Super Bowl III hero in no mood to end decades-long Jets boycott

[Maxman]

http://nypost.com/2015/09/15/super-bowl-iii-hero-in-no-mood-to-end-decades-long-jets-boycott/

Matt Snell still has the broad shoulders you remember. Even at 74, you can see the frame that made him a professional athlete.

As he walks toward you, making his way through the garage of his Jersey City construction business, his gait is slow, but you picture him with the big green No. 41 on his back.

On Tuesday, he was walking between a blue Cadillac and a gray, vintage 1960s Corvette, but in your mind he always is running around the left end and Winston Hill’s block into the Orange Bowl end zone on that January day in 1969.

Snell extends his hand with the same smile he had in 1973, when Miller Lite picked him to be the first athlete featured in its commercials.

The smile disappears and the posture changes, though, when you tell him you are here to ask him about the Jets.

“I have nothing to say about them,” Snell said.

The Jets travel to Indianapolis to face the Colts on Monday night. Even though Mayflower moving trucks moved the team from Baltimore more than 30 years ago, whenever the Jets and Colts get together on a football field, you are reminded of Super Bowl III and the Jets’ 16-7 upset of Don Shula’s mighty Colts.

Joe Namath is remembered as the hero of that game for his guarantee and was named the MVP, but in many people’s eyes Snell deserved the award. He ran 30 times for 121 yards and the team’s only touchdown. He was essential in the Jets’ ball-control attack that day.

Snell should be one of the franchise’s biggest legends. Instead, he wants nothing to do with it. No one is quite sure exactly why.

“There’s a lot of water under that bridge,” is all Snell would say Tuesday.

The most popular version of the story among his former teammates is the team promised Snell a job after he retired in 1972 and never delivered.

“He’s not too beholden to the Jets,” said Pete Lammons, a tight end from 1966 to 1971. “I haven’t talked to him in a long time, but the last time I did, he was just a little put out with the Jets and how they handled his deal.”

http://nypost.com/2015/09/15/super-bowl-iii-hero-in-no-mood-to-end-decades-long-jets-boycott/

The Jets have tried to repair the relationship repeatedly in recent years. He has been invited to reunions of the 1968 team and other alumni functions, but he won’t even return phone calls from the team.

Everyone who was in charge of the Jets at the time of Snell’s retirement is dead. There are new people from owner Woody Johnson on down.

To Snell, it does not matter.

“Those people there now don’t owe me anything,” Snell said. “I’ll be gone soon, too.”

A fourth-round draft pick by the Giants in 1964 out of Ohio State, Snell decided to sign with Sonny Werblin’s AFL Jets instead for a lot more money. He was the AFL Rookie of the Year that season after rushing for 948 yards and scoring six touchdowns.

“I think Matt was as great a runner as just about anybody that played,” said Hall of Fame wide receiver Don Maynard. “Not only that, he was a great protector or pass blocker and lead blocker for [Emerson] Boozer. And, if you look at the stats, one year he might have caught two or three more passes than I did [1964, when Snell caught 56 passes to Maynard’s 46]. He was a great player and teammate.”

An Achilles injury derailed Snell’s career after an All-Pro year in 1969. He hung around for a few more years, then retired. His 4,285 career rushing yards remain the fourth-most in franchise history behind just Curtis Martin, Freeman McNeil and Boozer.

The Jets have done a good job of honoring past players in recent years. They established the Ring of Honor in 2010, and it feels like there is a vacancy until Snell is inducted.

Would he show up at MetLife Stadium if the team wanted to pay tribute?

“I’m not interested in being honored,” he said.

Not even for the fans?

“Fans today with all of their instant everything, they don’t know who I am,” Snell said.

He’s wrong about that. Jets fans have not had a ton of reasons to celebrate through the years. Snell and his teammates provided the biggest one. Jets fans will never forget that, even if it seems he wishes they would.

[nj meadowlands]

Weird

[#27TheDominator]

Way to honor him.  Give his number to a 4'7" CB. 

There are a bunch of guys out there that don't like the way they were handled by the Jets FO back in the day.  There were some claims of racism, etc. 

[BroadwayJoe12]

Was there a point to this article besides pointing out that a 70 year old man holds a grudge against a bunch of people that are dead? It'd definitely be cool to see him at games and the ceremonies, but I think it's time to realize the dude just wants nothing to do with the organization and just stop bothering him. 

[roscoeword]

Snell was probably as responsible as Namath for that Superbowl victory. He was a man's man - a tough rugged fullback at a time when the NFL thought the AFL were pussycats. That's why the Jets were such underdogs to the Colts, and the K.C. Chiefs were such huge underdogs to the Vikings - the impression was that the AFL was soft,  not as tough as those tough Colt legends (Mackey, Curtis, or Joe Kapp for that matter) The AFL had razzle dazzle plays, playboys like Joe Willy etc..). And then along came Matt Snell to knock their block off.  Actually I'm saddened and shocked by the story. Snell and Boozer are Jets staples for me, and this story ranks with the Wesley Walker saga - a great Jet who today suffers physical pain and played in an era when players didn't make millions.

[munchmemory]

Weird

What?  Why? 

Snell is pissed at getting boned by the team.  You can't understand his anger? 

[Jetsfan80]

Jesus.  This was pretty dark and depressing for a sports article.  Especially this part:

 

Everyone who was in charge of the Jets at the time of Snell’s retirement is dead. There are new people from owner Woody Johnson on down.

To Snell, it does not matter.

“Those people there now don’t owe me anything,” Snell said. “I’ll be gone soon, too.”

Edited September 16, 2015 by Jetsfan80

[Dunnie]

... bummer

[roscoeword]

Snell was no less responsible for our Superbowl victory than Namath - he was the man. In those days, the AFL was perceived by the NFL as "soft".  That's why the Jets and Chiefs the next year were such huge underdogs in the Superbowl. The NFL had tough white guys with crewcuts, John Mackey, Joe Kapp... the AFL did razzle dazzle plays, had Joe Willy.. somehow were perceived as less tough. And then, Matt Snell ran over them and through them, smashing that perception, and the next year the Chiefs did the same. It was fun to be an AFL fan in those days. But this story has me depressed, kind of like the Wesley Walker saga...  

[Bugg]

Way to honor him.  Give his number to a 4'7" CB. 

There are a bunch of guys out there that don't like the way they were handled by the Jets FO back in the day.  There were some claims of racism, etc. 

Weeb Ewbank was a cheap bastard. Which is how you make a mess of the the prime of Namath's career. The OL sucked, Sauer and Maynard got tired of begging for money, and here they screwed Snell. And how you deal away/allow free agent Riggins to walk away for a Dodge Dart and a case of Schaefer. 

Snell should know the fans still know who he is, and think the world of him. Without him we probably wouldn't have had even 1 title. 

 

Edited September 16, 2015 by Bugg

[nyjunc]

in the old days former players always complained about how they were treated by the Jets but under Woody they have done a great job bringing guys back and honoring them.  Snell needs to realize this is a new regime and to come back before it's too late.  I wasn't around to watch him play but he is one of the biggest names in our history and the fans would embrace him.

[Bugg]

Snell was no less responsible for our Superbowl victory than Namath - he was the man. In those days, the AFL was perceived by the NFL as "soft".  That's why the Jets and Chiefs the next year were such huge underdogs in the Superbowl. The NFL had tough white guys with crewcuts, John Mackey, Joe Kapp... the AFL did razzle dazzle plays, had Joe Willy.. somehow were perceived as less tough. And then, Matt Snell ran over them and through them, smashing that perception, and the next year the Chiefs did the same. It was fun to be an AFL fan in those days. But this story has me depressed, kind of like the Wesley Walker saga...  

Noted crew-cut wearing white guy John Mackey.In fairness he was treated very poorly and not put in the Hall of Fame until much later than should have been the case. His family filed a wrongful death suit vs. the NFL for the brain damage leading to his dementia and death. Good to see Snell is a businessman and in good shape. THE Jets should honor Snell ASAP. 

Edited September 16, 2015 by Bugg

[faba]

Sometimes you have to let it go. It would be nice if the jets can reach out and have a reconciliation

[#27TheDominator]

Noted crew-cut wearing white guy John Mackey.In fairness he was treated very poorly and not put in the Hall of Fame until much later than should have been the case. His family filed a wrongful death suit vs. the NFL for the brain damage leading to his dementia and death. Good to see Snell is a businessman and in good shape. THE Jets should honor Snell ASAP. 

Hempstead!  To be fair, I think there was a bias against tight ends in the HOF.  Mackey was the second one in after Ditka.  I guess they felt that if they were better blockers they'd be tackles, better receivers they'd split wide. 

[Warfish]

Bitter and stubborn is no way to live a life.

/shrug

Quietly put his name on the "Ring"" after he dies then.

Then move along...

[LouisvilleSlugger25]

“Those people there now don’t owe me anything,” Snell said. “I’ll be gone soon, too.”

 

Sounds like a pretty bitter guy. Feel bad that he was screwed by an ancient regime, but it's been 30 years. People go through horrible divorces and ultimately become civil with each other. The current Jets regime has done nothing wrong to him, but he insists on hanging on to this grudge. That's a Snell problem, not a Jets problem. 

[RutgersJetFan]

[peekskill68]

I'm trying to figure out where the story is here.  Every organization is always going to have a few people with bad feelings regardless of how well they are run.  That is human nature.  This Snell grudge clearly has been going on for decades.  What motivated the Post to dredge it up now?  Is it some kind if hit piece to make the team look bad?  I don't get it...

[Klecko73isGod]

Noted crew-cut wearing white guy John Mackey.In fairness he was treated very poorly and not put in the Hall of Fame until much later than should have been the case. His family filed a wrongful death suit vs. the NFL for the brain damage leading to his dementia and death. Good to see Snell is a businessman and in good shape. THE Jets should honor Snell ASAP. 

Great call on Mackey. Mike Ditka gets all the pub as the NFL's first true great tight end but a huge part of that is because Mackey was the Curt Flood of football. He was the first guy to ask for free agency. As a result the NFL pretty much ignored him and his accomplishments and promoted Ditka instead. 

To his credit, Ditka for a long time would correct people whenever they called him the best TE of all time and let them know about Mackey. Mackey's post-football deterioration also played a role in Ditka standing up for retired players. 

[slgrayson1]

Sounds like a bitter, nasty old buzzard.

[y2k8]

“Those people there now don’t owe me anything,” Snell said. “I’ll be gone soon, too.”

 

Sounds like a pretty bitter guy. Feel bad that he was screwed by an ancient regime, but it's been 30 years. People go through horrible divorces and ultimately become civil with each other. The current Jets regime has done nothing wrong to him, but he insists on hanging on to this grudge. That's a Snell problem, not a Jets problem. 

MAybe.  Or perhaps he is just an old man who gives zero F---s.  Maybe he says what he thinks and doesn't need a ceremony and the polite applause in front of a half empty stadium during halftime.  He's right.  Most of the people there never saw him play and don't care.  He's moved on clearly.

[Lego My Lageman]

Cant we throw some money at this problem? I always hate when historic figures are boycotting. Give the dude a statue or plaque, a suitcase full of money. Would make for a GREAT IDEA TO DO AT HALF TIME AGAINST THE PATS!

[BurnleyJet]

Grudge much, great player, but what a chip, move on in life, or these things will kill you. Its over 40 years ago and apart from the name it'sa totally   different regime.

[#27TheDominator]

Most of those fans can't remember Kyle Clifton, they are not going to remember Matt Snell.

[De-Jet-Erate/Duane]

It sounds to me like he has moved on and a long time ago. It is the Jets fans and possibly the Jets themselves who have not.

[prime21]

Life is too short.  We would like to show you appreciation if you let us.

[southparkcpa]

He deserves to be put in the ring of honor IMO.

[Jet Nut]

Was there a point to this article besides pointing out that a 70 year old man holds a grudge against a bunch of people that are dead? It'd definitely be cool to see him at games and the ceremonies, but I think it's time to realize the dude just wants nothing to do with the organization and just stop bothering him. 

kind of like Yogi refusing to have anything to do with the Yankees for years until he had a change of heart? 

[Jet Nut]

Most of those fans can't remember Kyle Clifton, they are not going to remember Matt Snell.

Kyle Clifton didn't lead the team to a SB win.  Clifton was an ok LB, at best, not on the level of Snell.

[sackdance]

 The NFL had tough white guys with crewcuts, John Mackey, Joe Kapp... 

Nothing warms my heart like like a complete moralizing fail.   

[#27TheDominator]

Kyle Clifton didn't lead the team to a SB win.  Clifton was an ok LB, at best, not on the level of Snell.

Thanks for letting me know.  Snell also played his last game a quarter of a century earlier and wasn't with the team for 37 years.  FWIW, you will note that it is rare that they give out either of their numbers.

[Jet Nut]

Thanks for letting me know.  Snell also played his last game a quarter of a century earlier and wasn't with the team for 37 years.  FWIW, you will note that it is rare that they give out either of their numbers.

well when someone actually took the time to try and compare Clifton to Snell.  So you're saying Namath and the rest of the SB teams names are less known than Kyle Clifton?  

[#27TheDominator]

well when someone actually took the time to try and compare Clifton to Snell.  So you're saying Namath and the rest of the SB teams names are less known than Kyle Clifton?  

From watching games or from NFL films?  Everybody has seen the Magic Bean episode and watched Snell crashing into the end zone.  Very few are left that saw the man play.  People, quite possibly such as you yourself, have basically forgotten Kyle Clifton who was starting LB for a decade's worth of games.  Maybe Snell doesn't care about people that only know him as the guy that scored during the Joe Namath game.  He has been jerked around all along, from Ohio State moving him back and forth from offense to defense and back again, on to the Jets cheaping out on him.

[Flushing Roots]

What?  Why? 

Snell is pissed at getting boned by the team.  You can't understand his anger? 

Totally understand it.

Guy left his heart and soul on the field, then allegedly was promised a job with the Jets after his playing days were over and they never delivered.  And this came at a time when guys weren't making the millions they are today.

I feel bad for him but it appears he has moved on and wants nothing to do with them.

Glad he's successful in Jersey City with his construction business.

Jets look bad with this one.  It is similar to the Yogi story.

If they didn't have Snell, they might not have gotten to the SB and may not have won it.  He scored our only touchdown in that game.

[Bocajetfan]

I remember Snell fondly from his playing days at Carle Place high school was the second coming of Jim Brown. The man was the true MVP of Super Bowl III.