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New York Jets Origins

NFL Teams | New York Jets Origins

The 1922 Rose Bowl
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A Deep Dive into Every NFL Franchise History

Huddle up, football fans! We're embarking on a monumental gridiron odyssey, a deep dive into the rich and storied histories of all 32 National Football League franchises. From the hallowed halls of Canton to the electrifying neon of Las Vegas, we'll unearth the triumphs, tragedies, and unforgettable moments that have woven the tapestry of America's favorite sport.

Imagine a map, not of parchment and ink, but of stitched pigskin and goalpost shadows. Each city, a franchise, its coordinates marked by iconic stadiums, legendary players, and the echoes of cheers that have reverberated through decades. Green Bay, where the ghosts of Lombardi still roam the frozen tundra of Lambeau Field. Dallas, where echoes of Aikman's laser throws and Staubach's daring scrambles dance in the Texas air. New England, where Brady's dynasty cast a long shadow, a testament to relentless excellence. But this isn't just a stroll down memory lane. We'll delve deeper, unearthing the birth pangs of each franchise, the rivalries that forged their identities, and the social tides that shaped their destinies. We'll meet the trailblazers who shattered racial barriers, the innovators who redefined the game, and the mavericks who dared to defy convention.

This is a journey for every fan, regardless of your team allegiance. It's about understanding the DNA of the NFL, appreciating the intricate web that binds us all together. From the X's and O's to the Jimmies and Joes here are the 32 NFL teams we love.


New York Jets Origins

The New York Jets have played a pivotal role in making the NFL what it is today. The glamour of high-profile players and coaches in America's largest city makes it hard to imagine the franchise's humble beginnings.

The franchise formed in 1959 as the New York Titans. Harry Wismer, a Big Apple sportscaster for Mutual Radio, attended the inaugural organizational meeting of the fourth edition of an NFL rival league named the American Football League. Wismer proclaimed that it was time for the large metropolis to field a second professional team that would compete with the long-established Giants.

Wismer stated that the team would be called the Titans because Titans were bigger and stronger in ancient lore than Giants. It was only a short time after the team nailed down a contract to call the vaunted Polo Grounds as their home field. The venue was falling apart due to age, and the fans needed to be more receptive to attending games or seeing the product put on the field. Thus, financial woes hit the franchise hard in its first three seasons, so much so that Wismer had to hand control over to the AFL to finish the season.

A business group of five bought the rights for a mere $1, saving the franchise from certain bankruptcy, and ran the squad for the 1963 season. The syndicate, headed by Sonny Werblin, wanted to distance themselves and the team from the failures of the first three seasons in the AFL. Werblin and company also took the team out of the dilapidated Polo Grounds to a new venue, Shea Stadium, which would be shared with another new New York team, the MLB NY Mets. The Mets were touted as a team for the younger generation from the old-school Yankees, and this appealed to Werblin's group to do the same with their competition with the Giants. The name Jets seemed very fitting to associate themselves closer with their new stadium roommates and honor their close location to Laguardia Airport.

The owners also transitioned to a new coaching staff by hiring a proven winner in Weeb Ewbank, who would be the team's Head Coach and General Manager. The moves were a positive strategy that would provide some success for future seasons.

Orville Mulligan: Sports Writer
We invite you to take a ride through 1920's sports history in the audio drama that takes the listener through the sounds and legendary events of the era through the eyes of a young newspaper journalist. You will feel like you were there! Brought to you by Number 80 Productions and Pigskin Dispatch _________________________

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Sports Jersey Dispatch
If you like remembering players of the NFL by their numbers then you may also enjoy going uniform number by number in other team sports as well. We have it for you on our other website in baseball, basketball, hockey and more on the Sports Jersey Dispatch. _________________________

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Bears versus Cardinals: The NFL's Oldest Rivalry
Author Joe Ziemba the master historian of football in Chicago has released another beauty. It is titled Bears versus Cardinals: The NFL's Oldest Rivalry. _________________________