In 1960, a new football league roared to life. The American Football League (AFL) was created to challenge the established National Football League (NFL). New York City was a crucial market for the upstart league, and its charter franchise was named the New York Titans.

Owned by veteran broadcaster Harry Wismer, the team was meant to be a giant in the nation's biggest city. They wore bold blue and gold uniforms and played their home games at the aging Polo Grounds, a stadium steeped in baseball history but falling into disrepair.

The early years were difficult. The team struggled to win games and, more importantly, to win fans. Competing with the NFL's popular New York Giants was a tough battle. Money quickly became a problem. Wismer's finances dwindled, and by the end of the 1962 season, the league had to step in to pay the players and run the team. The Titans were on the brink of collapse.

Change came in 1963. A five-person ownership group, led by entertainment executive Sonny Werblin, purchased the bankrupt franchise for $1 million. The new owners knew a complete overhaul was necessary to shed the team's losing image.

First, they changed the name. The team was moving to a new home, Shea Stadium, which was located near LaGuardia Airport. To reflect the modern, jet-age excitement of their new location, they rebranded as the New York Jets. They also traded the Titans' blue and gold for a fresh green and white color scheme.

The move to Shea Stadium in 1964 marked a true turning point. The Jets finally had a modern home to call their own, sharing it with the New York Mets baseball team. With a new name, new colors, and a new stadium, the franchise had a fresh identity. The stage was set for the team to leave its early struggles behind and start building a new legacy.

The foundation was now in place for the team to reach for the sky.