Which team did the New York Jets defeat in Super Bowl III?

The New York Jets defeated the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III. New York won 16–7 on January 12, 1969, producing one of the most famous upsets in professional football history.

The Colts entered the game as the NFL champions and overwhelming favorites, while the Jets represented the American Football League. Jets quarterback Joe Namath famously guaranteed victory before kickoff, a bold statement that became legendary when his team delivered it.

Namath completed 17 of 28 passes for 206 yards and was named the game’s Most Valuable Player. New York controlled the game with a disciplined offensive plan and strong defense, while the Colts did not score until the fourth quarter. Baltimore’s late rally never threatened the result.

Super Bowl III was the first Super Bowl played after the AFL–NFL merger agreement had been reached, and the victory helped establish that the AFL could compete with the older NFL. The game was officially the third AFL–NFL Championship Game and the first to use the trademarked name “Super Bowl.”