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Tributes Pour In After NFL Super Bowl Champion Dies At 83

Originally posted on The Spun | By Daniel Bates | Last updated Jun 25, 2025 6:02 PM ET

One of the most beloved players in New York Jets history reportedly passed away this week.

On Wednesday reports surfaced that defensive end Gerry Philbin, who helped the franchise deliver the AFC's first Super Bowl back in 1968, died at 83 years old.

Philbin was a two-time Pro Bowler, two-time All-Pro, Super Bowl and AFL champion over the course of his decade-long pro football career — retiring in 1973 after one season with the Eagles and 66.5 sacks in 123 games.

R.I.P. to an all time great New York Jet Gerry Philbin

Gerry was drafted in the 3rd round of the 1964 AFL draft and played for the Jets from 1964-1972. Philbin was a 2 time 1st team all pro and made the AFL all decade team in the 60s.

He was a key player in the 1968 Super Bowl… pic.twitter.com/EaJWUxXHsm
— New York Jets History (@nyjetshistory) June 25, 2025

It didn't take long for tributes to pour in from around the NFL world:

"R.I.P. to an all time great New York Jet Gerry Philbin," a Jets history account posted. "Gerry was drafted in the 3rd round of the 1964 AFL draft and played for the Jets from 1964-1972. Philbin was a 2 time 1st team all pro and made the AFL all decade team in the 60s."

"He was a key player in the 1968 Super Bowl championship season and is currently 4th in franchise history with 65 sacks," it added. "Gerry was inducted into the Jets Ring of Honor in 2011. Condolences to his family, friends and former teammates."

"RIP Gerry Philbin, a Super Bowl champion, All-AFL selection, and a member of the Jets' Ring of Honor. One of the best defensive ends ever, he deserves consideration for the Pro Football Hall of Fame," a fan said.

"RIP SB champ Gerry Philbin," another shared.

"The passing of Jets AFL legends like Philbin and Larry Grantham without them getting into the Pro Football Hall of Fame reminds me that a TON of all-time great football players are either still waiting or died waiting," Tzvi Machlin pointed out.

"So sorry to read this," another person commented. "Truly one of the #Jets' greatest players. #RIPGerryPhilbin and condolences to his family, friends, and fans."

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - AUGUST 16: A general view of the New Meadowlands Stadium during a preseason game between the New York Jets and New York Giants on August 16, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Andrew Burton/Getty Images)

Philbin is truly a titan in Jets history and will be missed by New Yorkers that watched him— and many that didn't.

Rest in peace No. 81.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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