Former New York Jets star defensive end Gerry Philbin has died, the team has announced. He was 83 years old.
Philbin played for the Jets from 1964-1972, appearing in 112 games and making 109 starts.
He helped the Jets win Super Bowl III against the Baltimore Colts on Jan. 12, 1969. In addition to the nine seasons he played for the Jets, Gerry Philbin also spent one season with the Philadelphia Eagles before retiring from the NFL.
Philbin was a difference maker during his NFL career, despite being undersized. He spoke with newyorkjets.com in 2018 about how he had so much success, despite being 6-foot-2, 245 pounds.
“I got the most out of how hard I worked, because I was a little disadvantaged with size and overcame it,” he said. “And then just accomplishing most of my goals that I set. I wanted to be an All-Star. I wanted to win the Super Bowl. And the personal goals of getting elected to the All-Time AFL Team. And then finally, becoming a Ring of Honor recipient with the Jets. All those things I cherish a lot.”
Philbin made the AFL All-Star game in 1968 and 1969. He was also named a first-team defensive end on the all-time All-AFL squad.
Philbin was inducted into the Jets Ring of Honor on Oct. 17, 2011.
Sacks were not kept when Gerry Philbin played, but he unofficially recorded 64.5 regular season sacks over the course of his time with the Jets. That number puts him at No. 4 in franchise history.
“I had a unique style to rush the passer,” Philbin reportedly said before he was inducted into the Jets Ring of Honor. “I liked to do the spin move on the inside a lot. I think the quickness helped me, not being as big as some of the linemen.”
John Schmitt, who was a leader for the Jets while Philbin played for the franchise, spoke highly of his friend while talking with newyorkjets.com.
“He was a man’s man, he was a good father, he was a great teammate. And he was one of the leaders on our team,” Schmitt said.