# Matt Snell
Who / What
Matt Snell was an American professional football player who played as a fullback for the New York Jets in both the American Football League (AFL) and National Football League (NFL). His career spanned the late 1960s, making him a key figure during the early years of the NFL’s expansion.
Background & History
Matt Snell was born on August 18, 1941. He played college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes before transitioning to professional football. His career began with the New York Jets in 1965, a team that was then managed by Sonny Werblin, who recruited him as part of his early roster-building efforts. Snell’s tenure marked an important period in AFL/NFL history, particularly as one of the first notable players acquired before Joe Namath became a household name.
Why Notable
Snell is notable for being one of the Jets’ earliest standout players and Sonny Werblin’s initial successful recruitment. His role as a fullback contributed to the team’s early success in the AFL, though his impact was not as widely celebrated as later stars. His career remains an important historical footnote in the franchise’s development during its formative years.
In the News
Matt Snell passed away on March 10, 2026. While he is no longer active in football, his legacy continues to be remembered by fans and historians of early NFL/AFL history as a key figure in the Jets’ early roster construction.
