Obituary

Ex-Jet Sample, 67, dies

By wire services
Published April 27, 2005

Former defensive back Johnny Sample, who played in two of the most famous games in National Football League history, died Tuesday at age 67.

Sample had an interception in the New York Jets' 16-7 upset victory over the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III in 1969, a game that proved teams from the old American Football League could beat teams from the NFL as the two leagues prepared to merge.

"We are saddened and extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of Johnny Sample," Jets coach Herman Edwards said in a statement. "Johnny dedicated his life to football and had a passion for the game. He will always have a special place in Jets history."

Details of Sample's death weren't immediately available.

As a rookie in 1958, Sample was part of the Colts team that beat the New York Giants 23-17 in the NFL championship game. It was the first game in NFL history to go into overtime and often is referred to as the greatest game in league history.

Sample was born and died in Philadelphia.

[Last modified April 27, 2005, 00:48:18]