The New York Jets are a cornerstone of professional American football, with a history that stretches back more than six decades. Understanding when the Jets were founded requires looking at the complex origins of the franchise, which began not on the gridiron of New York but in the classrooms of Columbia University. The team’s story is one of relocation, iconic quarterback drama, and a merger that reshaped an entire sport, making the question of their founding date more layered than it first appears.
The Birth of a Franchise: 1959 and the AFL Inaugural Class
To answer "when were the Jets founded," one must first acknowledge the birth of the American Football League (AFL) in 1959. The Jets were established as one of the original members of this rival league, which was created to challenge the established National Football League (NFL). The franchise was initially known as the Titans of New York, a name chosen through a fan contest that reflected the ambitious spirit of the new league and its desire to capture the identity of the city it represented.
From Titans to Jets: The Search for an Identity
The early years were difficult for the Titans of New York, both on the field and at the box office. Playing out of the decrepit Polo Grounds, the team struggled to find an audience. This period of instability lasted until 1963, when the franchise was sold to the wealthy aviation entrepreneur Sonny Werblin. In a move intended to rebrand the team and distance it from a losing record, Werblin renamed the team the New York Jets, aligning the name with the city’s famous airport and giving the franchise a fresh start that would define its future.
The Super Bowl and Joe Namath: The Franchise Peak
The most famous chapter in the history of the Jets began with the drafting of Joe Namath in 1965. The charismatic quarterback became the face of the franchise and guaranteed victory in Super Bowl III before leading the team to a stunning 16–7 win over the Baltimore Colts. This victory was pivotal, as it validated the AFL and proved that the rival league could compete with the NFL on the biggest stage. The game solidified the Jets’ place in football lore and remains the pinnacle of the franchise’s achievements, occurring just four years after the merger with the NFL was finalized.
Season | League | Record | Head Coach | Super Bowl
1968 | AFL/NFL | 11–3 | Weeb Ewbank | Won III
The Modern Era and Relocation to New Jersey
Following the glory of the 1960s, the Jets entered a long period of rebuilding. In 1964, the team moved from the Polo Grounds into the newly constructed Shea Stadium, sharing the venue with the New York Mets for over 40 years. This era highlighted the challenges of being a second-sport city, but the franchise remained a competitive force in the AFC East. The next major shift came in 1984 when the team relocated again, this time to Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, a move that aligned them with the New York Giants and set the stage for their current home at MetLife Stadium.
