1969: The AFL and NFL were still almost two years away from their full merger, and everyone assumed the NFL was still far superior. Not so fast, my friend.

Things changed in 1969, Super Bowl III. Super Bowl III was the third AFL-NFL Championship Game in American football, and despite it being the third of the Super Bowls, it was the first to mark the ...

Gerry Philbin #81of the New York Jets looks on during player introduction before an AFL football game circa 1969. Getty Images He also was a Detroit Lions third-round pick in the NFL draft.

Technically, the first winner of the Super Bowl was the AFL's New York Jets, who — led by quarterback Joe Namath — shocked the heavily favored Baltimore Corts 17-6 in the 1969 championship game.

In the third Super Bowl on Jan. 12, 1969, the Jets and quarterback Joe Namath brought legitimacy to the AFL and turned the game into a must-watch event when they beat the NFL champion Baltimore ...

Technically, the first winner of the Super Bowl was the AFL's New York Jets, who — led by quarterback Joe Namath — shocked the heavily favored Baltimore Corts 17-6 in the 1969 championship game.