Football Career
In his rookie year, Snell rushed for a Jets record 180 yards against the Houston Oilers, on his way to a 945-yard season and AFL Rookie of the Year honors. Snell went on to become an AFL Eastern Division All-Star in 1964 and 1966 and the Sporting News All-AFL fullback in 1969.
His defining moment came in Superbowl III when the AFL Champion Jets played the 1968 NFL Champion Baltimore Colts. Although slowed by knee injuries, Snell was the key player in the Jets ball-control offense during the 16-7 upset of the Colts. He carried 30 times for a then Super Bowl record 121 yards, and in the second quarter, went 4 yards around the left end to score the Jets' only touchdown in super bowl history. It was the first time an AFL team had led in a Super Bowl. He also helped set up a trio of Jim Turner field goals that finally put the game away for the Jets in the second half.
In 1973 Snell was in the first Miller Lite beer commercial. According to the SF Chronicle, "The campaign would feature a collection of middle-aged sports stars and become something of a status symbol for retired athletes for the next 17 years."
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