The New York Jets, a franchise steeped in the rich tapestry of NFL history, boast a visual journey as captivating as their on-field exploits. Throughout their existence, the Jets have donned nine distinct primary logos, each representing a chapter in the team’s evolving identity. From the early days as the Titans of New York to their current “Take Flight” era and the recent embrace of their iconic throwback uniforms, the Jets’ visual presentation has mirrored their fluctuating fortunes and enduring spirit. While a consistent winning record has remained elusive across these different designs, some eras undoubtedly resonate more strongly with fans, evoking memories of gridiron glory and unforgettable moments. Join us as we delve into the complete New York Jets Uniform History, dissecting each logo, evaluating the team’s performance under its banner, and highlighting the notable players, coaches, and playoff runs that defined each epoch.
The Titans of New York Era (1960-1962): Humble Beginnings
- Logo: Titans of New York wordmark
- Primary Color: Navy Blue
- Secondary Color: Gold, White
- Stadium: Polo Grounds
- Record: 19-23 (.452)
- Playoff Appearances: None
- Notable Players: Don Maynard, Art Powell
- Coaches: Sammy Baugh, Bulldog Turner
- Owner: Harry Wismer
Congrats to Art Powell on being named a senior finalist fire the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Art was an original New York Titan playing all three years with the franchise when they were known as the Titans from 1960-1962. https://t.co/ijqIZd1hcT pic.twitter.com/caAaL1bpqj
In 1960, the American Football League (AFL) was born, and with it, a new football franchise for the bustling metropolis of New York. Harry Wismer, the team’s founder, christened them the Titans of New York, a name deliberately chosen to overshadow their established NFL rivals, the New York Giants. Wismer’s quip, “Titans are bigger and stronger than Giants,” set the tone for a team eager to carve its own identity in the crowded New York sports landscape.
Drawing inspiration from the classic colors of Notre Dame, the Titans adopted navy blue and gold as their primary palette. They called the historic Polo Grounds in Manhattan their home. However, the on-field performance during the Titans era didn’t quite match the bold name or aspirations. Over three seasons, the team compiled a 19-23 record, struggling to find sustained success in the nascent AFL.
Despite the team’s overall struggles, the Titans era did introduce a future legend to the New York football scene: Don Maynard. Maynard was the first player to sign with the Titans and would become a cornerstone of the franchise, ultimately playing a pivotal role in the Jets’ Super Bowl III victory and earning a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1987. Art Powell was another notable player during this period, showcasing early offensive firepower.
Grade: C+
The 1963 Airplane Logo: A New Identity Takes Flight
- Logo: Airplane in Green with ‘JETS’ in white
- Primary Color: Kelly Green
- Secondary Color: White
- Stadium: Shea Stadium
- Record: 5-8-1 (.393)
- Playoff Appearances: None
- Notable Players: Don Maynard
- Coach: Weeb Ewbank
- Owner: Sonny Werblin (syndicate ownership)
September 8, 1963
NY Jets 14Boston Patriots 38
Alumni Stadium
Dick Wood 16-37-164-1-4Mark Smolinski 8-100Bake Turner 10-103-1Don Maynard 4-32
This was the 1st game in franchise history known as the Jets.#TakeFlight #Jets#Jetshistory#patriots#AFL pic.twitter.com/14u9m7LU2s
A significant transformation occurred in 1963 when a syndicate led by Sonny Werblin acquired the Titans. Werblin spearheaded the team’s relocation from Manhattan’s Polo Grounds to Shea Stadium in Queens, marking a geographical shift and a symbolic fresh start. This move coincided with a complete rebranding. The “Titans of New York” became the New York Jets, a name chosen for its rhyme with the Mets, their new co-tenants at Shea Stadium, and its proximity to LaGuardia Airport, injecting a sense of modern dynamism.
The navy blue and gold of the Titans were jettisoned in favor of a more vibrant and recognizable color scheme: Kelly green and white. The logo itself was equally modern, featuring a stylized airplane in green with “JETS” emblazoned in white. This airplane logo was a literal representation of the team’s new moniker and symbolized forward motion and progress.
Beyond the visual changes, Werblin made a crucial hire that would alter the course of Jets history, bringing in Weeb Ewbank as head coach. Ewbank’s arrival signaled a commitment to building a competitive team. However, the inaugural season under the Jets’ banner and airplane logo yielded a similar record to the Titans era: 5-8-1 (.393). Despite the modest record, the stage was set for future success with Ewbank at the helm and a fresh visual identity in place.
Grade: C-
1964: The “NY Jets” in White Logo – A Step Closer to Iconic
- Logo: NY Jets in white with green trim and green ‘JETS’ lettering
- Primary Color: Green
- Secondary: White
- Stadium: Shea Stadium
- Record: 5-8-1 (.393)
- Playoff Appearances: None
- Notable Players: Matt Snell
- Coach: Weeb Ewbank
- Owner: Sonny Werblin
The 1964 season witnessed a subtle but important evolution in the Jets’ visual identity. The airplane logo was retired, and in its place emerged a design that would become synonymous with the New York Jets for decades to come. The core elements of this new logo featured “NY” stacked above “JETS,” enclosed within an oval shape. However, for this single season, the color scheme was inverted. The logo was predominantly white with green trim and green “JETS” lettering.
This iteration, while short-lived, introduced the fundamental design that Jets fans would recognize and cherish. It was a cleaner, more direct representation of the team’s name and location. On the field, the team mirrored the previous season’s performance, again finishing with a 5-8-1 record. However, the 1964 season saw the emergence of running back Matt Snell, who rushed for an impressive 964 yards in 14 games, providing a glimpse of offensive potential.
More importantly, beyond the immediate results, the Jets were building for the future. Under the continued guidance of Weeb Ewbank, and with a soon-to-be-drafted quarterback on the horizon, the pieces were slowly falling into place for a transformative era. The “NY Jets” in white logo served as a transitional visual, bridging the gap between the early Jets and the Super Bowl-bound team of the late 1960s.
Grade: C
1965-1977: The Iconic Super Bowl Era Logo – Green and White Glory
- Logo: Green with White Trim and White ‘JETS’ lettering
- Primary Color: Kelly Green
- Secondary Color: White
- Stadium: Shea Stadium
- Record: 77-101-4 (.434)
- Playoff Appearances: 1968, 1969
- Notable Players: Joe Namath, Matt Snell, Don Maynard, Emerson Boozer, Richard Todd
- Notable Games: Super Bowl III
- Coaches: Weeb Ewbank (1963-1973), Charley Winner/Ken Shipp, Lou Holtz/Mike Holovak, Walt Michaels
- Owner: Sonny Werblin, Leon Hess
12 days until week 1 vs Baltimore
There has only been 1 player to wear #12 for the New York Jets (3 others wore as Titans)
Joe Namath 1965-1976#TakeFlight #Jetshistory #Jets #NFL #CountdownToWeek1 pic.twitter.com/f9kqNTFpmJ
In 1965, the New York Jets unveiled the logo that would become indelibly linked with their greatest triumph: Super Bowl III. This iteration reversed the color scheme of the previous year, presenting the “NY JETS” logo in green with white trim and white lettering. This green and white version cemented itself as the definitive Jets logo for over a decade and remains a nostalgic symbol for many fans.
The arrival of rookie quarterback Joe Namath in 1965 coincided with this logo change, marking the beginning of a transformative era. While the team initially posted another 5-8-1 record in Namath’s rookie year, the pieces were in place for a dramatic turnaround. In 1967, Leon Hess assumed majority ownership, further solidifying the franchise’s foundation.
The 1968 season proved to be the pinnacle of this era. The Jets, led by Namath’s charisma and Ewbank’s coaching, dominated the AFL East, winning the division title. They then marched through the AFL Championship game and into Super Bowl III, where they famously upset the heavily favored Baltimore Colts. Namath’s guaranteed victory and the Jets’ stunning win remain iconic moments in NFL history, forever associating this green and white logo with Super Bowl glory.
The Jets returned to the playoffs in 1969 but fell in the Divisional Round. Despite further playoff appearances eluding them during this logo’s tenure, the 1965-1977 period is defined by the Super Bowl III victory and the unforgettable Joe Namath era, solidifying this logo’s place as an icon in new york jets uniform history.
Grade: B
1978-1989: The “Sack Exchange” Era – Green and White Dominance
- Logo: ‘JETS’ in white with green background (wordmark)
- Primary Color: Kelly Green
- Secondary Color: White
- Stadium: Shea Stadium, Meadowlands
- Record: 89-93-2 (.489)
- Playoff Appearances: 1981, 1982, 1985, 1986
- Notable Players: Joe Klecko, Mark Gastineau, Ken O’Brien, Freeman McNeil, Richard Todd, Wesley Walker, Al Toon, Marty Lyons, Abdul Salaam
- Notable Games: Shootout at the Swamp, Mud Bowl
- Owner: Leon Hess
- Coaches: Walt Michaels, Joe Walton
On this day in #Jets history: Joe Klecko (20.5) and Mark Gastineau (20) unofficially finish the 1981 season 1-2 in sacks. pic.twitter.com/bHV8Y1RBcm
The late 1970s and 1980s ushered in a new visual identity for the Jets and arguably their most consistently successful period to date. In 1978, the logo transitioned to a wordmark design, featuring a bold, white “JETS” lettering set against a solid green background. This logo was clean, powerful, and contemporary for its time.
This era became synonymous with the “New York Sack Exchange,” a fearsome defensive line anchored by Joe Klecko, Mark Gastineau, Marty Lyons, and Abdul Salaam. In 1981, this quartet led the league with an astounding 66 sacks, propelling the Jets back into the playoffs for the first time since the Super Bowl era.
Under this logo, the Jets experienced a string of playoff appearances in 1981, 1982, 1985, and 1986. While they reached the AFC Championship Game in 1982, they unfortunately fell short of returning to the Super Bowl. Despite not achieving Super Bowl glory, the “Sack Exchange” era is fondly remembered by Jets fans. The team’s .489 winning percentage during this period is the highest associated with any Jets logo, making it a symbol of relative success and enduring fan affection within the new york jets uniform history. Memorable games like the “Shootout at the Swamp” and the “Mud Bowl” further cemented this era’s place in Jets lore.
Grade: B+
1990-1997: Black Trim Era – A Touch of Modernity
- Logo: Green and white logo with a black outline
- Primary Color: Kelly Green
- Secondary Color: White, Black
- Stadium: Meadowlands
- Record: 45-83-0 (.352)
- Playoff Appearances: 1991
- Notable Players: Ken O’Brien, Boomer Esiason, Rob Moore, Wayne Chrebet, Keyshawn Johnson
- Coaches: Bruce Coslet, Pete Carroll, Rich Kotite, Bill Parcells
- Owner: Leon Hess
The Jets entered the 1990s with a subtle modification to their established logo. In 1990, a black outline was added to the green and white “NY JETS” logo, marking the first time black was incorporated into the team’s color palette. This addition provided a modern, sharper edge to the classic design.
This era also saw the introduction of throwback uniforms, a nod to the Super Bowl III era. These throwbacks, featuring green helmets with the classic green and white logo, were worn sparingly in the early 1990s, offering a visual connection to the team’s past.
On this day in #Jets history: We wore our 1969 throwbacks in a home W vs. CIN in 1993 to commemorate the 25-year anniversary of SB III. pic.twitter.com/rUpGqcGDpj
However, on-field success proved elusive during the “black trim” era. The Jets made the playoffs only once, in 1991, under coach Bruce Coslet, losing in the Wild Card round. The mid-1990s were particularly challenging, culminating in a franchise-worst 1-15 season in 1996.
Despite the struggles, this period did witness the emergence of fan favorites like Wayne Chrebet and the arrival of future stars like Keyshawn Johnson. The hiring of Bill Parcells in 1997, following the dismal 1996 season, signaled a turning point and the promise of a brighter future, even as the “black trim” logo remained for one more year.
Grade: D+
1998-2018: Hunter Green Era – Modernized Throwback
- Logo: Inspired by Super Bowl III logo, modernized design
- Primary Color: Hunter Green
- Secondary Color: White
- Stadium: Meadowlands, MetLife Stadium
- Record: 161-175-0 (.479)
- Playoff Appearances: 1998, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2009, 2010
- Notable Players: Vinny Testaverde, Chad Pennington, Brett Favre, Mark Sanchez, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Curtis Martin, Laveranues Coles, Jerricho Cotchery, Kevin Mawae, Darrelle Revis, LaDainian Tomlinson, Eric Decker, Brandon Marshall
- Notable Games: Miracle at the Meadowlands, AFC Championships in 2009/2010, 9/11/2011
- Coaches: Bill Parcells, Al Groh, Herm Edwards, Eric Mangini, Rex Ryan, Todd Bowles
- Owners: Leon Hess, Woody Johnson
Many visited Revis Island. Very few enjoyed their stay.#RevisDay pic.twitter.com/dhlBhHvb94
In 1998, under the influence of Bill Parcells, the Jets underwent a significant visual overhaul, harking back to their Super Bowl glory days. The logo was redesigned to closely resemble the iconic 1965-1977 version, but with a modern aesthetic. The primary color shifted from Kelly Green to a darker, more contemporary Hunter Green, while white remained a prominent secondary color.
This “Hunter Green” era proved to be the longest in new york jets uniform history, lasting two decades and encompassing a period of fluctuating fortunes. Parcells immediately led the Jets to the playoffs in 1998, marking a dramatic turnaround. The team enjoyed several playoff appearances throughout the 2000s, including division titles and memorable seasons.
The Rex Ryan era in the late 2000s and early 2010s brought a resurgence of excitement, with back-to-back AFC Championship Game appearances in 2009 and 2010. Players like Darrelle Revis, nicknamed “Revis Island” for his lockdown cornerback play, became stars under this logo. Games like the “Miracle at the Meadowlands” and the emotional 9/11/2011 game are also associated with this period.
Despite the playoff appearances and memorable moments, consistent Super Bowl contention remained elusive. The Jets ultimately cycled through coaches and quarterbacks during this era, and the team’s overall record under the Hunter Green logo was a slightly sub-.500 .479. Nevertheless, this logo and uniform set became strongly associated with the Jets for a generation of fans.
Grade: B
2019-2023: “Take Flight” Era – Modern Gotham Green
- Logo: ‘JETS’ in modernized lettering (wordmark)
- Primary Color: Gotham Green
- Secondary Color: Spotlight White
- Alternate Color: Stealth Black (first alternate)
- Stadium: MetLife Stadium
- Record: 27-56-0 (.325)
- Notable Players: Quinnen Williams, Sauce Gardner, Garrett Wilson, Jermaine Johnson, Breece Hall
- Owner: Woody Johnson
The beginning of a new legacy.#TakeFlight pic.twitter.com/oaGidDB65B
Seeking a fresh start and a more contemporary image, the Jets unveiled the “Take Flight” uniforms and logo in 2019. This era introduced “Gotham Green,” a brighter, more vibrant shade of green as the primary color, paired with “Spotlight White” and “Stealth Black” as secondary and alternate colors, respectively. The logo shifted to a modernized “JETS” wordmark, abandoning the oval shape of previous iterations.
The “Take Flight” era was intended to usher in a new legacy, but on-field results unfortunately did not follow suit. The team struggled throughout this period, failing to reach the playoffs and compiling a disappointing .325 winning percentage. Despite the lack of team success, the “Take Flight” era did see the emergence of promising young players like Sauce Gardner, Garrett Wilson, and Breece Hall, offering hope for the future.
Ironically, despite being acquired to lead the “Take Flight” Jets, quarterback Aaron Rodgers was injured in Week 1 of the 2023 season while wearing the team’s throwback uniforms, never playing a regular season snap in the “Take Flight” jerseys. This uniform set ultimately lasted only five seasons, becoming associated with a period of rebuilding and unfulfilled potential in new york jets uniform history.
Grade F
2024-Present: Throwback Revival – Back to the Sack Exchange Roots
what combo we feelin’ for Week 1? pic.twitter.com/DRgfv5Gq74
In a move celebrated by many fans, the New York Jets announced in April 2024 the return of the “Sack Exchange” era uniforms as their official primary uniforms. This decision marks a full circle moment in new york jets uniform history, bringing back the beloved Kelly Green and white color scheme and the iconic “JETS” wordmark logo from the late 1970s and 1980s.
This throwback revival signifies a renewed connection to the team’s past successes and a desire to recapture the spirit of that era. Jets fans are hopeful that this visual change will be accompanied by a turnaround in on-field performance, ushering in a new era of winning while honoring the franchise’s heritage. As the Jets embark on this new chapter with a familiar look, the question remains: can this throwback uniform finally be the one to bring sustained success and a Super Bowl return to New York?
Conclusion
The new york jets uniform history is a fascinating visual chronicle of a franchise’s journey through the highs and lows of the NFL. From the navy blue and gold of the Titans to the iconic green and white of the Super Bowl era and the Sack Exchange, each logo and uniform set tells a story. While no single design has been a guaranteed recipe for consistent wins, the enduring popularity of the throwback uniforms speaks to the powerful connection between visual identity, team history, and fan sentiment. As the Jets once again embrace their past with the “Sack Exchange” look, they and their fans hope this latest chapter in their uniform history will be written in green and white glory.
