A New York Jets legend has passed away.
“Gerry Philbin, the undersized, big-hearted, highly productive and well-decorated defensive end for almost one stellar decade with the New York Jets of the Sixties and Seventies, has died. He was 83 years old,” Jets senior contributor Randy Lange wrote in a column on Wednesday, June 25.
Philbin was listed at 6-foot-2 and tipped the scales at 245 pounds as a defensive end in the NFL. He was a key cog on the Jets’ Super Bowl-winning team during the 1968-69 season.
A Legendary Career That Will Be Remembered Forever in Jets Lore
Philbin heard his name called both in the NFL and AFL drafts back in 1964.
The former Buffalo product was the No. 33 overall pick in the third round of the NFL draft by the Detroit Lions. He was also selected with the No. 19 overall pick in the third round of the AFL draft.
“Philbin was a Northeasterner for a large part of his life. He was born in Pawtucket, RI, and attended the University at Buffalo, where he mostly rooted for the Giants, until the Jets ‘showed me a lot more respect,’ told him he wasn’t too small in stature to play for them, then drafted him in the third round (19th overall) of the ’64 AFL Draft. The Lions took him 33rd overall in that year’s NFL Draft, but as Philbin said, ‘There was never any doubt in my mind that I was going to sign with the Jets,’” Lange wrote.
Philbin chose the Jets, and the rest is history. He suited up for the green and white for nine seasons. Philbin’s final season was spent with the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFL in 1973.
The talented defender did briefly appear in the WFL (World Football League) on the New York Stars in 1974, but it was short-lived.
During his career, Philbin appeared in 123 games and made 112 starts. Philbin finished with 66.5 sacks, according to Pro Football Reference. However, there are some conflicting reports on that number. The career Jets sack list on their website has him at 65. While the article reflecting on his passing lists him at 64.5 sacks.
Regardless of which of those numbers is accurate, Philbin ranks No. 4 all-time in career sacks for the Jets.
Social Media Reactions Pour in for Philbin
“R.I.P. to a #Jets legend and vital member of the Super Bowl 3 champs 🙏🏻,” ESPN New York radio host Dan Graca said.
R.I.P. to a #Jets legend and vital member of the Super Bowl 3 champs 🙏🏻 https://t.co/eoyKb5TnU8
— Dan Graca (@DanGraca) June 26, 2025
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“Sad news regarding the passing of @nyjets Super Bowl III champion Gerry Philbin. Deepest condolences to his family and friends along with the Jets organization. #JetUp #RIPGerryPhilbin,” Peter Schwartz of WFAN660 posted on X previously Twitter.
Sad news regarding the passing of @nyjets Super Bowl III champion Gerry Philbin. Deepest condolences to his family and friends along with the Jets organization. #JetUp #RIPGerryPhilbin https://t.co/eZVcNrB7xp
— Peter Schwartz (@SchwartzSports) June 26, 2025
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“Sad news: Former #Jets great Gerry Philbin, a member of the Ring of Honor and a defensive cog on the Super Bowl III championship team, has passed away, per his family. He was 83. A two-time All-Pro. Played for the Jets from 1964-1972. RIP,” ESPN’s Rich Cimini posted.
Sad news: Former #Jets great Gerry Philbin, a member of the Ring of Honor and a defensive cog on the Super Bowl III championship team, has passed away, per his family. He was 83. A two-time All-Pro. Played for the Jets from 1964-1972. RIP pic.twitter.com/iwmFEVq1eV
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) June 25, 2025
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