Matt Snell

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Matt Snell (born 18/08/1941) was New York Jets owner Sonny Werblin's first coup, prior his 1965 acquisition of Joe Namath. A powerful fullback out of Ohio State University, Snell's 1964 signing jolted the crosstown Giants, who didn't draft Snell until the third round, and offered him a fraction of what the Jets gave him as their first-round choice.

In his rookie year, Snell rushed for a Jets record 180 yards against the Houston Oilers, on his way to a 945-yard season and American Football League Rookie of the Year honors.

Snell went on to become an AFL All-Star three times, but his defining moment came in Super Bowl III, when the AFL Champion Jets played the 1968 NFL Champion Baltimore Colts. Although slowed by knee injuries, Snell was the key player in the Jets ball-control offense during the 16-7 upset of the Colts. He carried 30 times for a then Super Bowl record 121 yards, and in the second quarter, went 4 yards around the left end to score the Jets' only touchdown. It was the first time an AFL team had led in a Super Bowl. He also helped set up a trio of Jim Turner field goals that finally put the game away for the Jets in the second half.

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