Matt Snell
The powerful running back who powered the Jets' ground game through the late sixties and early seventies.
Matt Snell stands as one of the most prolific running backs in New York Jets history, anchoring the team's offense during a transformative era in the late 1960s and early 1970s. A two-time Pro Bowler and First-Team All-Pro selection, Snell was the engine that drove the Jets' ground game following the legendary Joe Namath-led Super Bowl III victory. His physical style of play and durability made him a fan favorite in the Meadowlands and Shea Stadium alike.
- position
- Running Back
- pro_bowl_selections
- 2 (1969, 1970)
- all_pro_selections
- 1 First-Team (1969)
- team_record_holder_status
- Former team leader in rushing yards and touchdowns
Lore & Background
Beyond his individual accolades, Snell's legacy is tied to the resilience of the franchise. Even as quarterback Joe Namath's shoulder injuries began to mount, Snell provided a reliable alternative for moving the chains and controlling the clock. His partnership with coach Walt Michaels helped establish a balanced attack that kept the Jets competitive throughout the early 1970s. Though he eventually moved on to the Buffalo Bills later in his career, his time in Green and White remains a golden chapter of the team's identity.
In Their Own Story
The air at Shea Stadium was thick with humidity as the late afternoon sun beat down on the gridiron. With the clock winding down in the fourth quarter, the Jets needed just one more yard to seal the victory. The quarterback handed off to Matt Snell, who took a hard hit from two defenders but refused to go down. He stumbled forward, his cleats digging into the turf, and crossed the goal line with a roar that echoed through the stands, cementing another chapter in Jets lore.
Reader's Guide
Drafted by the New York Jets in the first round of the 1968 NFL Draft, Matt Snell immediately became a cornerstone of the team's backfield. Playing primarily under head coach Walt Michaels, he utilized his powerful build to dominate defenses for seven seasons with the franchise. Snell's most decorated season came in 1969 when he led the AFL in rushing yards and earned First-Team All-Pro honors alongside a Pro Bowl selection. He repeated as a Pro Bowler in 1970, solidifying his status as one of the league's elite ball carriers during that era. During his tenure, Snell set numerous franchise records for rushing yards and touchdowns, many of which stood for decades. His ability to gain tough yardage made him indispensable in critical moments. Even after his departure, his number remains a symbol of hard-nosed football excellence within the Jets organization.
Did You Know?
- Snell was the first player drafted by the Jets to be selected to the Pro Bowl twice while wearing Green and White.
- He led the American Football League in rushing yards during the 1969 season, a year before the AFL-NFL merger.
- Matt Snell played college football at Syracuse University under head coach Ben Schwartzwalder.
- His rushing touchdown record for the Jets stood until the mid-2000s.
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