The New York Titans
The New York Titans were a professional American football team that played in the American Football League (AFL) from 1960 to 1962. The team was based in New York City and played their home games at the Polo Grounds. The Titans were one of the original eight AFL teams and were owned by Harry Wismer, a New York sports promoter. Despite their short existence, the Titans had a significant impact on the AFL and the NFL.
The Origins of the New York Titans
The New York Titans were born out of a desire to establish a professional football team in New York City. In the late 1950s, New York had no NFL team and no professional football team of any kind. Harry Wismer, a successful sports promoter, saw an opportunity and began to put together a group of investors to create a new football team. Wismer convinced the AFL to grant him a franchise in 1959, and the New York Titans were born.
The First Season of the Titans
The New York Titans played their first game on September 11, 1960, against the Buffalo Bills. The Titans lost the game 27-3, but they would go on to win their next two games. The first season was a mixed bag for the Titans, who finished with a record of 7-7. Despite the mediocre record, the team showed promise and gave fans hope for the future.
The Team’s Early Struggles
The New York Titans struggled in their second season, finishing with a record of 5-9. The team suffered from a lack of talent and depth, and injuries also took a toll. The Titans’ struggles were compounded by off-field issues, including financial problems and conflicts between the team’s owner and coaching staff. The team’s struggles on and off the field led to a change in ownership after the 1962 season.
A Change in Ownership for the Titans
The New York Titans were sold to a group of investors led by Sonny Werblin in 1963. Werblin, a successful businessman, had a vision for the team and set about making changes to turn the Titans into a winning franchise. The first order of business was to rebrand the team and give them a new identity.
Rebranding as the New York Jets
Under the new ownership, the New York Titans became the New York Jets in 1963. The team’s new name and logo were meant to reflect the speed and power of jet aircraft, a nod to New York’s status as a major transportation hub. The rebranding was part of a larger effort to create a new image for the team and attract fans.
The Legacy of the Titans
Despite their short existence, the New York Titans left a lasting legacy in the NFL. The team helped to establish the AFL as a legitimate rival to the NFL and paved the way for the eventual merger between the two leagues. The Titans also set the stage for the success of the New York Jets, who won Super Bowl III in 1969.
The Impact of the Titans on the NFL
The New York Titans played a key role in the evolution of the NFL. The team’s struggles helped to expose the flaws in the NFL’s dominance and paved the way for the AFL’s eventual success. The Titans also played a role in the creation of the Super Bowl, which was the result of the merger between the AFL and NFL.
Key Players of the Titans
The New York Titans had several key players during their short existence, including quarterback Al Dorow, running back Bill Mathis, and wide receiver Don Maynard. These players helped to establish the Titans as a competitive team and laid the foundation for the success of the Jets.
The Team’s Most Memorable Moments
One of the most memorable moments in the history of the New York Titans came in their first home game against the Boston Patriots. With the Titans trailing by a touchdown in the final seconds of the game, quarterback Al Dorow threw a 42-yard touchdown pass to Don Maynard to tie the game. The Titans then won the game in overtime, 28-24.
The End of the Titans Era
The New York Titans played their final game on December 16, 1962, against the Houston Oilers. The Titans lost the game 49-33, bringing an end to the team’s short existence. The team’s struggles on and off the field had taken a toll, and the new ownership group felt that a fresh start was needed.
Conclusion: The Titans’ Place in Football History
The New York Titans may have been a short-lived franchise, but their impact on the NFL was significant. The team helped to establish the AFL as a legitimate rival to the NFL and paved the way for the eventual merger between the two leagues. The legacy of the Titans can still be felt today, as the NFL continues to evolve and grow.
