1968 AFL Championship Game
Jets defeat Raiders 27–23 in 1968 AFL Championship at Shea Stadium.
The 1968 AFL Championship Game was the ninth annual title game of the American Football League, played on December 29, 1968, at Shea Stadium in Queens, New York City, New York. The New York Jets (11–3) hosted the defending champion Oakland Raiders (12–2). The Jets defeated the Raiders 27–23 to win the championship.
Quick Facts
- Date
- December 29, 1968
- Location
- Shea Stadium
- Opponent
- New York Jets
- Final score
- Jets 27, Raiders 23
- Season context
- 1968 AFL Season
- Result
- AFL Champions (Jets)
Lore & Background
In a rematch of the notorious Heidi Game played earlier in the season, the Jets were slight favorites despite the Raiders having the better record. The Raiders had hosted a tiebreaker playoff game the week before against the Kansas City Chiefs, while the Jets were idle. The Jets' victory avenged their regular season loss to the Raiders in the Heidi Game six weeks earlier.
Reader's Guide
The game featured a 28-yard punt by Oakland's Mike Eischeid, a 4-play scoring drive by the Jets, and a 36-yard pass from Daryle Lamonica to Billy Cannon. Key plays included a 29-yard touchdown pass from Lamonica to Fred Biletnikoff, a 57-yard completion to Biletnikoff, and a 52-yard pass from Joe Namath to Don Maynard. The Jets' defense stopped the Raiders' final drive at midfield as time expired.
Did You Know?
- The attendance of 62,627 was a record for an AFL title game.
- Joe Namath completed 19 of 49 passes for 266 yards and 3 touchdowns, with 1 interception.
- Daryle Lamonica completed 20 of 47 passes for 401 yards and a touchdown.
- Fred Biletnikoff was the leading receiver with 7 receptions for 190 yards and a touchdown.
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