The New York Jets were founded in 1959 as the Titans of New York and became a member of the American Football League (AFL). In 1963, the franchise was sold and renamed the Jets.

The Jets reached a significant milestone in 1968, advancing to the playoffs for the first time and playing in what was officially the first AFL-NFL Championship Game, later known as Super Bowl III. Under the leadership of quarterback Joe Namath, the Jets triumphed over the Baltimore Colts, securing a 16-7 victory.

In the 1980s, the Jets found brief success by returning to the playoffs. Notably, in 1982, they reached the AFC Championship Game, though they were defeated by the Miami Dolphins with a 14-0 scoreline.

From 2001 to 2010, the Jets enjoyed another period of success, making the playoffs six times. Their most recent playoff appearance came in 2010, when they advanced to the AFC Championship Game but were eliminated by the Pittsburgh Steelers in a narrow 24-19 loss.