Jets Super Bowl Hero Matt Snell Dies at 84

Matt Snell, the New York Jets running back who scored the decisive touchdown in their historic 1969 Super Bowl upset victory over Baltimore, has passed away at age 84. Snell rushed for a then-Super Bowl record 121 yards in the game that marked the first time an AFL team had ever led in the championship.

Matt Snell, the bruising running back who delivered the crucial touchdown in the New York Jets’ historic 1969 Super Bowl victory, passed away Tuesday morning in New York at age 84.

The Jets confirmed Snell’s death, marking the loss of a key figure in one of professional football’s most memorable upsets when New York defeated the heavily favored Baltimore Colts 16-7 in Super Bowl III.

During that legendary game, Snell broke through for a 4-yard scoring run off left tackle in the second quarter, putting the Jets ahead 7-0 and marking the first time an AFL squad had taken the lead in any Super Bowl matchup.

The Jets executed their “19 Straight” run-blocking strategy flawlessly against Baltimore, with Snell accumulating 121 rushing yards on 30 attempts – establishing a Super Bowl rushing record at the time, though Joe Namath claimed the game’s Most Valuable Player honors.

“Matt Snell will forever hold a special place in the history of the New York Jets,” team owner Woody Johnson stated. “He was the embodiment of toughness, selflessness and belief — traits that defined our organization’s proudest moments. His performance in Super Bowl III was nothing short of legendary.”

“Against the odds, Matt set the tone with his physical running, delivering the Jets’ lone touchdown and helping secure one of the most important victories in sports history,” Johnson added.

Born in Carle Place on Long Island, Snell remained with his hometown region throughout his nine-season professional career following an outstanding college tenure at Ohio State. Though the New York Giants – his childhood favorite team – selected him in the fourth round of the 1964 NFL draft, he opted to join the Jets after they chose him third overall in the AFL draft and offered immediate playing opportunities.

Snell made his mark immediately during his rookie campaign in 1964, one season before Namath’s arrival. He captured AFL Rookie of the Year honors after accumulating 945 rushing yards, highlighted by a franchise-record 180-yard performance on 31 carries against Houston. Both rushing achievements remain Jets rookie standards.

Throughout his career, Snell earned three AFL All-Star selections and first-team All-AFL recognition in 1969, establishing himself as an exceptional ball carrier with reliable receiving skills and devastating pass-blocking ability.

However, Snell’s aggressive playing style resulted in numerous injuries, particularly during his later seasons. A torn knee cartilage in 1967 sidelined him for seven contests. In 1970, an Achilles tendon tear limited him to just three games. Knee problems in 1971 and a ruptured spleen the following year restricted him to only nine total games over those two seasons.

Following his retirement after the 1972 season, Snell compiled 4,285 career rushing yards – still fourth in franchise history – along with 24 rushing touchdowns, 193 receptions for 1,375 yards and seven receiving scores.

Post-football, Snell transitioned to Wall Street as a partner with Defco Securities Inc. He gained television recognition as the original spokesman for Miller Lite beer’s famous “Tastes Great, Less Filling” advertising campaign. Later, he established his own New Jersey-based construction business.

Despite his football achievements, Snell largely distanced himself from his playing days, typically declining interviews and avoiding contact with his former organization. When the Jets inducted both Snell and backfield partner Emerson Boozer into their Ring of Honor in 2015, Snell declined to attend the ceremony.

In Bob Lederer’s 2018 book “Beyond Broadway Joe: The Super Bowl Team That Changed Football,” Snell disclosed his resentment toward the team. He alleged the Jets failed to honor a commitment from former part-owner Sonny Werblin guaranteeing Snell a lifelong position with the organization if they won the championship. Werblin’s partners, including Leon Hess, bought him out before the Super Bowl-winning season.

“It may be that no one in Jets management knew about Sonny’s promises to me, but in 1974, there was a recession and I was in line for a construction job,” Snell explained in Lederer’s book. “I asked the Jets for a reference. They told me they didn’t do that for players. They said they couldn’t do it! Can you believe that? I can’t prove it, but I don’t think any of that would have ever happened if Sonny were in charge. That’s why I don’t get along with the organization now.”

Born August 18, 1941, in Garfield, Georgia, Snell relocated to New York during his youth. He starred at Carle Place High School, earning induction into the school’s athletic hall of fame, before achieving greater recognition at Ohio State. Initially serving as a lead blocker for players like Paul Warfield and Bob Ferguson, he later moved to defensive end before transitioning to starting fullback as a senior, when he received the Buckeyes’ MVP award.

Ohio State honored Snell in 2000 by naming him to their all-century football team as a defensive end.

Survivors include his wife Sharon, son Beau, daughter Jada, grandson Donte, and great-nephew Benny Snell Jr., who previously played running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers.