January 12, 1969: Joe Namath guaranteed a Super Bowl victory three days prior to the game and then went and backed it up on the field. On this day, the New York Jets shocked the football world and upset the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III.
Oddsmakers had the Colts as an 18-point favorite and outside of Namath, not many thought the Jets had a chance. The Colts were 13-1 under coach Don Shula and the Jets were 11-3. Most thought the AFL was inferior than the NFL clubs and stood no chance of ever winning a championship. After the Jets triumphed 16-7, the NFL landscape would be changed forever.
The game itself was significant because it was the first time the AFL-NFL championship was called the Super Bowl, even tough it was the third matchup. This was also the first Super Bowl to feature famous celebrities during its ceremonies instead of just college bands.
The Jets dominated the game, and had a 16-0 lead late into the 4th quarter. Namath finished the game 17 out of 28 passes for 206 yards, and was named the Super Bowl's Most Valuable Player. Namath didn't throw any touchdowns or any passes at all in the fourth quarter, but that was good enough.
Watch highlights of the game here:
This game wouldn't be possible after the 1970 merger with the creation of the AFC because the Jets and Colts became part of the same conference.
This would be the Jets only Super Bowl appearance and win in franchise history. Here's to you Joe Namath and the New York Jets win in Super Bowl III.
