Since everyone's talking about the Jets... let's talk about their previous incarnation as the Titans! The New York Titans were formed in 1960 as part of the new American Football League (AFL). According to Ephemeral NY they tossed the pigskin around the then-crumbling Polo Grounds (formerly used for the NY Giants' baseball games), which had been empty for about three years at that point. The site points to Sports Encyclopedia, which sums up their humble start:
“On September 11th, the Titans took their field for the first time ever at a rain soaked Polo Grounds against the Buffalo Bills. A disappointing crowd of only 10,200 showed up to watch the Titans win 27-3. Attendance would not improve as the Titans and AFL played in front of empty stadiums all season in the league’s inaugural season.”
The fans that did attend have fond memories, however, on this site one man writes, "The first pro game I ever attended was with my Dad in the Polo Grounds on a Friday night in 1962—Raiders vs. Titans. I was 10 years old and thought that game was the greatest. That's right, Friday night. The AFL, especially the Titans, would play at weird times in order to get the fans to come. I loved the AFL and the bombs away attack that most of the teams used. It was so much more enjoyable than watching the NFL. I have been attending Jets games ever since... a season ticket holder for over 25 years."
In 1963 the Titans got a new owner, a new home (the new Shea stadium), and a new name: The Jets. (They were named for the jets flying to and from LaGuardia Airport overhead.) Check out more photos of the Polo Grounds here, and of course check out The Jets this Sunday!
