Super Bowl hero Matt Snell dies after lengthy illness, decades-long grudge with Jets

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Former NFL running back Matt Snell has died at age 84, the New York Jets confirmed.

A cause of death was not immediately announced.

In addition to his heroics in Super Bowl III, Snell is remembered for a standout rookie season, earning AFL Rookie of the Year honors and setting the Jets single-game rushing record. In the franchise's only Super Bowl title, Snell rushed for 121 yards and scored New York’s lone touchdown.

Snell overcame a knee injury to play a key role in the Jets' 16-7 victory.

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New York Jets' fullback Matt Snell watches the action from the sideline during Super Bowl III against the Baltimore Colts at the Orange Bowl Jan. 12, 1969, in Miami, Fla. (Focus on Sport via Getty Images)

In a statement, Jets Chairman Woody Johnson said Snell represented the heart of the franchise and left a lasting legacy.

"Matt Snell will forever hold a special place in the history of the New York Jets," Johnson said. "He was the embodiment of toughness, selflessness and belief — traits that defined our organization’s proudest moments. His performance in Super Bowl III was nothing short of legendary. Against the odds, Matt set the tone with his physical running, delivering the Jets’ lone touchdown and helping secure one of the most important victories in sports history."

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Injuries marred the end of Snell’s career, limiting him to 12 games over his final three seasons. Snell stepped away from the NFL after the 1972 season.

Shortly after he left the Jets, Snell's relationship with the franchise appeared to quickly deteriorate. 

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