Super Bowl III: Classic Photos

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Jan 21, 2010

Super Bowl III: Classic Photos

Joe Namath

As the Jets and Colts prepare for Sunday's AFC Championship game, we look back to Super Bowl III, the last time these teams met in the playoffs. All discussion of the game begins with Joe Namath's guarantee to reporters that the Jets would win despite being an 18-point underdog. He was right.

Bob Hope

Bob Hope led the pregame celebration, honoring the astronauts of Apollo 8, who just completed the first manned flight around the moon.

Pete Rozelle and Don Shula

NFL commisioner Pete Rozelle chats with Colts coach Don Shula before the game.

Earl Morrall

While the Jets were led by Namath, Baltimore's offense was in the hands of QB Earl Morrall, who became the team's starter after a preseason injury to Johnny Unitas. Though Unitas was healthy for the championship game, Colts coach Don Shula stuck with Morrall, who had led his squad to a 13-1 record and boasted the NFL's top passing percentage (93.2).

Matt Snell

Matt Snell scored the game's first touchdown when he scampered in from four yards out in the second quarter.

George Sauer

Wide receiver George Sauer caught eight passes for 133 yards in the Jets victory.

Tom Matte

The Colts running attack was led by Tom Matte, who gained 116 yards on 11 carries. On this play, he advances to the Jets' 1.

Joe Namath

Namath completed 17 of 28 passes for 206 yards. He is the only quarterback to win Super Bowl MVP without throwing at least one touchdown pass.

Jim Turner

Jets placekicker Jim Turner was the game's highest scorer, connecting on three field goals (32, 30, 9) and missing two (41, 42).

Johnny Unitas

Late in the third quarter, with the Colts offense struggling, Don Shula turned to Johnny Unitas to spark Baltimore. He led the Colts to their only touchdown and finished the game going 11-for-24 with 110 yards and an interception.