Rare 1969 NY Jets Super Bowl III Champions Vintage Signed Football. JSA

We are proud to offer, without question, one of the most significant vintage team-signed footballs in the entire hobby. Presented is a unique piece of American football history and the gold standard of New York sports memorabilia – a 1969 New York Jets Vintage Team-Signed Football, Super Bowl III Champions!

We can say without hesitation that this is the finest 1969 Jets vintage team-signed football in existence. According to JSA, only one other example is known, and that one is both incomplete in signers and in significantly inferior condition. In all our years of experience and extensive archive research, we’ve encountered no other specimen. This ball was signed at the time, circa 1969, using a vintage ballpoint pen and comes from a source with direct ties to the organization.

Of course, the 1969 Super Bowl III is one of the most important matchups in the history of sports – after all, it was the first NFL vs AFL championship game to bear the trademark name “Super Bowl” and featured one of the greatest upsets of all-time as the Jets defeated Johnny Unitas and the Baltimore Colts.

This Official Spalding American Football League presentation ball features vintage autographs across three separate white panels, each one enhancing the clarity and legibility of the players’ names. The fourth panel is traditional leather and displays the official logo of the American Football League, complete with a facsimile signature of AFL President Milt Woodard. We’ve never come across an AFL ball with this exact panel configuration before, which in our view makes the ball itself a rarity—independent of the signatures. Adding to its uniqueness, one of the white panels bears an inscription in vintage ink: “New York Jets, AFL Champions, World Champions”—likely penned by a team official at the time the ball was presented. 

A total of 46 signatures grace this ball, headlined by none other than Super Bowl III Joe Namath, who signed the ball “Joe Willie Namath” – an unusual and appealing variation we seldom find on a vintage team item.

Also present is Hall of Famer and the Jets' leading receiver in 1969, Don Maynard (d. 2022), alongside George Sauer (d. 2013), who had a breakout performance in Super Bowl III with 8 catches for 133 yards. Sauer was an elusive signer, and paired with Maynard, they formed one of the most dangerous receiver tandems of the era.

Key running backs are also represented: Emerson Boozer, Bill Mathis (d. 2020), and Matt Snell, the Super Bowl star who racked up 131 rushing yards and scored the Jets’ only touchdown in the game. The offensive line includes Hall of Famer Winston Hill (d. 2016), John Schmitt, Dave Herman (d. 2022), Randy Rasmussen, and Bob Talamini (d. 2022), all critical to Namath’s protection. Also included is tight end Pete Lammons (d. 2021).

Defensive legends abound as well: Verlon Biggs (d. 1994), Gerry Philbin (d. 2025), Paul Rochester (d. 2020), John Elliott (d. 2010), Ralph Baker, and Larry Grantham (d. 2017). Notably, Randy Beverly, who intercepted two passes in Super Bowl III while being heavily targeted by the Colts, has signed. Other defenders include Cornell Gordon, Jim Hudson (d. 2013), and John Dockery.

Additional signers include backup quarterback Babe Parilli (d. 2017), who threw a single pass in the Super Bowl; Earl Christy, Bake Turner, Curley Johnson (d. 2016), and others—making this one of the most complete and historically rich Jets rosters we’ve ever encountered. This ball truly captures the heart of a team that made sports history and is packed with stars who defined an era.

Including the coaching staff! That’s what immediately caught our attention. Leading the group is Hall of Fame head coach Weeb Ewbank (HOF 1978; d. 1998), the only coach to win championships in both the NFL and AFL. Also present is the legendary Buddy Ryan (d. 2016), then the Jets’ defensive line coach—father to Rex and Rob Ryan, and widely regarded as one of the most innovative defensive minds in football history. Other key coaches include Walt Michaels (d. 2019), offensive line coach and future Jets head coach, and Clive Rush (d. 1980), the team’s offensive coordinator during the championship run.

Do not be mistaken by comparing this football to modern autographed items from Jets reunion events over the years. This is not just a team-signed football - it’s a rare, high-caliber period artifact from one of the most important years and moments in the history of professional football. Every detail reflects authenticity, quality, completeness and historical significance. If you’re a true football fan, or a collector of truly unique sports artifacts, this is a must have!

Comes with a Letter of Authenticity from JSA

Ships FedEx/UPS/USPS with Insurance.