Ownership Shares Change
March 2, 1981
Townsend B. Martin sold his 25% interest in the team to Leon Hess. Hess assumed 75% ownership in the club while Helen Dillon remained at 25%.
Jets Beat Giants
November 1, 1981
Jets defeat the Giants at the Meadowlands to raise their record to 4-4-1 after an 0-3 start. The defense records nine QB sacks and the only Giant score comes on a fumbled punt snap.
Jets Land Four in Pro Bowl
November 1, 1981
Representing the Jets at the Pro Bowl were Marvin Powell (for the third straight year) Joe Klecko and Mark Gastineau as starters along with Joe Fields. Richard Todd is voted MVP by his teammates.
First Place
November 22, 1981
The Jets capture a share of first place with a stunning 16-15 win over Miami at Shea. Playing with a broken rib and sprained ankle, Richard Todd drove the Jets 77 yards in the final 2:44 hitting Jerome Barkum from 11 yards out with :16 remaining for the win.
Jets Clinch Playoff Spot
December 20, 1981
With a 28-3 victory over Green Bay the Jets finished with a 10-5-1 record and clinched their first playoff berth since 1969. The club added nine more sacks to finish the season with 66, one shy of the NFL record. Joe Klecko and Mark Gastineau, the leaders of the NY Sack Exchange finish 1-2 in the NFL with 20 1/2 and 20, respectively.
Jets Lose to Buffalo in Playoffs
December 27, 1981
After fighting back from a 24-0 deficit, Jets' dreams died when Buffalo's Bill Simpson intercepted a pass on the two-yard line with less than ten seconds left. The Bills defeat the Jets, 31-27.
