New York Jets

You cannot understand the New York Jets without understanding Super Bowl III. When Joe Namath—wearing a fur coat on the sideline—guaranteed a victory over the heavily favored Baltimore Colts, he didn't just win a game; he legitimized the AFL and changed the sport forever.

That swagger is the DNA of the franchise. It's why, despite decades of struggles, Jets fans walk into every season with an irrational, beautiful confidence. Being a Jets fan builds character. It's a badge of honor in the Tri-State area.

The "Gang Green" nickname originally referred to the suffocating defenses of the 70s and 80s (the New York Sack Exchange), but it has come to represent the fanbase itself. Jets fans are louder, rowdier, and more blue-collar than their stadium-mates, the Giants.

When the chant "J-E-T-S, JETS, JETS, JETS!" starts in the upper deck, it rolls down like an avalanche. Fireman Ed, the superfan who rides on shoulders to lead the chant, is a legitimate celebrity. The atmosphere at a Jets home game feels like a rebellion.

MetLife Stadium sits in the Meadowlands, and while it lacks the architectural flair of some newer stadiums, it makes up for it in scale and noise. Tailgating here is an art form, with setups featuring Italian sausages, massive subs, and deli spreads that rival the best restaurants in the city. The wind swirls unpredictably in the Meadowlands, often wreaking havoc on the kicking game, adding another layer of drama to close contests.