Matt Snell cause of death: New York Jets legend who scored in Super Bowl III dies at 84

The football world is mourning the loss of a player who helped shape one of the most famous moments in NFL history. Matt Snell, the bruising runner who scored the only touchdown in the New York Jets historic championship victory, has died at the age of 84. His passing marks the end of a chapter tied to one of the league’s most unlikely and celebrated triumphs.Snell's name will always be linked to Super Bowl III, a game that changed how people saw professional football. The Jets were big underdogs going into that game against the Baltimore Colts. But the team pulled off one of the biggest upsets in sports history, and Snell's strong running set the tone from the start. The exact circumstances surrounding his death is not disclosed yet.Matt Snell’s defining moment came during that legendary championship game. He rushed for 121 yards on 30 carries and powered his way into the end zone on a four yard run that opened the scoring. That touchdown would stand as the Jets’ only trip to the end zone in a 16–7 victory that shocked the football world.The performance became a symbol of grit and belief for the franchise. In a statement remembering the former star, team chairman Woody Johnson praised Snell’s lasting impact.“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.”Snell entered the professional ranks after starring at Ohio State University. In 1964, he was drafted by both the Jets and the New York Giants during the era when the AFL and NFL competed for talent. Snell ultimately chose the Jets and spent his entire nine year career with the franchise.He ran for 4,285 yards and 24 touchdowns in 86 games, with an average of 4.1 yards per carry. He also helped the passing game by catching 193 passes for 1,375 yards and seven touchdowns. He was named an All-Pro in 1969 and was chosen to the Pro Bowl three times.Snell's place in football history is still safe, even though his relationship with the team later became complicated. His performance on the biggest stage in the sport helped show that the AFL could compete with the NFL. This led to the leagues merging in 1970.