History of The New York Jets

January 28, Dishing the Pick
The Jets traded their first-round draft pick, 12th overall, to New Orleans for DE Billy Newsome.

February 13, New Leader
Al Ward, vice president of the Dallas Cowboys, was named Jets general manager to succeed Weeb Ewbank, who had retired.

July 30, Joe Won't Go
Joe Namath turned down a reported multimillion-dollar World Football League contract to sign a two-year contract with Jets.

September 14, Strike Three
The final preseason game between the Jets and New England was canceled when the Patriots’ players went on strike. The Jets' players voted to support the strike and walked out of camp the week of their season opener at Buffalo (Sept. 16). The strike was settled and the Jets returned (Sept. 18).

October 5, Visitor From The East
Japan's Emperor Hirohito attended the Jets' home opener, a 36-7 romp over the Patriots at Shea Stadium.

November 19, Firing A Winner
Charley Winner was dismissed as head coach after the Jets lost six games in a row and were in the AFC East cellar with a 2-7 record. Offensive coordinator Ken Shipp was named interim head coach.

December 21, A Grand Back
John Riggins finished the Jets phase of his Hall of Fame career by becoming the first back in franchise history to rush for 1,000 yards in a season. Riggins' fifth consecutive 100-yard game, for 121 yards against the Cowboys, gave him 1,005 for the season.