrated the 25th anniversary of the 1968 championship team.
August 17, 1969: Jets Defeat Giants in Preseason Game
On August 17, 1969, the Jets and Giants met for the first time in a preseason game viewed as a "turf war", with the Jets winning 37-14, which led to the firing of Giants coach Allie Sherman.
1969: Road Games
In 1969, The Jets were required to open the season with several road games.
1969: Super Bowl III Victory
In 1969, the New York Jets, led by Weeb Ewbank and Joe Namath, defeated the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III.
January 14, 1970: Selection to American Football League All-Time Team
On January 14, 1970, Titans/Jets players were selected to the American Football League All-Time Team by a panel of the AFL's Hall of Fame Board of Selectors.
1970: Joined the NFL
In 1970, the New York Jets joined the National Football League (NFL) as part of the AFL–NFL merger.
1970: Post AFL-NFL Merger
Since the AFL–NFL merger in 1970, the New York Jets have not returned to the Super Bowl and are one of five teams never to win a conference championship.
1973: Hess Became Majority Stockholder
In 1973, Leon Hess became the team's majority stockholder of the New York Jets.
1973: Road Games
In 1973, The Jets were required to open the season with several road games.
1974: Wolf's Contributions with the Oakland Raiders
In 1974, Wolf had contributions as an executive and player personnel director with the Oakland Raiders.
1976: Hess Bought Iselin's Share
In 1976, Leon Hess bought Philip H. Iselin's share of the New York Jets upon his death.
1976: Riggins' Season with the Washington Redskins
In 1976, Riggins began his seasons with the Washington Redskins.
1976: Drafting of Richard Todd
In 1976, the Jets drafted University of Alabama quarterback Richard Todd.
1977: Jets Uniform Design largely unchanged through 1977
From 1965 through 1977, the Jets uniform design remained largely unchanged apart from some variations to the numeral and lettering typefaces, the angle of the helmet decals, and adjustments to the shoulder and sleeve striping due to changes in NFL jersey tailoring and materials.
1977: Giants Stadium Games Announced
In 1977, the New York Jets announced they would play two home games a year at Giants Stadium in New Jersey, leading to litigation.
1978: Jets Introduce New Uniform Design
For the 1978 season, the Jets made their first major uniform design change, retaining the kelly green and white color scheme but introducing new helmets, jersey designs, and pants stripes.
1978: September Games at Shea
In 1978, as part of a settlement, the city agreed to allow the New York Jets to play two September home games a season at Shea Stadium.
1978: Original "JETS" logo
In 1978, the Jets had the original "JETS" logo that was resembled in 2023 legacy white uniform.
1978: Uniform Design
The current primary uniforms are based on the design used from 1978-89 with simpler striping, green helmets, and a wordmark logo.
1979: Riggins' Season with the Washington Redskins
In 1979, Riggins played for the Washington Redskins.
1980: Monk's Season with the Washington Redskins
In 1980, Monk began his seasons with the Washington Redskins.
1981: Hess Bought Martin's Stake
In 1981, Leon Hess bought Townsend Martin's 25% stake in the team for $5 million.
1981: Riggins' Season with the Washington Redskins
In 1981, Riggins played for the Washington Redskins.
1981: Ronnie Lott Makes All-Pro Team
In 1981, Ronnie Lott made the All-Pro Team at his position.
1981: Jets and Bills Play in Lone Playoff Game
In 1981, the Jets and Bills played in the lone playoff game of the series, a Wild Card Round matchup.
1981: Jets and Dolphins Tie
In 1981, the Jets and Dolphins played to a 28-28 tie in Week 5, marking the only tie in the series.
1982: Todd Throws Five Interceptions in AFC Championship Game
In 1982, Richard Todd threw for five interceptions in the AFC Championship Game against the Miami Dolphins, which the Jets lost.
1982: AFC Championship Game Appearance
In 1982, the New York Jets made an appearance in the AFC Championship Game.
December 10, 1983: Final Game at Shea Stadium
On December 10, 1983, the New York Jets played their final game at Shea Stadium, losing to the Steelers 34-7, with fans taking mementos and the scoreboard displaying "N.J. Jets".
1983: Duhe Interception Thwarts Super Bowl Chance
In 1983, A.J. Duhe's interception return for a touchdown in the conference championship game thwarted the Jets' best chance to reach the Super Bowl after Super Bowl III.
1984: Moved to the Meadowlands
In 1984, the New York Jets relocated to the Meadowlands Sports Complex in New Jersey.
December 28, 1985: Jets fall to Patriots in first NFL Playoff game at Giants Stadium
On December 28, 1985, the Jets were featured in the first NFL playoff game at Giants Stadium, where they lost to the New England Patriots.
1985: Namath inducted into Hall of Fame
In 1985, Joe Namath was inducted into the Hall of Fame.
1985: Riggins' Season with the Washington Redskins
In 1985, Riggins ended his seasons with the Washington Redskins.
1985: Patriots defeat Jets in Wild Card Round
In 1985, the Patriots defeated the Jets 26-14 in the wild card round. The Patriots advanced to Super Bowl XX, where they were defeated by the Bears.
1988: Jets Defeat Giants, Impacting Playoff Hopes
In 1988, the Jets defeated the Giants in the final game of the regular season, preventing the Giants from clinching a playoff spot and division title.
1989: Wolf's Contributions with the Oakland Raiders
In 1989, Wolf had contributions as an executive and player personnel director with the Oakland Raiders.
1990: Wolf's Stint with the Jets
In 1990, Wolf began his brief stint with the Jets.
1990: Drafting of Blair Thomas
In 1990, the Jets drafted Blair Thomas with the second overall pick, expecting him to be a solid player for years to come.
1990: Jets Modify Uniform Design
In 1990, the Jets modified their uniform design by adding thin black outlines to the numerals, lettering, stripes, and helmet decals, changing the facemasks to black, and adding green pants and white socks to be worn with the white jerseys.
1991: Wolf's Stint with the Jets
In 1991, Wolf's brief stint with the Jets ended.
1992: Byrd's Career-Ending Neck Injury
In 1992, Byrd suffered a career-ending neck injury, and his #90 had not been reissued since.
1992: Favre's Career with the Packers
In 1992, Favre began his career with the Packers.
1993: Blair Thomas leaves the team as an unrestricted free agent
In 1993, Blair Thomas left the team as an unrestricted free agent.
1993: Monk's Season with the Washington Redskins
In 1993, Monk ended his seasons with the Washington Redskins.
1993: Jets Wear Throwback Uniforms
In 1993, the Jets were the first NFL team to wear "throwback" uniforms, celebrating the 25th anniversary of the 1968 championship team.
1994: Jets Wear Throwback Uniforms for NFL's 75th Anniversary
In 1994, as part of the NFL's 75th Anniversary celebration, the Jets wore both home and road versions of their throwback uniforms in select games, using their regular green helmets with the 1965–77 logo.
1994: Dolphins Run the Fake Spike Play to Defeat Jets
In 1994, the Miami Dolphins executed the "Fake Spike" play, securing an improbable victory over the New York Jets and halting the Jets' momentum for the season.
1994: Championship drought
In 2023, The Jets also have the longest championship drought among New York's major professional sports franchises, having eclipsed the New York Rangers' 54-year drought (from 1940 to 1994).
1995: Drafting of Kyle Brady
In 1995, Kyle Brady was drafted ahead of Warren Sapp.
1995: Wayne Chrebet's Career with the Jets
In 1995, Wayne Chrebet began his career with the Jets.
1995: "I Want Results Now"
In 1995, following a 6-10 season, owner Leon Hess declared "I'm 80 years old, I want results now" at the introduction of new coach Rich Kotite.
1995: Expansion Franchises
Since 1970, the Jacksonville Jaguars (who began play in 1995) are expansion franchises who have not won a conference championship.
1997: Bill Parcells accepts head coaching position with Jets
In 1997, Bill Parcells vacated his head coaching position with the New England Patriots to accept the same position with the New York Jets, escalating the rivalry.
1997: Bill Parcells Hired
In 1997, Bill Parcells was hired as the head coach of the New York Jets.
1998: AFC Championship Game Appearance
In 1998, Bill Parcells coached the New York Jets to the AFC Championship Game.
1998: New Uniform and Logo Design
In 1998, the Jets adopted a modernized uniform and logo, updating the 1965-77 design with a darker hunter green replacing the bright kelly green. The primary logo became oval-shaped with starker lines.
1998: Classic White Uniform Based on 1998-2018 Designs
In 1998, the Jets' design that was used as base for the released Classic White uniform in 2023.
1998: Won AFC East
Since 1970, the New York Jets have won the AFC East twice, including in 1998.
May 7, 1999: Leon Hess Death
On May 7, 1999, Leon Hess, the owner of the New York Jets, passed away.
1999: Hess Death and Coaching Changes
In 1999, owner Leon Hess died, and Bill Parcells stepped down as head coach, leading to Bill Belichick's brief and abrupt resignation.
October 23, 2000: The Monday Night Miracle
On October 23, 2000, in a game known as 'The Monday Night Miracle', the Jets rallied from a 30-7 deficit to defeat the Dolphins in overtime with a 40-yard field goal by John Hall.
2000: New Owner
In 2000, Woody Johnson became the new owner of the New York Jets.
September 23, 2001: Mo Lewis Tackle on Drew Bledsoe
On September 23, 2001, Jets linebacker Mo Lewis tackled Drew Bledsoe, leading to Tom Brady becoming the Patriots' starting quarterback.
2001: Wolf's Contributions as General Manager of the Green Bay Packers
In 2001, Wolf had contributions as General Manager of the Green Bay Packers.
2002: Bob Wischusen Becomes Play-by-Play Announcer
In 2002, Bob Wischusen became the play-by-play announcer for the Jets, succeeding Howard David.
2002: Addition of Green Pants and Striped Socks
In 2002, the Jets added green pants and striped white socks to their uniform set, which were worn with both the white and green jerseys.
2002: Won AFC East
Since 1970, the New York Jets have won the AFC East twice, including in 2002.
2003: Drafting of Dewayne Robertson
In 2003, Dewayne Robertson was selected fourth overall by the Jets.
2003: Announcement of All-Time Four Decade Team
In 2003, the New York Jets announced their official All-Time Four Decade team, which was determined by the fans of the team.
2005: Abraham's Sack Record
In 2005, John Abraham recorded a sack record.
2005: Wayne Chrebet's Career-Ending Concussion
In 2005, Wayne Chrebet suffered a career-ending concussion, and his #80 jersey has not been reissued since.
2006: Eric Mangini Hired as Jets Head Coach
In 2006, Eric Mangini, previously an assistant under Bill Belichick, was hired as the head coach of the New York Jets.
2006: Establishment of Jets Flag Crew
In 2006, the original Jets Flag Crew was established.
2007: Favre's Career with the Packers
In 2007, Favre ended his career with the Packers.
2007: Expansion and Renaming to Jets Flight Crew
In 2007, the Jets Flag Crew underwent an expansion and was renamed the Jets Flight Crew, performing choreographed routines at home games.
2007: Introduction of Throwback Uniform
In 2007, the Jets introduced a new "throwback" uniform evoking the original Titans of New York, combining elements of the 1960 and 1961-62 uniforms, featuring navy blue helmets and jerseys with old gold accents.
2008: Favre's Season with the Jets
In 2008, Brett Favre played one season as a member of the Jets.
2008: Drafting of Vernon Gholston
In 2008, the Jets drafted outside linebacker Vernon Gholston, who failed to record a sack during his three-year tenure with the team.
2008: Throwback Uniform Appearance
In 2008, the Jets' "throwback" uniform, originally introduced in 2007, appeared again.
2008: Lease at Giants Stadium Expired
In 2008, the Jets' lease at Giants Stadium expired. Prior to his death, Leon Hess had been approached about bringing the team to the West Side.
2008: Training Facility Relocation
In 2008, the team's training facility moved from Hofstra University to the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center in Florham Park.
January 2009: Rex Ryan Hired
In January 2009, Rex Ryan was hired as the head coach of the New York Jets.
2009: Favre's Season with the Minnesota Vikings
In 2009, Favre began his seasons with the Minnesota Vikings.
2009: Throwback Uniform Appearance and White-Jersey Variation
In 2009, the Jets' "throwback" uniform appeared again, and a white-jersey variation was introduced as part of the NFL's celebration of the American Football League's 50th anniversary.
January 2010: Rex Ryan Flashes Obscene Gesture to Dolphins Fans
In January 2010, Jets head coach Rex Ryan flashed an obscene gesture to heckling Dolphins fans, escalating the rivalry between the teams.
April 2010: MetLife Stadium Opens
In April 2010, MetLife Stadium opened, jointly built by the Jets and Giants, becoming the first NFL stadium shared by two franchises. The Jets and Giants opened the stadium together in a preseason exhibition game.
July 20, 2010: Establishment of Ring of Honor
On July 20, 2010, the Jets established a Ring of Honor to commemorate former players, with players to be nominated and inducted each season.
September 13, 2010: Jets' First Regular Season Game at MetLife Stadium
On September 13, 2010, the Jets played their first regular season home game at MetLife Stadium, losing to the Baltimore Ravens 10-9 on Monday Night Football.
2010: Favre's Season with the Minnesota Vikings
In 2010, Favre ended his seasons with the Minnesota Vikings.
2010: Super Bowl contingent on Jets stadium construction
In 2010, team owners voted to award the Super Bowl to New York contingent on the Jets winning the bid and completing construction of the stadium prior to 2010.
2010: Establishment of Jets Junior Flight Crew
In 2010, the Jets Junior Flight Crew was established, offering children training opportunities to improve their talent in a non-competitive environment.
2010: Lost AFC Championship Game
In 2010, the New York Jets reached the AFC Championship Game but lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
January 2011: Jets Upset Patriots in Divisional Round Playoff Game
In January 2011, the Jets upset the Patriots 28-21 in a Divisional Round playoff game, advancing to the AFC Championship Game.
2011: Wilkerson Draft
In 2011, The Jets selected Muhammad Wilkerson in first round.
2011: Throwback Uniform Appearance
In 2011, the Jets' "throwback" uniform, originally introduced in 2007, made another appearance.
2011: Trash Talk and Giants Win
In the 2011 NFL season, the Jets and Giants met in Week 16 with both teams needing a victory to keep their playoff hopes alive, leading to significant trash talk and a 29-14 Giants win.
2013: Drafting of Dee Milliner
In 2013, Dee Milliner was drafted by the team.
2013: Wilkerson Matches Abraham's Sack Record; Richardson Honored as DROY
In 2013, Muhammad Wilkerson ended the season with 10.5 sacks, matching John Abraham's record from 2005, and Sheldon Richardson was named Defensive Rookie of the Year by the AP.
2014: Jets' Run Defense Ranked Fifth
In 2014, The Jets' run defense was stout with all three in the line up, finishing fifth as a team in rushing yards allowed.
2014: Ryan and Idzik Fired
In 2014, following a 4-12 season, Rex Ryan and general manager John Idzik were fired by the New York Jets.
2014: MetLife Stadium Hosts Super Bowl XLVIII
In 2014, team owners voted to have MetLife Stadium host Super Bowl XLVIII.
December 6, 2015: Jets Comeback Victory Against Giants
On December 6, 2015, the Jets came from behind to defeat the Giants 23-20 in overtime.
2015: Todd Bowles Hired
In 2015, Todd Bowles was hired to replace Rex Ryan as head coach, leading the Jets to a 10-6 record but failing to make the postseason.
2016: Darrelle Revis' Release
In 2016, the Jets have not reissued #24 since the release of Darrelle Revis.
2016: Last Place Finish
In 2016, the New York Jets finished last place in the AFC East.
2017: Woody Johnson Appointed Ambassador
In 2017, Woody Johnson was appointed as the United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom, with Christopher Johnson taking over team operations.
2017: Jets Draft Jamal Adams
In 2017, the Jets selected Jamal Adams with the sixth overall pick out of LSU.
2018: Jamal Adams Makes Pro Bowl and Wins Defensive MVP Award
In 2018, Jamal Adams made the Pro Bowl and won the Defensive MVP Award.
2018: Classic White Uniform Based on 1998-2018 Designs
In 2018, the Jets' design that was used as base for the released Classic White uniform in 2023.
2018: Rivalry Heats Up with Drafted Quarterbacks
In 2018, the Jets-Bills series heated up due to the friendly rivalry between quarterbacks Sam Darnold and Josh Allen, who were both selected in the first round of the draft.
2018: Last Place Finish and Bowles Fired
In 2018, the New York Jets finished last place in the AFC East, and Todd Bowles was subsequently fired.
2019: Adam Gase Hired
In 2019, Adam Gase was hired to replace Todd Bowles as head coach of the New York Jets, the team went 7-9 this season.
2019: New Uniform Design
In 2019, the Jets abandoned their classic look for a new uniform design featuring "Gotham Green," black as a third color, and green helmets with metallic paint.
2019: Jets Take the Win Against Giants
In 2019, the Jets defeated the Giants with a score of 34-27.
2019: Black Alternate Uniform
Since 2019, the New York Jets have had a black alternate uniform.
2020: Quinnen Williams Shows Promise
In 2020, Quinnen Williams recorded 7.0 sacks and 55 total tackles before being added to the Injured Reserved list.
2020: 2-14 Season
In 2020, the New York Jets went 2-14, and Adam Gase was fired following the season.
2021: Woody Johnson Retook Ownership
In 2021, Woody Johnson retook ownership duties from Christopher Johnson after his term as ambassador ended.
2021: Robert Saleh Hired
Prior to the 2021 season, the Jets hired Robert Saleh as head coach and drafted Zach Wilson second overall. The team finished with a 4-13 record.
2022: Jets Make Three First-Round Selections
In 2022, the Jets made three selections in the first round of the NFL draft: Sauce Gardner, Garrett Wilson, and Jermaine Johnson II.
2022: 7-10 Season
In 2022, the New York Jets finished with a 7-10 record, finishing last in the division.
2022: Introduction of Matte-Black Alternate Helmet
In 2022, with new league rules, the Jets paired their black uniform with a matte-black alternate helmet featuring a metallic-green facemask and the "JETS" logo in green outlined in white.
October 29, 2023: Jets Win Against Giants in Overtime
On October 29, 2023, the Jets won 13-10 in overtime as the visitors against the New York Giants.
2023: Championship drought
In 2023, The Jets also have the longest championship drought among New York's major professional sports franchises, having eclipsed the New York Rangers' 54-year drought (from 1940 to 1994).
2023: Introduction of "Legacy White" Throwback Uniform
In 2023, the Jets introduced a "legacy white" throwback uniform resembling the 1978-89 design.
2023: 7-10 Season
In the 2023 season, the Jets once again finished 7-10 in a season that started hopeful with the signing of Aaron Rodgers, who later suffered a season-ending Achilles tear on the first offensive series of the regular season.
February 2024: WAXQ Becomes Flagship Radio Station
In February 2024, WAXQ became the Jets' flagship radio station after Good Karma Brands ended its agreement with Emmis Communications.
2024: Bills lead all-time series against the Jets 71-58
As of the 2024 season, the Buffalo Bills lead the all-time series against the Jets 71-58.
2024: Anthony Becht Becomes Analyst
In 2024, Anthony Becht took over as the analyst for the Jets after Marty Lyons resigned to become a brand ambassador for the team.
2024: "Legacy White" Uniform Becomes Primary
In 2024, the "legacy white" throwback uniform introduced in 2023 will become the Jets' primary uniform, with green and black versions added to complete the set.
2024: Saleh fired
In the 2024 season, the Jets fire Saleh after a 2-3 start. Jeff Ulbrich finished the season with a 3-9 mark to end with a 5-12 record. Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn was named as head coach following the season.
