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yesterday

Gerry Philbin, Defensive Anchor of Jets’ Super Bowl III Team, Dies at 83

He broke new ground as an undersized defender whose leadership helped unify the Jets’ only Super Bowl–winning squad.

Defenive end Gerry Philbin #81 of the New York Jets watches from the sideline against the Cincinnati Bengals at Shea Stadium on December 19, 1971 in Flushing, New York.
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Overview

  • The New York Jets announced on June 25 that Philbin died at 83, though no cause of death was provided.
  • Philbin starred at defensive end from 1964 to 1972, playing 110 games over nine seasons and anchoring the Jets’ upset win in Super Bowl III.
  • He unofficially amassed 64.5 sacks—ranking fourth in franchise history—and earned first-team All-AFL and All-Pro honors in 1968 and 1969.
  • His achievements earned him induction into the AFL’s All-Time team and the Jets’ Ring of Honor in 2011.
  • After retiring, he ran a sand-and-gravel business on Long Island, transitioned to Florida real estate and earned praise from former teammates for his leadership and toughness.