Matt Snell, Jets Legend and Super Bowl III Hero, Dies at 84
Former New York Jets running back Matt Snell, a key figure in the franchise’s Super Bowl III victory, has passed away at age 84.
- Glenn Catubig
- 4 min read
Matt Snell, the former Matt Snell who became an iconic figure in New York Jets history, died Wednesday at 84 on Long Island, his son Beau Snell confirmed. Snell’s career is best remembered for his defining performance in Super Bowl III, when he helped the Jets upset the heavily favored Baltimore Colts.
The 6-foot-2 back rushed for 121 yards on 30 carries and scored the only touchdown for New York in the 16–7 victory, a performance that remains one of the most influential single-game efforts in Super Bowl history. Beyond his individual statistics, Snell’s contributions were instrumental in legitimizing the AFL ahead of its 1970 merger with the NFL.
Snell’s 121-yard effort marked the first 100-yard rushing performance in a Super Bowl, and his four-yard touchdown run in the second quarter gave the Jets a lead they never relinquished. While quarterback Joe Namath famously guaranteed the win and captured the MVP award, Snell’s role in the game’s outcome was equally pivotal.
Over the course of the game, Snell totaled 161 yards from scrimmage, including 40 receiving yards. His career with the Jets spanned nine seasons, during which he became one of the most complete and dependable backs in the AFL, leaving a lasting legacy with the franchise.
1. Career Achievements and Legacy
Snell’s impact on the Jets began immediately after being selected third overall in the 1964 AFL Draft, despite also being chosen by the NFL’s New York Giants. He quickly established himself as a versatile and durable back. In his rookie season, Snell rushed 215 times for 948 yards and five touchdowns while adding 56 receptions for 393 yards, earning AFL Rookie of the Year honors. He averaged 4.4 yards per carry, showing early on his ability to move the chains consistently. Over nine seasons with the Jets from 1964 to 1972, Snell amassed 4,285 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns, along with 193 receptions for 1,375 yards and seven receiving touchdowns. His 84 games played place him among the franchise’s most productive backs. He finished fourth on the Jets’ all-time rushing list, cementing his status as a cornerstone of the team’s offense during the AFL years and into the early NFL era.
2. Super Bowl III Heroics
Super Bowl III remains the defining moment of Snell’s career. His 121 rushing yards and single touchdown provided the Jets with a steady ground attack that complemented Joe Namath’s passing and helped neutralize the Colts’ vaunted defense. Snell’s touchdown in the second quarter gave New York a 7–0 lead, a margin they never lost, proving that the Jets’ upset was no fluke. His 40 receiving yards added an extra dimension to the offense, forcing Baltimore to defend both the run and the pass. The game’s significance went beyond the scoreline. Snell’s performance helped establish the AFL as a legitimate league ahead of the merger with the NFL, and it inspired future generations of Jets players. Despite Namath’s famous guarantee and MVP recognition, Snell’s contributions were crucial to the victory. Analysts and fans often highlight his Super Bowl III performance as one of the most complete efforts by a running back in championship history.
3. Remembering Matt Snell
Beyond his statistics, Snell was known for his toughness, versatility, and leadership both on and off the field. He was a player who could be counted on in critical moments and consistently delivered for the Jets. His career statistics reflect his dual-threat ability: over 4,200 rushing yards, 24 rushing touchdowns, 193 receptions, and seven receiving touchdowns. Snell’s balance between running and receiving made him a valuable asset in the AFL and early NFL periods. Former teammates, fans, and league historians remember Snell not only for his Super Bowl heroics but also for his consistency and professionalism throughout his nine-year career. His contributions helped define the Jets’ identity during the 1960s and early 1970s. Snell’s passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy endures through his Super Bowl III performance and lasting impact on the franchise and the sport.