Yesterday, March 10, 2026, former New York Jets fullback Matt Snell passed away in an assisted living facility in Long Island, NY, at the age of 84. The heartbreaking announcement was made by his son, Beau Snell. The Jets have also released a statement on social media, saying, “We’re saddened to share Matt Snell, an integral member of our Super Bowl III championship team and Ring-of-Honor inductee, has passed away at age 84. Keeping the Snell family in our thoughts and prayers”. They also posted a video of Snell’s Super Bowl touchdown, the only one ever scored by the Jets’ franchise.
Snell began his football career at Ohio State, where he spent four years playing as a fullback and defensive end. He was drafted by the Jets as the third overall pick in the AFL in 1964. He was named the AFL Rookie of the Year after rushing 948 yards and scoring 5 touchdowns. His stellar performance for the team continued, and he was named an “AFL All-Star in 1964, 1966, and 1969”.
Perhaps what Snell is best known for is his touchdown in Super Bowl III. His 121-yard record-setting touchdown rush cemented the Jets’ victory against the Baltimore Colts in a stunning upset win, 16-7. Not only was that game the only Super Bowl appearance for the team, but the NFL we know and love today may not have been the same without it. The Jets’ 1969 win gave the AFL credibility in the eyes of the public and the football industry a year before it merged with the NFL.
Snell’s last three seasons with the team were marred by numerous injuries, resulting in him only participating in 12 games. During his 9-season career with the Jets, he rushed a total of 4,285 yards and is still ranked fourth on the franchise’s all-time rushing list. He retired in 1972 and was finally inducted into the Jets’ Ring of Honor at MetLife Stadium in 2015.
Woody Johnson, the Jets’ chairman, also released a statement where he described Snell as representing the “heart of the franchise”. He continued, saying, “Matt Snell will forever hold a special place in the history of the New York Jets. He was the embodiment of toughness, selflessness, and belief — traits that defined our organization’s proudest moments. His performance in Super Bowl III was nothing short of legendary. Against the odds, Matt set the tone with his physical running, delivering the Jets’ lone touchdown and helping secure one of the most important victories in sports history.”
Snell’s death was from natural causes; no further details have been released. He is survived by his wife, Sharon, two children, and a grandson.
