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New York Jets legend Gerry Philbin, who played 10 seasons of professional football in the AFL and NFL, has passed away at age 83.
On Wednesday afternoon, the New York Jets History X/Twitter account announced that Gerry Philbin had passed away. The exact date of his death and the cause of his death were not immediately available.
Philbin was drafted by the Jets and Detroit Lions in the 1964 AFL and NFL Drafts, respectively. He decided to play for New York under legendary head coach Weeb Ewbank, quickly emerging as a centerpiece of the star-studded group led by Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Namath.
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
RIP Gerry Philbin, a Super Bowl champion, All-AFL selection, and a member of the Jets’ Ring of Honor. One of the best defensive ends ever, he deserves consideration for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. pic.twitter.com/HMiMGUhWCV
— Michael Kronenberg ✡️ (@MWKronenberg) June 25, 2025
Gerry Philbin earned back-to-back AFL All-Star and First-team All-AFL selections in 1968 and ’69, helping the Jets to the AFL Championship and a stunning Super Bowl III victory in the 1968 season.
The Jets entered Super Bowl III as a giant 18-point underdog against the NFL champion Baltimore Colts, but it didn’t stop Namath from famously guaranteeing that his team would win. “Broadway Joe” backed it up, and the Jets won 16-7 to claim their first Super Bowl.
In their championship-winning season, Gerry Philbin had 14 sacks, tops in the AFL. After nine seasons with the Jets, Philbin moved to Philadelphia to spend his last NFL season with the Eagles in 1973.
Philbin is part of the Jets’ Ring of Honor and was named to the AFL All-Time Team in 1970.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Philbin’s family and friends during this difficult time.
With 65 sacks in a Jets uniform, Philbin is fourth all-time on the franchise leaderboard. Mark Gastineau is the career leader by a giant margin (107.5), followed by Joe Klecko (78) and Shaun Ellis (72.5).
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