Top 10 Jets Moments
by Ed Easton Jr.
As the Jets continue to battle during this year's playoffs, we decided to take a look back at some of the most memorable moments in the franchise's history.
#10 Monday Night Miracle
On Monday, October 23rd 2000 at Giants Stadium, the Jets entered the fourth quarter down 30 - 7 to AFC East rival Miami Dolphins. Vinny Testaverde would go on to complete touchdown passes to Wayne Cherbet, Jermaine Wiggins, Laverneus Coles and even Jumbo Elliott leading to 30 fourth quarter points. The Jets defense held Miami to only one first down as the offense converted 20 eventually evening up the score and sending the game into overtime. John Hall's 40 yard field goal at 1:22 a.m. ended the game as the Jets completed the comeback, winning 40 - 37.
#9 Brett Favre Acquisition
On August 7th, 2008, the Jets surprised the entire football world by trading for future Hall Of Famer Brett Favre after his first announced retirement. A disgruntled Favre wanted out of Green Bay leading the Jets to trade a conditional 4th round pick in the 2009 draft and release then starter Chad Pennington. Favre threw 22 touch downs and 22 interceptions leading the Jets to a 9 - 7 record in his only season with Gang Green.
#8 Trading Keyshawn Johnson
On April 12th, 2000, The Jets traded Keyshawn Johnson to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for two first round drafts picks. The picks turned out to be Jon Abraham and Anthony Becht. The Jets also had two other first round picks that year. They selected Shaun Ellis and Chad Pennington. It was the first time a team had four first round draft picks in one draft.
#7 Defeating The Packers To Clinch AFC East On Last Day Of The Season
On December 29th, 2002 Giants Stadium was sent into a frenzy after it was reported the Patriots had defeated the Dolphins in overtime, giving the Jets a shot at the division title. The Jets took care of business that day, defeating Green Bay 42 - 17 to capture the AFC East crown.
#6 The 1998 Season
The Jets, in their second full season under Bill Parcells, went 12 - 4 earning their first division title since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970. The acquisitions of running back Curtis Martin and quarterback Vinny Testaverde served as catalysts on offense and the addition of linebacker Bryan Cox brought leadership to the defense. After beginning the season 0 - 2, The Jets won 12 out of their last 14 earning a bye in the first round of the playoffs and hosting the Jacksonville Jaguars in the divisional round winning 34 - 24.
#5 The Additions Of Rex Ryan & Mark Sanchez
On January 21st, 2009, The Jets hired former Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan to a four-year deal. Ryan's next move was the draft day acquisition of USC quarterback Mark Sanchez by trading up to the 5th pick in the 2009 NFL Draft. This combination led the Jets to the AFC title game in their first year together.
#4 The 1968 AFL Championship Game
In the 1968 AFL Championship game the Jets defeated the defending champion Oakland Raiders 27 - 23. Joe Namath threw for three touchdown passes giving the Jets their first franchise title.
#3 Signing Bill Parcells
In 1997, The Jets signed Bill Parcells as head coach and general manager, turning around the fortunes of the franchise that was 4 - 28 under former manager Rich Kotite. Parcells led the Jets to a 12 - 4 record and was one game away from making the Super Bowl in 1998 before losing to the eventual champion Denver Broncos.
#2 Signing Joe Namath
Joe Namath was drafted to the St. Louis Cradinals of the NFL with the 12th pick, but opted to play with the Jets of the AFL, who selected him number one. Namath signed a then pro football record salary of $427,000 to become forever known as "Broadway Joe".
#1 Super Bowl 3 Victory
The Jets entered the third interleague Superbowl between the NFL and AFL champions heavy underdogs against the NFL's Baltimore Colts. The Colts were praised going into the game as "the greatest football team in history" led by quarterback Johnny Unitas. Leading up to game day Jets quarterback Joe Namath made the famous declaration "We're gonna win the game. I guarantee it." The Jets rallied behind those words, defeating Baltimore 16 - 7 as Namath was named game MVP.
Did we miss any? Weigh in below!
