Jets Flashback: Memories of Broadway Joe and the Deli Guy

Rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez is evoking memories of Joe Namath.

On a cold Sunday morning more than 40 years ago, a teenager went to the local deli in suburban New York to pick up the Sunday papers and a dozen rolls.

Taped to the class counter in the deli was a paper bag, with these words:

Jets 17, Colts 7.

Of course, we all know the ending, how Broadway Joe Namath and the Miracle Jets shocked the world and the Baltimore Colts, winning Super Bowl III 16-7 and giving the American Football League the stamp of legitimacy.

Sure the deli guy was off by a point, but you have to admit it took guts to predict an 18-point underdog would not only cover the spread but win outright.

Now, more than two score years later, after beating the San Diego Chargers 17-14, the Jets are in position to finally win another Super Bowl.

The Jets haven’t been this close since losing to the Broncos 23-10 in the wind of Denver in 1998 and the Dolphins 14-0 in the mud and rain of Miami in 1983.

Now the Jets travel to Indianapolis Sunday to try and defeat the same Colts they beat in Super Bowl III…and return to the promised land.