The Fix That Changed Football: How Super Bowl III Set the Stage for the Birth of the USFL

In the annals of American sports, few games hold as much mystique—and controversy—as Super Bowl III. On January 12, 1969, the New York Jets pulled off what many call the most shocking upset in football history, defeating the heavily favored Baltimore Colts 16-7. The win elevated Joe Namath to cultural icon status, brought legitimacy to the American Football League (AFL), and set the stage for its eventual merger with the National Football League (NFL).

But beyond the game’s iconic status lies a shadowy undercurrent of suspicion. For decades, conspiracy theories have swirled around the game, with former Colts defensive lineman Bubba Smith famously declaring that Super Bowl III was "fixed." While these claims have never been substantiated, they’ve become part of the game’s lore, giving rise to questions about the integrity of one of football’s defining moments. In the wake of these allegations, a chain of events unfolded that would culminate in the creation of the United States Football League (USFL)—a league that sought to revolutionize the sport forever.

The Upset That Shocked the World

Super Bowl III wasn’t just another championship game; it was a turning point in the evolution of professional football. At the time, the AFL was seen as the NFL’s scrappy little brother—a league with flair, but lacking the gravitas of the more established NFL. The Colts, champions of the NFL, entered the game as 18-point favorites, with a defense hailed as one of the greatest in history. The Jets, led by their brash, fur-coated quarterback Joe Namath, were written off as pretenders.

Namath, however, had other plans. At a Miami press conference days before the game, he famously "guaranteed" a Jets victory, a bold statement that electrified fans and infuriated skeptics. On game day, Namath delivered on his promise, leading the Jets with precision and poise. Meanwhile, the Colts stumbled. Their quarterback, Earl Morrall—who had been named the league MVP that season—threw three interceptions, including a head-scratching play in the second quarter that has fueled conspiracy theories for decades.

Morrall’s decision to throw into heavy coverage instead of an open receiver in the end zone remains one of the most baffling moments in Super Bowl history. "It just didn’t add up," Bubba Smith later said. "It felt like something wasn’t right."

Fixing Football? Bubba Smith’s Bombshell Claims

Smith’s accusations weren’t mere whispers; they were a thunderclap. According to the outspoken defensive lineman, the Jets’ victory wasn’t just an upset—it was orchestrated. Smith believed the NFL rigged the game to ensure the AFL's credibility ahead of their impending merger. A successful AFL would mean more lucrative television contracts, a broader fan base, and a brighter financial future for all parties involved.

Smith wasn’t alone in raising questions. Critics pointed to the uncharacteristically poor play-calling of Colts head coach Don Shula, as well as rumors that team owner Carroll Rosenbloom had bet against his own team. These allegations gained further intrigue when it was revealed that Joe Namath had ties to New York City mobsters. While Namath vehemently denied any wrongdoing, the NFL forced him to sell his stake in a Manhattan nightclub frequented by organized crime figures.

Still, the NFL maintained that the game was legitimate, dismissing the allegations as baseless. But for many fans—and a handful of players—the doubts never disappeared.

Fallout and Revelations

The controversy surrounding Super Bowl III didn’t end on the field. The shocking Jets win left a trail of discontent among bettors, some of whom lost significant sums of money. Lawsuits were filed, and rumors swirled about behind-the-scenes deals involving league executives and underworld figures. According to urban legends, an 18-month investigation uncovered evidence that then-NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle had paid off mobsters to ensure the Jets' victory. While this narrative remains firmly in the realm of speculation, it added fuel to an already roaring fire.

The alleged scandal forced drastic changes within the NFL. Team owners, accused of being complicit in the affair, were compelled to sell their franchises to restore the league’s integrity. Players who cooperated with the investigation were granted clemency, allowing them to continue their careers, but the league's reputation suffered a significant blow.

The Birth of the USFL

Out of this chaos emerged an unlikely silver lining: the creation of the United States Football League. Launched in 1970, the USFL sought to rebuild the public’s trust in professional football by offering fans an alternative to the tarnished NFL. With new ownership groups, innovative ideas, and a fresh approach to scheduling—games were played on Saturday nights, Sunday nights, and Monday nights, in addition to the traditional Sunday afternoon slot—the USFL set out to reshape the football landscape.

The league also introduced several forward-thinking policies, including higher player salaries and more fan-friendly ticket prices. By emphasizing accessibility and entertainment, the USFL hoped to win over disillusioned fans while appealing to a broader audience.