New York Jets in the ‘09 Super Bowl
The AFC Eastern Division houses many great football teams with the New York Jets being one of them. The Jets, currently, do not have a stadium they can call home as they are sharing a stadium, in Rutherford, New Jersey, with the New York Giants. However, the opening game of the 2010 season will be held in the anxiously awaited new stadium - the Meadowlands Stadium. Either way, Jets fans anxiously await the ‘09 season as they have already began purchasing tickets before spring training has even begun.
Before being franchised into the NFL, the New York Jets were know as the Titans and were chartered members of the AFL. It was at this time, in their career, that they became known as a great team, yet did not have the fan base to prove it. They played in a stadium known as the Polo Grounds, but - unfortunately - there were many empty seats at home games. This had nothing to do with their skill, they were a good team, but fans were more interested in the teams on the NFL side of things.
In 1963, the Titans were bought, moved, and had a name change; this is when they became the New York Jets. This move was one of the greatest things that ever happened to the team, because this is when they became dangerous on the field.
With a new home and name the team began to play as a team; they began breaking records and winning games like you wouldn’t believe. In fact, they were the first AFL team ever to beat an NFL team for a championship title, which happened in Super Bowl 3.
It was during this time - the 60s - that Namath - one of the most infamous quarterbacks in the history of football - played for the jets and let them to numerous victories. In fact, Namath - once a member of the Jets - was the first quarterback ever to throw a 4000-yard season! The season of ‘67 was a phenomenal year for the team, Namath hit his throwing record this year, and he ended their season with an 8-5-1 record. In 1969, Namath carried the Jets to an AFL Championship Title over the Oakland Raiders.
It was now apparent, to the NFL, that the AFL might be a threat to the league. Right before Super Bowl 3, where the Jets were set to meet the Baltimore Colts, Namath guaranteed a title win. Surprisingly enough, they did it - the Jets beat the Colts and got their hands on their very first Super Bowl win (the same game that gave them the record of being the first AFL team to take a title from an NFL team).
In the years to come, the Jets led the fans into some disappointing seasons, nothing like the big win of 1969. They had lost Namath, due to knee injuries, but in 2008 acquired Brett Favre and could - again - begin breaking records and winning titles like those in the 60s. (The Jets had attempted to trade for Favre in ‘91, but were too late.)
Favre led the team to many amazing wins and put their name back on the table. With this, ticket sales began - once again - to skyrocket. In 2008, the team was within inches of making it to the playoffs, so there is no doubt that the ‘09 season will end with a few playoff games.