The NFL community is mourning the loss of Gerry Philbin, a defensive stalwart who helped secure the New York Jets’ only Super Bowl victory, who has passed away at age 83. Philbin’s remarkable career spanned nine seasons with the Jets from 1964-72, during which he became an integral part of the franchise’s most celebrated achievement – their stunning upset victory over the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III. How was Philbin able to become one of the best defensive ends in AFL history while being undersized?
A Defensive Force in Jets History
Gerry Philbin, a cornerstone of the New York Jets’ only Super Bowl championship team and member of the franchise’s Ring of Honor, has died at the age of 83. Philbin established himself as one of the most formidable defensive ends in American Football League history despite being considered undersized for his position at 6’2″.
The Jets honored their fallen star by describing him as an “undersized, big-hearted, highly productive and well-decorated defensive end” who overcame physical limitations through an extraordinary work ethic. Philbin’s natural ability and determination allowed him to record an unofficial 64.5 regular-season sacks, ranking him fourth in franchise history despite playing in an era when sack statistics weren’t officially tracked.
Sad news: Former #Jets great Gerry Philbin, a member of the Ring of Honor and a defensive cog on the Super Bowl III championship team, has passed away, per his family. He was 83. A two-time All-Pro. Played for the Jets from 1964-1972. RIP pic.twitter.com/iwmFEVq1eV
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) June 25, 2025
Super Bowl Champion and AFL Star
Philbin’s most significant contribution came during the Jets’ historic upset victory over the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III, the franchise’s only championship to date. His defensive prowess helped the Jets defeat the heavily favored Colts 16-7 in January 1969, a victory that legitimized the AFL before its merger with the NFL.
Selected in the third round of the 1964 draft, Philbin chose the Jets over the Detroit Lions, who had also drafted him in the same round of the NFL draft. His decision proved fruitful as he went on to play 109 games and start three others during his nine-season tenure with the Jets before finishing his career with the Philadelphia Eagles in 1973.
R.I.P. to an all time great New York Jet Gerry Philbin
Gerry was drafted in the 3rd round of the 1964 AFL draft and played for the Jets from 1964-1972. Philbin was a 2 time 1st team all pro and made the AFL all decade team in the 60s.
He was a key player in the 1968 Super Bowl… pic.twitter.com/EaJWUxXHsm
— New York Jets History (@nyjetshistory) June 25, 2025
A Legacy of Excellence
Philbin’s on-field excellence earned him selection to the AFL All-Star Game in both 1968 and 1969. He was later named a first-team defensive end on the all-time All-AFL squad, cementing his status as one of the elite players of his era.
Philbin and teammate Verlon Biggs remain the only Jets players to achieve 10-plus sacks in four consecutive seasons, highlighting their remarkable consistency. “I got the most out of how hard I worked, because I was a little disadvantaged with size and overcame it,” Philbin once reflected on his career, adding that he cherished his accomplishments including “being an All-Star, winning the Super Bowl, getting elected to the All-Time AFL Team, and becoming a Ring of Honor recipient with the Jets.”
After retiring from football, Philbin sold real estate in Florida and owned a sand and gravel business on Long Island before eventually returning to Florida to be near his children. His passing comes as the Jets prepare to enter the 2025 season with new leadership under head coach Aaron Glenn and quarterback Justin Fields, still seeking to recapture the championship glory that Philbin helped deliver more than five decades ago.