Gerry Philbin, a celebrated pass rusher from the 1960s and a key player in the New York Jets’ iconic victory in Super Bowl III, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 83, the Jets organization confirmed.

Originally from Pawtucket, Rhode Island, Philbin transitioned to upstate New York for college football at the University of Buffalo. He was drafted by both the NFL’s Detroit Lions and the AFL’s New York Jets in 1964. Opting for the Jets because they believed in his ability despite his smaller size for a defensive end, Philbin quickly established himself as a starting player known for his relentless energy and determination.

Rest In Peace, Gerry Philbin🙏🏻🕯️
The #Jets’ Super Bowl III champion left defensive end
First-Team AFL All-Time Team
Two-time First-Team All-AFL
Led the AFL in sacks in 1968
2011 Jets Ring of Honor Inductee
#JetUp

Philbin garnered accolades as a two-time First-Team All-AFL selection and was an AFL All-Star twice, notably in 1968, when he topped the league with 14½ sacks during the regular season, culminating in 19 total sacks as the Jets made their way to Super Bowl III. Despite the AFL’s perceived inferiority compared to the NFL, Philbin’s defensive prowess, alongside his teammates, helped the Jets secure a stunning 16-7 victory over the Baltimore Colts, sealing their place in football history.

Playing for the Jets until 1972, he later joined the Philadelphia Eagles for one year before closing his career with the New York Stars in the World Football League. He unofficially amassed 64½ career sacks, with a franchise-record 19 sacks for a single season in 1968 that endured until 1981. Philbin remains one of only two Jets players to have recorded 10 or more sacks in four consecutive seasons.

Inducted into the Jets’ Ring of Honor in 2011, Philbin was also honored on the AFL’s All-Time Team following the league’s merger with the NFL.