The American Football Conference—Eastern Division is colloquially known as the AFC East. It is one of the most storied National Football League (NFL) divisions.
The AFC East boasts a rich history and is home to some of the league’s most iconic franchises. The division is steeped in fierce rivalries, legendary players, and many Super Bowl victories.
Let’s take a deeper look at the AFC.
Origins and Evolution
Established in 1960 as part of the American Football League (AFL), the AFC East initially comprised the Boston Patriots, Buffalo Bills, New York Titans (later renamed the Jets), and the Houston Oilers (now the Tennessee Titans). With the AFL-NFL merger in 1970, the division transitioned into the AFC East we know today, welcoming the Miami Dolphins into its fold.
Over the decades, these teams have battled fiercely, each vying for divisional supremacy and a shot at NFL glory. The AFC East has witnessed some of the most memorable moments in football history, from epic comebacks to dominant dynasties.
The Teams
The four teams that make up the AFC East are the Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, and the New York Jets. Here are snapshots of each team.
Buffalo Bills
- Stadium: Highmark Stadium
- Seating Capacity: 71,608
- Head Coach: Sean McDermott
- Owner: Terry and Kim Pegula
- All-time Won/Loss Record: 445 wins and 506 losses.
- Year Established: 1960
- Mascot: Billy Buffalo
- Super Bowl Wins: 0
- Biggest Rival: New England Patriots
- The Face of the Franchise: Josh Allen.
Miami Dolphins
- Stadium: Hard Rock Stadium
- Seating Capacity: 64,767
- Head Coach: Mike McDaniel
- Owner: Stephen M. Ross
- All-time Won/Loss Record: 484 wins and 453 losses.
- Year Established: 1966
- Mascot: TD
- Super Bowl Wins: 2 — 1972, 1973
- Biggest Rival: Buffalo Bills
- The Face of the Franchise: Tua Tagovailoa.
New England Patriots
- Stadium: Gillette Stadium
- Seating Capacity: 65,878
- Head Coach: Jerod Mayo
- Owner: Robert Kraft
- All-time Won/Loss Record: 528 wins and 403 losses.
- Year Established: 1959
- Mascot: Pat Patriot
- Super Bowl Wins: 6 — 2001, 2003, 2004, 2014, 2016, 2018
- Biggest Rival: New York Jets
- The Face of the Franchise: Bob Kraft.
New York Jets
- Stadium: MetLife Stadium
- Seating Capacity: 82,500
- Head Coach: Robert Saleh
- Owner: Woody and Christopher Johnson
- All-time Won/Loss Record: 415 wins and 500 losses.
- Year Established: 1959
- Mascot: None (unofficial: Fireman Ed)
- Super Bowl Wins: 1 — 1968
- Biggest Rival: New England Patriots
- The Face of the Franchise: Aaron Rodgers.
Rivalries and Championships
The AFC East is defined by its intense rivalries, with matchups between divisional foes often transcending mere competition to become iconic clashes in the annals of football lore. The New England Patriots, Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills, and New York Jets have engaged in countless battles, each contest fueled by a deep-seated desire to assert dominance within the division.
Collectively, the AFC East has sent numerous teams to the Super Bowl, with the New England Patriots leading the charge with their impressive string of appearances and victories. The Patriots’ dynasty, spearheaded by legendary coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady, has left an indelible mark on the division, setting the standard for sustained success in the modern NFL era.
Team Overview
- New England Patriots: A perennial powerhouse, the Patriots had established themselves as the team to beat in the AFC East until Brady left town. With a relentless commitment to excellence and a winning culture instilled by Belichick, the Patriots have amassed a formidable legacy, capturing multiple division titles and Super Bowl championships. However, because of cheating controversies, their legacy is full of asterisks.
- Miami Dolphins: The Dolphins boast a proud history, highlighted by their iconic undefeated season in 1972. While they have faced challenges in recent years, the Dolphins remain a formidable force within the division, driven by a rich tradition of excellence.
- Buffalo Bills: The Bills have experienced a resurgence in recent seasons, emerging as contenders in the AFC East. Led by a dynamic young quarterback in Josh Allen, the Bills have reignited the passion of their fan base and are poised to challenge for divisional supremacy. However, the offseason moves suggest the Bills management believe they’re in a rebuild mode.
- New York Jets: Despite adversity in recent years, the Jets remain a resilient and storied franchise with a loyal following. With a renewed focus on building a competitive roster, the Jets are poised to reclaim their status as contenders within the AFC East. With a strong defense, the addition of playmakers on offense, and the possibility of a full Aaron Rodgers season, the Jets have reason for optimism.
AFC East Division Teams’ Fun Facts
Here are some fun facts for each AFC East team.
Buffalo Bills
- Origin: The Buffalo Bills were one of the eight original American Football League (AFL) teams established in 1960.
- The “Electric Company”: During the 1970s, the Bills’ offensive line was known as the “Electric Company” because they “turned on the Juice” for star running back O.J. Simpson.
- Four Consecutive Super Bowl Appearances: The Bills made history by appearing in four consecutive Super Bowls from 1990 to 1993, although they lost all four games.
- Legendary Fanbase: Bills Mafia, the passionate fanbase of the Buffalo Bills, is known for its charitable donations, wild tailgates, and unique traditions like jumping through tables.
- Snow Game: In 2017, the Bills played a memorable game against the Indianapolis Colts in a blizzard called the “Snow Bowl” or “Snowmageddon.”
Miami Dolphins
- Origin: The Miami Dolphins joined the AFL as an expansion team in 1966.
- Undefeated Season: The 1972 Miami Dolphins remain the only NFL team to complete a perfect undefeated and untied season, including winning the Super Bowl.
- Don Shula: Legendary coach Don Shula led the Dolphins to two Super Bowl victories and holds the NFL record for most career wins by a head coach.
- Dan Marino: Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino spent his entire career with the Dolphins and set numerous passing records during his tenure.
- The Wildcat Formation: In 2008, the Dolphins introduced the “Wildcat” formation, revolutionizing offensive strategy in the NFL with its direct snaps to running backs.
New England Patriots
- Origin: The New England Patriots were established in 1959 as the Boston Patriots before relocating to Foxborough, Massachusetts, in 1971.
- The Tuck Rule Game: The Patriots’ dynasty began with the controversial “Tuck Rule Game” in the 2001 playoffs against the Oakland Raiders. In this game, a disputed fumble call helped the Patriots advance.
- Tom Brady and Bill Belichick: Quarterback Tom Brady and head coach Bill Belichick formed one of the most successful partnerships in NFL history. They won six Super Bowl titles together.
- 28-3 Comeback: The Patriots staged the largest comeback in Super Bowl history. They overcame a 28-3 deficit to defeat the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI.
- Spygate and Deflategate: The Patriots have been involved in controversies like Spygate (illegally videotaping opponents’ signals) and Deflategate (underinflating footballs). These controversies have added to their polarizing reputation and created question marks regarding the legitimacy of some of their wins.
New York Jets
- Origin: The New York Jets, originally known as the New York Titans, were one of the original AFL teams founded in 1959.
- Super Bowl III Victory: The Jets secured their first and only Super Bowl victory in 1969, defeating the heavily favored Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III, led by quarterback Joe Namath.
- “Broadway Joe”: Joe Namath, known as “Broadway Joe,” famously guaranteed a Jets victory in Super Bowl III and delivered on his promise, solidifying his place in football history.
- “The Sack Exchange”: During the 1980s, the Jets’ defensive line, nicknamed “The Sack Exchange,” terrorized opposing quarterbacks with their relentless pass rush.
- Butt Fumble: In a Thanksgiving Day game in 2012, Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez infamously collided with his own teammate’s rear end, resulting in a fumble that was returned for a touchdown by the opposing team, forever immortalized as the “Butt Fumble.”
NFL Divisions
AFC East
NFL Conferences and Divisions History and Overview
Final Thoughts
As the AFC East Division enters a new era characterized by evolving rosters and shifting dynamics, one thing remains certain: the spirit of competition within the division burns brighter than ever. With each team striving for excellence and eager to etch their name in football history, the AFC East promises to deliver thrilling matchups, fierce rivalries, and unforgettable moments for years to come.
By Mike O’Halloran
Founder and Editor, Sports Feel Good Stories
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