Gerry Philbin

Gerry Philbin, a defensive end with the New York Jets in the 1960s and '70s who played his way into the team's Ring of Honor, died in June 2025 at the age of 83.

Philbin had options when he first started his football career, having been drafted to the AFL by the New York Jets and the NFL by the Detroit Lions in 1964. He chose the Jets. As a defensive end, he proved to be a key member of the squad throughout the decade, earning two all-star spots and being part of the Jets team that won Super Bowl III. He eventually racked up the fourth most sacks in team history, and is one of just two players, along with Verlon Biggs, to have 10 sacks a season for four seasons in a row. He left the team after the 1972 season, retiring after a final year with the Philadelphia Eagles and a brief stint in the World Football League with the New York Stars.

"Today an Uncle and friend passed. Uncle by marriage. He was one of really good guys and I considered him as a friend," family member Ronald Bennett said on Facebook. "We watched several Pat-Jet games together. He always busted my chops and I him too, always in fun. BTW, he was a professional football player, played with Namath and won the Super Bowl in 1969. Gerry Philbin was the defensive MVP of that game. He will be missed."

By Eric San Juan

(Image: AP Photo)