Overview

• The New York Jets announced on June 25 that Gerry Philbin had died at age 83, prompting an outpouring of condolences from across the football community.
• Philbin was the leading pass rusher on the Jets’ 1968 championship defense, unofficially recording 65 career sacks to rank fourth in franchise history.
• A two-time first-team All-AFL selection and AFL All-Star in 1968 and 1969, he was named to the AFL All-Time Team before his 2011 induction into the Jets’ Ring of Honor.
• After nine seasons in New York (1964–1972), Philbin spent one year with the Philadelphia Eagles and finished his playing career with the World Football League’s New York Stars in 1974.
• In retirement he ran businesses on Long Island before settling in Florida, and former coaches and teammates remember him as a vocal leader and fierce competitor.