Super Bowl III Hero Matt Snell, Key Figure in New York Jets History, Dies at 84
Matt Snell, the powerhouse running back who helped the Jets win their only title, died at 84. Fan memories of the stunning victory that transformed professional football history end with his death.
According to longtime Jets reporter Rich Cimini, Snell died Wednesday morning on Long Island. Many football fans remembered him for his strength on the pitch and his role in one of the most historic games ever played.
Jets Chairman Woody Johnson paid tribute to Snell and his impact on the team. Johnson called him tough, dedicated, and believing during one of the team’s most memorable moments. He said Snell’s Super Bowl III performance is legendary, as the running back’s determination helped the Jets win a game few thought possible.
Snell started his football career at Ohio State, where he was a solid running back. On a rare occasion when the NFL and NFL battled for players, his talent drew the attention of professional organizations. Both the Jets and Giants drafted Snell in 1964. The Jets drafted him third overall in the AFL, while the Giants drafted him fourth in the NFL.
Snell joined the Jets for nine seasons. He was one of the team’s most reliable offensive players. Snell averaged 4.1 yards per run in 86 games, rushing for 4,285 yards and 24 touchdowns. Receiving 193 passes for 1,375 yards and seven touchdowns, he was valuable. His prowess earned him All-Pro status in 1969 and three Pro Bowl honors.
Despite his impressive career, Snell’s most memorable moment was the Jets’ championship win. Super Bowl III pitted the Jets against the favored Baltimore Colts. Many observers predicted the Colts to win easily since the AFL was considered inferior to the NFL. However, Snell was crucial in disproving those notions.
In the contest, Snell ran 30 times for 121 yards. Early in the game, he scored the sole touchdown for the Jets with a four-yard run. His powerful rushing style controlled the game and pressured the Colts defense. A 16–7 win gave the Jets their first and only championship.
That game mattered beyond the Jets. The win showed the AFL could compete with the NFL at the highest level. The success of that matchup helped promote the merging of the two leagues, which changed American football in 1970.
Fans still celebrate Snell’s playing career, but his relationship with the Jets deteriorated after retirement. Snell said former owner Leon Hess promised him a job with the team after he retired from football due to a knee injury, but it never happened. After being disappointed, Snell declined to attend Jets-related celebrations, including those honoring the Super Bowl III team.
Snell told a sports columnist that he left the franchise because the commitment was never kept. He was still upset about how his career ended despite his historic achievements to the squad.
The Jets welcomed Snell into their Ring of Honor in 2015 for his role in a historic win. He did not attend the ceremony, but the distinction confirmed his status among the most significant Jets players.
That championship moment will forever define Matt Snell for many fans. His Super Bowl III effort gave the Jets their only global title and changed a football league’s image. Decades later, that game and its running back still resonate in NFL history.
Sources
ESPN
New York Jets Official Team Statement
NJ.com Sports Archives
