New York Jets: 2025 Roster, Players, Schedule, Super Bowl Wins and More

The New York Jets are a well-known professional football team based in the New York metro area. They compete in the NFL’s AFC East division and have a loyal, passionate fan base. Their headquarters are in Florham Park, New Jersey, and they operate as New York Jets, LLC.

One of the most iconic moments in their history is their shocking victory in the 1969 Super Bowl, led by legendary quarterback Joe Namath, which marked their place in NFL history. This was shocking because Namath, ahead of the Super Bowl matchup, predicted that the Jets are going to win against the Colts. And it happened likewise. Their colorful history, full of big personalities and memorable moments, has left a lasting cultural impact on the sport. With over 1.7 million fans globally, the Jets are looking to clinch their second Super Bowl this year in 2024 after 55 years.

Overview of the New York Jets

The New York Jets Historical Background!

The New York Jets' journey is a rollercoaster of triumphs and trials that captures the heart of NFL fans. Born in 1959 as the Titans of New York and rebranded in 1963, the Jets have had moments of glory and struggle. Their crowning achievement came in 1969 when Joe Namath led them to a stunning Super Bowl win, a moment marked in NFL lore. Yet, their path hasn't always been smooth; the team endured years of frustration through the '70s and '80s, only to shine again with a thrilling playoff run in 1982.

Fast forward to the 2000s, the Jets rekindled hope with several playoff appearances, though they fell short in their last significant run in 2010. Ownership shifts, first to Woody Johnson and then to his brother Christopher Johnson, reflect the ongoing evolution of the franchise.

Talking about their stadium evolution, they joined the AFL in the year 1959 as 'The Titans of New York'. Later, in their 4th professional season, the franchise changed its name to the New York Jets. In these 4 seasons, the franchise played at the Polo Grounds. The iconic stadium is what they have in common with storied New York City sporting teams. The Polo Grounds have served as a home stadium for baseball teams New York Giants, the New York Yankees, New York Mets, and NFL franchise New York Giants.

Subsequently, they shifted base to the Shea Stadium for 19 seasons. In 1968, the New York Jets finished with a victorious season, only for the 2nd time in their history. Their maiden divisional win translated into a Super Bowl triumph. In the 70s, the Jets were starved for success. They finished their division in third or lower in 9 of the 10 NFL seasons. During this time, they made a series of draft picks that propelled them to the Conference Championship in 1982. The defensive quartet came to be known as. The New York Sack Exchange'.

In the 2002 NFL season, the New York Jets became the only team to deny a first-choice and fit Tom Brady a divisional title. They finished 3rd in the AFC East in the 2019 NFL season. With quarterback Sam Darnold and Head Coach Adam Gase. However, the franchise failed to improve on their 2019 7-9 record by finishing 4th in the 2020 season.

The New York Jets slumped out of qualification early on as they finished 2-14, which was their worst record since their 1996 campaign in which they went 1-15. The Jets became the first team to be eliminated from playoff contention after a week 11 loss dropped them to 0-10. And after year, still the revolution of winning is a hope. Despite the challenges, the Jets' passionate fans are hopeful with now coach Robert Saleh and quarterback Aaron Rodgers in 2024. 

Notable Milestones and Achievements

• Founded in 1959 as the Titans of New York, the Jets were one of the eight charter members of the American Football League (AFL).
• The New York Jets were renamed in 1963, reflecting their affiliation with New York City and their new home at the Polo Grounds.
• Super Bowl III Champions (1969): The Jets made history with one of the biggest upsets ever, defeating the Baltimore Colts 16–7. Joe Namath famously guaranteed the win—and delivered. It was the first Super Bowl win by an AFL team and solidified the Jets as an iconic franchise.
• AFL Championship in 1968, preceding their Super Bowl victory, securing the team's place in history.
• Legends of the Game: The Jets have been home to numerous Hall of Famers, including Joe Namath, Don Maynard, Curtis Martin, Kevin Mawae, and Darrelle Revis—each playing a crucial role in the team's success and legacy.
• Historic Firsts: The Jets were the first AFL team to win a Super Bowl, helping to legitimize the AFL-NFL merger that followed.
• Playoff Runs & Memorable Seasons: The Jets have had their share of playoff moments, with standout runs in 1998, 2009, and 2010. Under coaches like Bill Parcells and Rex Ryan, the Jets made back-to-back AFC Championship appearances in the late 2000s.
• Joe Namath's Legacy: As one of the most iconic quarterbacks in NFL history, Namath’s legendary career with the Jets earned him a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame and cemented his status as one of the league's greats.
• Curtis Martin's Historic Career: Martin became the Jets' all-time leading rusher and a Hall of Fame running back, contributing to the team's offensive success over the years.
• Rex Ryan’s Defensive Dominance: Under head coach Rex Ryan, the Jets’ defense reached new heights, culminating in two consecutive AFC Championship appearances in 2009 and 2010.
• A Rising Future: In recent years, the Jets have seen the emergence of rising stars like quarterback Zach Wilson and defensive standout Sauce Gardner, signaling hope for the franchise's future.
• The stadium moved to MetLife Stadium in 2010, where the Jets share a home with the New York Giants, marking a new chapter in their history.

Major Rivalries of the New York Jets

New York Jets vs New England Patriots: A major rivalry with intense matchups, especially notable during the Brady-Belichick era. This was because Bill Belichick, then an assistant coach under Bill Parcells, was about to take over as head coach of the Jets. However, on his first day, he resigned with the Jets and moved to New England to later create history with Tom Brady. Additionally, being in the same division (AFC East) has further ignited the rivalry. Both teams have met each other 130 times. During these battles, the Patriots won 74 games and the Jets won 55. Hence, a fire of revenge is still inside the Jets.

New York Jets vs Buffalo Bills: The rivalry between the Jets and Bills in 2023 was filled with thrilling moments. Xavier Gipson's unforgettable punt-return touchdown kicked off the season in dramatic fashion. However, just a couple of months later, Buffalo responded by completely shifting their offensive game plan, overwhelming a Jets team that struggled to find answers. Both games proved to be intense competition between these two teams. Additionally, Bills tackle Dion Dawkins also mentioned about the Jets’ defense, “Weirdos being weird. I'm going to keep it a buck, I hate them ... all of them.” This itself tells the intensity of the rivalry between these two teams. Till now, they have met 127 times, in which the Jets won 58 while the Bills won 69. So, a sense of revenge is there in the Jets for the Bills for sure!

New York Jets vs Miami Dolphins: A longstanding rivalry, particularly fierce in the 1970s and 1980s. Since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970, the Miami Dolphins and New York Jets have been placed in the AFC East, setting the stage for two matchups every year. This consistent face-off has only fueled their rivalry, which remains fierce regardless of where either team stands in the rankings. Till now, they have met each other 117 times, in which the Jets have won 56 games while the Phins have a four-game advantage with 60 wins in total. They have also tied once in 1981. 

Major Contracts of the New York Jets in 2025

​The New York Jets have several significant contracts impacting their 2025 salary cap. Here's a breakdown of key players and their financial implications:​

• Aaron Rodgers (Quarterback): The veteran quarterback commands a substantial cap hit of $51.5 million in 2025. After restructuring his contract in 2023 to provide the Jets with financial flexibility, Rodgers' deal remains a significant component of the team's salary cap.​
• C.J. Mosley (Linebacker): As a defensive leader, Mosley carries a cap hit of $21.5 million for the 2025 season. He inked a five-year, $85 million contract in 2019, positioning him among the league's highest-paid linebackers.​
• Laken Tomlinson (Offensive Guard): Entering the final year of his three-year, $40 million deal signed in 2022, Tomlinson's cap hit stands at $18.4 million. His performance on the offensive line remains crucial for the Jets' success.​
• Quinnen Williams (Defensive Tackle): A cornerstone of the Jets' defense, Williams is under a four-year, $96 million extension signed in 2023, with a cap hit of approximately $15.7 million in 2025. His presence is vital for the team's defensive prowess.​
• John Franklin-Myers (Defensive End): Known for his versatility, Franklin-Myers carries a $14.3 million cap hit this season, stemming from his four-year, $55 million extension signed in 2021.​
• Garrett Wilson (Wide Receiver): Still on his rookie contract, the 2022 Offensive Rookie of the Year offers exceptional value with a cap hit under $6 million. His continued development is key to the Jets' offensive strategy.​
• Sauce Gardner (Cornerback): The 2022 Defensive Rookie of the Year, Gardner, also on his rookie deal, has a cap hit of approximately $8 million in 2025. His performance in the secondary is a significant asset for the defense.​
• Breece Hall (Running Back): Hall, under his rookie contract, presents a modest cap hit of under $2.5 million in 2025. His potential breakout could provide substantial value to the Jets' offense.​
• Josh Reynolds (Wide Receiver): The Jets signed Reynolds to a one-year contract worth $2.75 million in guarantees. His addition aims to bolster the receiving corps alongside Garrett Wilson and Allen Lazard.

Dead Cap: The Jets are managing $45.5 million in dead cap space, ranking seventh highest in the NFL. This figure impacts their financial flexibility for additional roster moves.​As of March 24, 2025, the Jets have $27.8 million in available cap space, placing them 15th in the league. This financial positioning allows for strategic decisions in free agency and potential contract extensions.

Notable Coaches and Players

• Weeb Ewbank (1963–1973): The only coach to win both an NFL and AFL Championship, Ewbank led the Jets to their lone Super Bowl victory in Super Bowl III, with Joe Namath's famous guarantee.
• Bill Parcells (1997–1999): Revitalized the franchise, taking the Jets from a 1-15 record to an AFC Championship appearance in 1998.
• Rex Ryan (2009–2014): Known for his defensive expertise and bold personality, Ryan led the Jets to back-to-back AFC Championship Games in 2009 and 2010.
• Robert Saleh (2021–present): Hired for his defensive acumen, Saleh has worked to rebuild the Jets into a playoff contender with a strong defensive core.

• Joe Namath (QB, 1965–1976): The face of the franchise and Hall of Famer, Namath famously led the Jets to their only Super Bowl victory in 1969.
• Don Maynard (WR, 1960–1972): A Hall of Fame receiver and key target for Namath, Maynard was the first Jet to reach 10,000 receiving yards.
• Curtis Martin (RB, 1998–2006): One of the most consistent running backs in NFL history, Martin ranks among the league’s all-time rushing leaders and was inducted into the Hall of Fame.
• Darrelle Revis (CB, 2007–2012, 2015–2016): A shutdown corner and Hall of Famer, Revis' "Revis Island" nickname became legendary as he dominated opposing receivers.
• Mark Gastineau (DE, 1979–1988): A dominant pass rusher, Gastineau was one of the most feared defensive players of his era and helped define the "New York Sack Exchange."
• Nick Mangold (C, 2006–2016): A seven-time Pro Bowler and one of the best centers of his generation, anchoring the Jets’ offensive line for over a decade.
• Kevin Mawae (C, 1998–2005): Another elite center and Hall of Famer, Mawae was a crucial piece of the Jets' dominant rushing attack.
• Vinny Testaverde (QB, 1998–2003, 2005): Led the Jets to an AFC Championship appearance in 1998 and remains one of the most productive passers in team history.
• Muhammad Wilkerson (DE, 2011–2017): A key defensive leader in the early 2010s, Wilkerson was a force in the trenches with multiple Pro Bowl appearances.
• Sauce Gardner (CB, 2022–present): A rising star, Gardner won Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2022 and quickly established himself as one of the league’s top cornerbacks

Who Are the Starters for the 2025 Season?

As of March 29, 2025, here's the projected starting lineup for the New York Jets:​

Offense

• Quarterback: Justin Fields​
• Running Back: Breece Hall​
• Wide Receiver 1: Garrett Wilson​
• Wide Receiver 2: Allen Lazard​
• Slot Wide Receiver: Josh Reynolds​
• Tight End: Jeremy Ruckert​
• Left Tackle: Olu Fashanu
• Left Guard: John Simpson​
• Center: Joe Tippmann​
• Right Guard: Sam Cosmi
• Right Tackle: Andrew Wylie

Defense

• Left Defensive End: Will McDonald IV​
• Defensive Tackle: Quinnen Williams​
• Defensive Tackle: Derrick Nnadi​
• Right Defensive End: Jermaine Johnson​
• Strongside Linebacker: Jamin Davis​
• Middle Linebacker: Quincy Williams​
• Weakside Linebacker: David Mayo​
• Cornerback 1: Sauce Gardner​
• Cornerback 2: Emmanuel Forbes​
• Free Safety: Percy Butler​
• Strong Safety: Jeremy Chinn​

Special Teams

• Kicker: Brandon McManus​
• Punter: Tress Way​
• Long Snapper: Thomas Hennessy​
• Kick Returner: Xavier Gipson
• Punt Returner: Xavier Gipson

Please note that this lineup is based on the current roster and recent transactions as of late March 2025. Further changes may occur due to ongoing free agency moves, the upcoming NFL Draft, and team decisions during training camp.

The Schedule of the New York Jets in 2025

Home Opponents:

• Buffalo Bills​
• Miami Dolphins​
• New England Patriots​
• Cleveland Browns​
• Pittsburgh Steelers​
• Atlanta Falcons​
• Carolina Panthers​
• Denver Broncos​
• Dallas Cowboys​

Away Opponents:

• Baltimore Ravens​
• Buffalo Bills​
• Cincinnati Bengals​
• Jacksonville Jaguars​
• Miami Dolphins
• New England Patriots​
• New Orleans Saints​
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers