History of The New York Jets

February 12, Byrd Walks
Dennis Byrd, with the aid of two canes, walked into a news conference at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York to announce he would be leaving New York and returning home to Tulsa, Okla., to continue his rehab. Byrd returned to the Meadowlands for the first time since his paralyzing accident, walking unaided onto the field to be honored at halftime ceremonies on opening day (Sept. 5).

March 8, Lott Signs
GM Dick Steinberg made his first major signing under the NFL’s new Collective Bargaining Agreement by adding nine-time Pro Bowl S Ronnie Lott to the Jets’ roster.

March 17, Boomer Comes Home
Steinberg completed a trade with Cincinnati, bringing Pro Bowl QB and Long Island native Boomer Esiason to the Jets in exchange for a third-round draft pick.

April 5, O'Brien Packs It In
QB Ken O’Brien, at the time second on the Jets’ all-time passing list, was traded to Green Bay for a fifth-round draft pick.

April 21, McNeil Retires
RB Freeman McNeil, then the Jets' all-time leading rusher and 14th on the NFL's all-time list, retired. McNeil set an NFL record with at least a 4.0 yard average in each of his 12 seasons.

April 25, Draft-Day Trade
The Jets traded the third selection in the draft to Phoenix in exchange for the Cardinals’ fourth overall pick and Pro Bowl RB Johnny Johnson. Then the Jets drafted the player they had wanted, Florida State All-America LB Marvin Jones.

November 7, Shula Denied
The Jets defeated Miami, 27-10, at the Meadowlands, forcing Dolphins coach Don Shula to wait another week before getting his 325th career victory and breaking George Halas' all-time record.

November 21, Super Reunion
The members of the Jets' Super Bowl III team were reunited at the game against the Bengals to celebrate the 25th anniversary season of that historic victory. A weekend of activities was capped by the players being honored at halftime of the Jets' 17-12 victory over the Bengals while wearing "throwback" uniforms.