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NFL Greatest Unsung Heroes In History of All 32 Teams

By Erik Lambert

TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 8: Joe Jurevicius #83 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs with the ball while pursued by Ray Buchanan #34 of the Atlanta Falcons during the NFL game on December 8, 2002 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers defeated the Falcons 34-10. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 8: Joe Jurevicius #83 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs with the ball while pursued by Ray Buchanan #34 of the Atlanta Falcons during the NFL game on December 8, 2002 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers defeated the Falcons 34-10. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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KANSAS CITY, MO – SEPTEMBER 25: A New York Jets helmet is held behind a player’s back during the national anthem before NFL action against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium before the game on September 25, 2016 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO – SEPTEMBER 25: A New York Jets helmet is held behind a player’s back during the national anthem before NFL action against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium before the game on September 25, 2016 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

New York Jets

24. player. 30. . CB. New York Jets. Johnny Sample

When people think about the 1968 New York Jets, it’s always about Joe Namath and his iconic guarantee. They never stop to think about who actually made that guarantee possible. Contrary to popular myth, it wasn’t Namath who carried that Jets team to a championship. It was their defense. The best defense in the AFL that year, ranking 1st against the run and 2nd against the pass.

Their principal playmaker was cornerback Johnny Sample. What a story he turned out to be. The man was unwanted by three different teams over the course of his career before he finally landed with the Jets at age 30. By 1968 he was 32 and in his last season. How fitting that it turned out to be his best, bringing in seven interceptions, many of them meaningful ones.

He delivered a big pick-six to help beat Buffalo 25-21 and intercepted another in the end zone against San Diego to preserve a 23-20 victory as well. In the Super Bowl, he struck again with a huge interception of the Baltimore Colts who’d driven inside the Jets 20. New York held the Colts to just one touchdown, completing an all-time upset 16-7. Sample retired not long after.

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