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Former Jets RB Matt Snell, Super Bowl III hero, dies at 84
Snell was remembered for his key role in the Jets' only Super Bowl championship victory.
Published on Mar. 11, 2026
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Former New York Jets running back Matt Snell, who was a hero in the team's Super Bowl III victory, has died at the age of 84. Snell rushed for 121 yards and scored the Jets' lone touchdown in their 16-7 upset win over the Baltimore Colts. He overcame a knee injury to play a crucial role in the historic victory. Snell's relationship with the Jets later soured after he said a promised lifelong role with the franchise never materialized following a change in ownership.
Why it matters
Snell was a beloved figure in Jets history, representing the toughness and belief that defined the team's proudest moment. His performance in Super Bowl III is considered one of the most important victories in sports history, as the Jets' upset of the heavily favored Colts is seen as a landmark moment that helped legitimize the AFL.
The details
Snell was named AFL Rookie of the Year in 1964 and set the Jets' single-game rushing record. After the Super Bowl win, injuries limited him to just 12 games over his final three seasons before he retired in 1972. Snell later said a miscommunication over a promised lifelong role with the Jets led to a deterioration of his relationship with the franchise.
- Snell died on March 10, 2026 at the age of 84.
- Snell played a key role in the Jets' 16-7 victory over the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III in 1969.
The players
Matt Snell
A former NFL running back who played for the New York Jets from 1964 to 1972. He was named AFL Rookie of the Year in 1964 and rushed for 121 yards and scored the Jets' lone touchdown in their upset victory over the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III.
Woody Johnson
The chairman of the New York Jets, who praised Snell as embodying the toughness and belief that defined the franchise's proudest moments.
Joe Namath
The legendary Jets quarterback, who reflected on the lasting impact Snell made on the field, saying "Without him, we wouldn't have had a chance to win a championship."
What they’re saying
“Matt Snell will forever hold a special place in the history of the New York Jets. He was the embodiment of toughness, selflessness and belief — traits that defined our organization's proudest moments. His performance in Super Bowl III was nothing short of legendary. Against the odds, Matt set the tone with his physical running, delivering the Jets' lone touchdown and helping secure one of the most important victories in sports history.”
— Woody Johnson, Jets Chairman (wxbc1043.com)
“I'm really sad to hear that he passed. Matt was not only a hell of a player — he was a terrific teammate, and without him, we wouldn't have had a chance to win a championship.”
— Joe Namath (wxbc1043.com)
What’s next
The Jets are expected to hold a memorial service to honor Snell's legacy and contributions to the franchise.
The takeaway
Snell's performance in Super Bowl III cemented his status as a Jets legend, and his lasting impact on the franchise is a testament to the power of teamwork, determination, and belief in the face of long odds. His story serves as an inspiration for future generations of Jets players and fans.
