The team was founded in 1959 as the Titans of New York, an original member of the American Football League (AFL); later, the franchise joined the NFL in the AFL–NFL merger in 1970. The team began play in 1960 at the Polo Grounds.
Throwback History of The Jets Players Since 1959
Boomer Esiason
Position: Quarter back
Years: 1993-95
Teams Played : Bengals, Jets, Cardinals,
Achievements: Four-time Pro Bowler. Seventh all-time in franchise passing yards and touchdowns.*
Rick Lyle
Position: Defensive end
Years: 1997-2001
Teams Played: Browns, Ravens, Jets Patriots
Achievements: Super Bowl champion (with Patriots).
LaDainian Tomlinson
Position: Running Back
Years: 2010-11
Teams Played: Chargers, Jets
Achievements: Five-time Pro Bowler. Pro Football Hall of Famer.
Sione Po’uha
Defensive Tackle:
Years: 2005-12
Teams Played: Jets
Achievements: Key defensive lineman on one of the best defenses in team history.
Leonard Williams
Position: Defensive end
Years: 2015-present
Team Played: Jets
Achievements: Pro Bowler (2016)
Mark Sanchez
Position: Quarter Back
Years: 2009-12
Teams Played: Jets, Eagles, Cowboys, Bears, Redskins
Achievements: Four road playoff wins. Sixth all-time in franchise passing yards and touchdowns.
Jim Turner
Position: Place kicker
Years: 1964-70
Teams Played: Jets, Broncos
Achievements: Super Bowl champion. Two-time AFL All-Star.
Burgess Owens
Position: Safety
Years: 1973-79.
Teams Played: Jets, Raiders
Achievements: Super Bowl Champion (with Raiders). Started all 97 games with Jets.
Sheldon Richardson
Position: Defensive tackle
Years: 2013-16
Teams Played: Jets, Seahawks, Vikings, Browns
Achievements: Defensive rookie of the year (2013). Pro Bowler (2014).
Richie Anderson
Position: Full back
Years: 1993-2003
Teams Played: Jets, Cowboys
Achievements: Pro Bowler (2000)
