The New York Jets have announced the death of legendary defensive end Gerry Philbin at the age of 83.

Philbin was on the team that won the Super Bowl with the Jets in 1969, so far the only тιтle in the history of the organization.

In a statement announcing his pᴀssing, the Jets described Philbin as ‘the undersized, big-hearted, highly productive and well-decorated defensive end’ for the team.

At 6ft 2, Philbin was considered short for his position but natural ability covered anything he lacked in height.

He told the Jets in 2018: ‘I got the most out of how hard I worked, because I was a little disadvantaged with size and overcame it.

‘I wanted to be an All-Star. I wanted to win the Super Bowl. And the personal goals of getting elected to the All-Time AFL Team. And then finally, becoming a Ring of Honor recipient with the Jets. All those things I cherish a lot.’

The New York Jets have announced the death of legendary defensive end Gerry Philbin

Philbin actually grew up a New York Giants fan but when the Jets drafted him in 1974 – after insisting he wasn’t too small for an NFL career. The Jets ‘showed me a lot more respect,’ he said.

After his playing career ended, Philbin worked in real estate in Florida and owned a sand and gravel business in Long Island. 

Philbin played for the Jets from 1964 through to 1972 and also had a season with the Philadelphia Eagles. 

The Jets have never won a Super Bowl since the ’69 team that Philbin was a part of.

They go into the 2025 season with a new coach in Aaron Glenn and a new quarterback in Justin Fields.

He replaces Aaron Rodgers, whose disastrous two-year tenure was ended by Glenn in one of his first moves as head coach. 

Rodgers has since signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers, who the Jets face in the opening weeked on the season on Sept. 7 at MetLife Stadium.