History Daily, Episode 1292: The New York Jets Win Super Bowl III

Date: January 12, 2026
Host: Lindsey Graham

Episode Overview

In this episode, Lindsey Graham explores the historic upset of January 12, 1969: the New York Jets’ victory over the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III. The episode traces the origins of the AFL-NFL rivalry, the bold guarantee made by Jets quarterback Joe Namath, and the cultural and sporting consequences of the Jets’ win for American football, ultimately marking a turning point in the sport’s history.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Birth of Rivalry: AFL vs. NFL

• The episode opens with a callback to the first NFL-AFL championship game (later known as Super Bowl I), stressing the pre-eminence of the NFL over the new AFL ([01:07]).
  • “A heated and contentious contest between two rival organizations, the National Football League and the American Football League.” – Lindsey Graham ([01:49])
• Lamar Hunt, inspired by the excitement of the 1958 NFL Championship, decides to create his own pro team after being rejected by NFL owners. Unable to buy into the NFL, he founds the American Football League (AFL) ([05:11]).
  • The AFL quickly innovates with fan-friendly moves—player names on jerseys, scoreboard clocks, and a willingness to spend on college stars.

Joe Namath and the Battle for Talent

• The fierce competition between leagues leads to a battle for college stars. Joe Namath is sought by both the NFL's St. Louis Cardinals and the AFL's New York Jets; the Jets double the NFL’s offer, making Namath the highest-paid rookie at the time ([08:55]).
  • “So the day after his final college game, Joe Namath causes a sensation when he signs a contract with the jets…” – Lindsey Graham ([09:30])
• Namath becomes the AFL’s new face and a fan favorite, setting the stage for rising tensions between the leagues.

The AFL-NFL Merger and the “Super Bowl”

• With escalating bidding wars, both leagues agree to a merger in secret meetings in 1966, leading to a single draft and annual championship game ([11:18]).
  • “After days of secret negotiations, the team owners agree to join forces…” – Lindsey Graham ([11:42])
• The first two championship games see the NFL's Green Bay Packers dominantly defeating AFL teams, reinforcing the belief that the newer league was inferior.

The “Guarantee”: Joe Namath’s Bold Prediction

• Before Super Bowl III, Jets quarterback Joe Namath confidently reassures reporters of victory and, after being heckled at an awards dinner, publicly “guarantees” a Jets win ([14:29]).
  • "'We're going to win the game. I guarantee it.'" – Joe Namath ([14:29])
• His words become headline fodder and are largely dismissed by media and fans.

Super Bowl III: The Upset

• On January 12, 1969, the underdog Jets face the Colts in Miami’s Orange Bowl ([16:41]).
  • Namath exploits the Colts' predictable defense, calling plays on the fly and prioritizing the running game.
  • Early in the second quarter, Matt Snell scores the first Jets touchdown ([16:57]), giving the underdogs a crucial lead.
  • The Jets methodically extend their lead with field goals, while the Colts fail to score until the final minutes.
  • Final Score: Jets 16, Colts 7. Namath is named Super Bowl MVP.
  • “The jets win 16 7, beating the NFL's Colts, who were completely outplayed.” – Lindsey Graham ([17:44])

Aftermath and Lasting Impact

• The Jets’ win reshapes public perception, proving the AFL’s legitimacy and ensuring the merged NFL’s success ([18:30]).
  • It accelerates the full combination of leagues in 1970 and cements the Super Bowl as America's biggest sporting event.
  • “But the jets have yet to enjoy another super bowl success, having never again competed in the game since Joe Namath fulfilled his unlikely prediction…” – Lindsey Graham ([19:31])

Memorable Quotes & Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote | |-----------|-------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 01:49 | Lindsey Graham | "A heated and contentious contest between two rival organizations, the National Football League and the American Football League." | | 09:30 | Lindsey Graham | "So the day after his final college game, Joe Namath causes a sensation when he signs a contract with the jets…" | | 14:29 | Joe Namath | “We're going to win the game. I guarantee it.” | | 17:44 | Lindsey Graham | “The jets win 16 7, beating the NFL's Colts, who were completely outplayed.” | | 19:31 | Lindsey Graham | “…the jets have yet to enjoy another super bowl success, having never again competed in the game since Joe Namath fulfilled his unlikely prediction…” |

Key Moments & Timestamps

• [01:07] – Green Bay Packers win first “World Championship,” foreshadowing NFL dominance
• [05:11] – Lamar Hunt’s inspiration at the “greatest game ever played” and decision to found the AFL
• [09:30] – Joe Namath’s sensational signing with the Jets
• [11:18] – Secret merger talks and eventual unification of NFL and AFL
• [14:29] – Joe Namath’s now-legendary “guarantee” of a Jets victory
• [16:41] – The start of Super Bowl III, culminating in the Jets’ famous upset
• [17:44] – Jets’ win and the dawn of a new era for pro football

Tone and Style

Lindsey Graham presents the narrative in a vivid, accessible style, weaving together dramatic play-by-play with broader historical context. His tone is engaging and authoritative, often pausing to highlight pivotal decisions and their long-term ramifications.

Conclusion

The episode frames Super Bowl III not just as an upset, but as the launching point for professional football’s modern era. The Jets’ victory, powered by Joe Namath’s swagger and tactical acumen, erased doubts about the AFL’s place in football, helping forge the path to the NFL's dominance in American culture and commerce. The narrative offers both sports fans and newcomers a clear, compelling account of how one game changed everything.

For further exploration:

• The next episode (“January 13, 1842: British retreat from Kabul”) shifts historical focus but maintains the show’s dedication to pivotal, world-shaping events.