The 1968 season landed them in the Super Bowl against heavily favored Johnny Unitas and the Baltimore Colts. Namath is famous for guaranteeing a win in Super Bowl III, a statement that he would back up with a 16-7 victory.

Soon after Namath and brazen ways were sidelined by a knee injury and the Jets struggled. The Franchise would continue to struggle for much the ‘70s and much of the ‘80s. Another strong personality would come in the ‘90s to lift the franchise out of the cellar again.

Bill Parcels had done wonders for the Patriots and decided to bring his magic to New York, where he was successful with the Giants. This time though, he would be coaching the Jets. Parcels built a team around wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson, running back Curtis Martin, and quarterback Vinnie Testaverde. The club won the AFC east in 1998 with a 12-4 record, but lost the AFC Championship game to the Broncos.

Parcels left the team before the 1999 season when the ownership of the Jets changed. Parcels left new coach Herm Edwards a talented team that went to the playoffs four times in six years, but could never advance beyond the divisional playoff game.